Kieler Sprotten

A specialty item from Holstein, kieler sprotte is a type of German smoked sprat that belongs to the herring family and inhabits the Baltic Sea. The whole fish is smoked in a unique way that makes use of a combination of beech, alder, and oak firewood that imparts an exquisite flavor, and a characteristic yellow-golden hue to the otherwise silvery fish.

Once smoked, the fish are typically kept in wooden boxes. Even though their name suggests that they come from Kiel, the home of these small fish is actually the nearby village of Eckernförde. They came to be known as kieler sprotten, or sprats from Kiel, because Kiel was the main trading center of this fish delicacy.

These small smoked sprats can be found in fresh or canned versions, and they are commonly available at restaurants and markets. Traditionally, the smoked sprats are enjoyed whole, heads and tails included, with slices of rye bread and cold beer on the side.