IJmuiden is the largest fishing port in the Netherlands, and the fish market that operates along the harbour quays is one of the most direct farm-to-table (or rather sea-to-hand) experiences available in the country. Fishing boats unload their catch in the morning, and the market sells fresh herring, mackerel, plaice, sole, eel, and whatever else came in that day. The fish auction takes place very early in the morning before visitors arrive, but the market itself is active well into the afternoon.
The thing to eat is raw herring — haring, salted and served with chopped raw onion and diced gherkin. The Dutch eat it by holding the tail end and dropping the fish into the mouth whole, which is the traditional method. Eating it off a paper plate with a fork is equally valid and considerably less messy. IJmuiden's fish is bought that morning rather than shipped from a distant wholesale market, and the difference in freshness is clear.
Smoked eel is another local speciality worth trying, and several stalls sell it alongside the fresh catch. For a more substantial meal, several simple fish restaurants line the harbour front — nothing fancy, but the fish is excellent.