kibbeling

Kibbeling is a dish of Dutch and Belgian origin consisting of bite-sized pieces of white fish, typically cod or whiting, that are battered and deep-fried until golden. It is commonly sold as a street food along the North Sea coast and is a popular snack in the Netherlands and in coastal Belgium, often found at fish stalls, markets, and snack bars.

The fish pieces are cut from fillets, coated in a seasoned batter—often a flour-based batter, sometimes light beer batter or tempura-style mix—and fried in hot oil until crisp. The result is a flaky interior and a crunchy exterior. Some recipes include a second coating to increase crispness. The dish is usually prepared fresh to order.

Kibbeling is typically served with dipping sauces such as knoflooksaus (garlic sauce) or remoulade, sometimes with lemon wedges, and commonly sold with chips (fries) as part of a fish-and-chips-style meal. It can also be eaten simply on its own.

Etymology and regional notes: The name kibbeling is of Dutch origin; the precise etymology is unclear. The dish is strongly associated with Dutch coastal towns such as Scheveningen and with Belgian coastal cuisine, but is widely available in snack bars across the Netherlands and parts of Belgium.