Photo: Contiki
Those lucky enough to go on an Iceland tour often gush about the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the landscape, and the interesting local customs and traditions. But one underrated aspect of this unique destination is its cuisine. The best Icelandic foods aren’t as limited as one would think, given the sparse-seeming landscape, and you can sink your teeth into some truly delicious meals while visiting (as well as some food that might require a little more bravery to try).
If you’re the sort of person who loves to indulge in local fare while you’re in a new space, and you’re heading on Contiki’s Fire and Ice tour and want to prepare your tastebuds, then check out our list of the best Icelandic foods for some inspiration!
1. Seafood
We’ll start with the obvious: the seafood in Iceland is fresh, plentiful, and incredibly delicious. Icelandic diets have traditionally relied heavily on food caught in the surrounding waters, and Icelandic fish are among the highest quality in the world when it comes to flavour. Humar, the local name for lobster, is a particular treat, and a dish that Iceland is particularly well known for.
2. Svið
If you want to dive into the local culture via your tastebuds, this is one of the best Icelandic dishes with which to do so. However, it certainly isn’t for those who are squeamish, so be warned. Svið consists of a sheep’s head that has been cut in half, with the brain (and fur) removed. Everything else, including the eyes, remains.
This dish harks back to a time in the country when wasting any part of the animal was not an option thanks to harsh environment and a lack of storage. The dish is often served with potatoes and other root vegetables, and many believe it’s unlucky to eat the ears of the sheep. You’ll be able to sample this traditional Icelandic food at a number of restaurants in Reykjavik.
3. Pylsur
An American import with a local twist, pylsur (or Icelandic hot dogs) tend to be made from Icelandic lamb mixed in with pork and beef, rather than the hodgepodge of meats most connoisseurs of the handheld snack are used to. If you can, get one from an outpost of Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which famously served Bill Clinton one of their dogs when he visited the island nation. Best enjoyed with raw onions as a topping.
4. Lundi
When the landscape of a country is as harsh as Iceland’s can be, it makes sense that everything that can be seen as food is utilised as such. So, despite their incredibly cute nature, puffins are a key component of traditional Icelandic cuisine. The bird is smoked, broiled, or cooked in another way, and is seen as a delicacy rather than a regular meal.
5. Plokkfiskur
A traditional dish of the most hearty and filling kind, this cheesy fish stew is perfect for the cold Icelandic winter – one of the best times to visit Iceland if you’re into dramatic landscapes and the Northern Lights. The fish is marinated and mixed with bechamel sauce, potatoes, and herbs. When it comes to the best Icelandic food, you’ll struggle to find a dish that’s more loved by locals.
6. Hákarl
When people think of the best Icelandic food, they’re not picturing Hákarl. The dish consists of fermented shark that’s been left to dry, and is known for tasting like ammonia and fish. The dried fish is served in small pieces, and although is available year-round, is mostly eaten during midwinter.
We’re not going to claim that this dish is commonly prepared by Icelandic chefs, but the incredibly acquired taste is considered the national dish of Iceland, so make of that what you will. With that said, the Greenland shark (which forms the basis of the dish) is becoming more and more protected, and as sustainable eating in Iceland becomes more prominent, fewer people are indulging.
7. Brennivin
Another Icelandic specialty that’s for the brave, this schnapps is made from fermented potatoes and caraway. The strong taste means it’s often drunk alongside Hákarl, and it has been nicknamed “the black death” because of its potency, so be cautious when you start on it – especially if you’re indulging while relaxing in one of the famous Icelandic hot springs.
8. Hangikjöt
As you may have gathered from reading this article, lamb is a huge part of the Icelandic diet, and many of the best Icelandic dishes contain the meat. This is true of hangikjöt, which is a dish that is made by curing lamb then smoking it over a fire that’s fueled by dried sheep dung. Although it might not sound like it, eating this specialty is one of the best things to do in Iceland, as it’s both a delicious and cultural experience.
9. Skyr
A typical breakfast in Iceland will have skyr at its heart. The dairy product is often compared to Greek yogurt, but it’s a little less fatty, yet manages to maintain a creamy texture. Skyr can be enjoyed alongside granola and fruit, or as a topping to add some silkiness to savoury dishes.
10. Rúgbrauð
Sometimes simplicity is key, and this is the case with rúgbrauð, or Icelandic rye bread. Dense, mildly sweet, and filling, it’s perfect when toasted then spread with salted butter, or with one of the many smoked or fermented dishes that make up the local cuisine. One of the best Icelandic foods because of its versatility.
11. Kjötsúpa
While spending a week in Iceland is a magical experience, it can also be a tiring one. Thankfully, a big, warm bowl of Kjötsúpa will help you to regain your strength. The traditional lamb stew is straightforward to make, but there’s nothing pedestrian about its flavour. Healthy, hearty, and unmissable.
12. Hardfiskur
Any Iceland travel guide will tell you about the importance of both seafood and curing dishes in the country’s cuisine, and this much-loved snack combines these vital elements of the local culinary culture. When it comes to the best Icelandic foods, hardfiskur may not be the most exciting choice, but it’s certainly a popular (and delicious) one.
What is the national dish of Iceland?
The national dish of Iceland is the acquired taste of Hákarl, fermented Greeland shark. We do not recommend trying this if you’re squeamish.
What food is Iceland known for?
Iceland is known for a number of foods. Some of these meals are because they seem bizarre to outsiders, like Svið, and some is a bit easier for the unacquainted to digest, like their excellent breads. Icelandic seafood is also popular and well known.
What is a typical breakfast in Iceland?
A typical breakfast in Iceland includes the delicious Skyr, usually alongside fruits and jam. Hafragrautur, a kind of porridge, is also popular.
