Every country has traditional food associated with it that leads visitors on a culinary journey through the history of the locals. Iceland is no exception. There’s a long list of food in Iceland that were traditionally consumed in the past or have become a tradition in today’s households. Below, we will explore the 10 Icelandic cuisine options you should consider trying during your trip to the country.
The Basics of Iceland’s Typical Food
Iceland’s famous foods have been shaped by the country’s location and the history of its people. As an island located along the Arctic Circle, growing food can be challenging. Much of the traditional food in Iceland dates back before the modern conveniences that allow them to grow more food. When it comes to things to eat in Iceland, you’re sure to find fresh, delicious food around every turn.
In general, the food to eat in Iceland consists primarily of seafood and grass-fed lamb, though you will find dishes made from other ingredients, including vegan, gluten-free, and halal food options. The base of Icelandic cuisine remains rooted in what could be found and grown around the country for generations.
The History of Food in Iceland
Food in Iceland is deeply rooted in the surrounding Scandinavian countries. When Icelanders first settled in the country in the ninth century, they quickly developed farms in areas that were suitable for growing food. Fishing also became a staple when Danish cuisine entered the scene.
Today’s popular food in Iceland also includes a mix of preserved and fresh food, including horse meat. Fish is still a significant part of the Icelandic diet, but there are options for everyone, including food for picky eaters.
The Top 10 Iceland Foods to Eat
Below, we will explore the top 10 traditional foods to eat to give you a taste of the culture. Whether you’re looking for the best food in Reykjavik, the best food in Vik, Iceland, or choices for eating in other parts of the country, the following list will help you decide what to order:
Hákarl
Hákarl is considered an Iceland national dish, but Icelanders don’t widely consume it in their daily lives. Today, it is more of a novelty and something many tourists try as a challenge. However, it is still a staple during the Icelandic holiday, þorrablót. Hákarl is made from Greenland shark that has been fermented for months to reduce the ammonia in the meat.
Hákarl dates back to the Viking Age when sharks were more abundant. There are several stories about the origin of eating this shark. One common story tells of Vikings getting sick and dying from eating the shark, leading to burying it. When famine hit, the Vikings dug the shark up and ate it in desperation, finding they no longer got sick from the meat.
Regardless of the origins of hákarl, visitors can try this must-try food in Iceland. It is often followed by a shot of Brennivín, otherwise known as “Black Death.” Many find this dish the most disgusting Icelandic food. Even Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Bourdain, and Andrew Zimmern found the dish repulsive.
Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)
While on the topic of fish, harðfiskur has a place in Icelandic history as a nutritious snack that dates back to at least the 14th century. Some claims state the dried fish goes all the way to the first settlements. In either case, snack is eaten plain or with butter to soften the hardened fish.
Harðfiskur is high in protein and has no artificial ingredients. During the drying process, 1kg of fish results in about 100g of harðfiskur. This healthy snack is a great option for those who are more active, so if you’ll be hiking, picking up some harðfiskur is an excellent choice to take along on the journey.
Lamb
Even if you’re generally not a fan of lamb, Icelandic lamb is a must-eat in Iceland. The sheep in the country are allowed to roam the highlands throughout the summer, eating the herbs and plants growing in Iceland, including arctic thyme. This strategy means Icelandic sheep self-season, leading to a unique taste to their lamb dishes.
Sheep have been a staple in the Icelandic diet for over 1,000 years. Sheep were imported by the original settlers. Their wool was used to keep Icelanders warm, and the meat kept them fed, even in the harsh winter conditions. Icelandic lamb can be enjoyed smoked, grilled, broiled, slow-cooked, and more. Every restaurant you try in Iceland will likely have some variation of lamb to try.
If you’re a more adventurous eater, particularly if you’re in Iceland during þorrablót, you can try Svið, a traditional Icelandic dish consisting of half a sheep’s head. The head is singed to remove the hair and boiled with the brain removed. You may find it on some menus or even in the grocery store during the mid-winter festival.
Hangikjöt is another traditional food made from Icelandic lamb and typically served around the Christmas holidays. The smoked lamb has a different taste than other lamb dishes and is commonly served with green peas, potatoes, and a white sauce. Pickled red cabbage may also be included. You can also buy hangikjöt in slices at the grocery store to make sandwiches.
Plokkfiskur
Continuing along the line of fish options, plokkfiskur is recognized as a comfort food in Iceland. It’s one of the cheap food options and the best food to eat while visiting the country. Every restaurant has their own recipe for making plokkfiskur, making it slightly different each time you try it.
Plokkfiskur, which translates to “pulled fish,” has its origin in using leftovers before they spoil. The dish is made with fish, typically cod or haddock, that has been boiled and shredded. Iti s combined with potatoes, onion, and a sauce made from flour, butter, and milk and seasoned with salt and pepper to create a stew. Some recipes include cheese and other seasonings.
Plokkfiskur is typically accompanied by rúgbrauð, Icelandic rye bread. As a staple food in Iceland, you will be surprised to find there are almost as many variations of the dish as there are Icelandic families.
Pylsur
If the cost of food in Iceland has you wondering how you can cut costs while still enjoying traditional food, the pylsur is the perfect solution. It’s one of the most popular food options for tourists and locals, especially when looking for a quick bite without spending a lot. The traditional Icelandic hot dog is made of a unique combination of beef, pork, and lamb and comes in a snappy casing.
You’ll find pylsur just about everywhere you go on the island, making it a must-try food in Iceland. It’s also an unofficial national dish. Many Icelanders recommend ordering it “Ein með öllu,” or “one with everything.” These hot dogs include fried and fresh onions, ketchup, pylsusinnep (mustard), and remoulade. The buns are also heated to give them a soft texture to complement the snappy hot dog.
If you want to buy pylsur, you’ll have many options. Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is the most popular hot dog stand in Reykjavik, although they do have locations in other places, including the international airport. Each stand that sells pylsur will have unique creations. The largest number of options can be found in Akureyri, which is in the north.
Skyr
Skyr is often considered Icelandic yogurt, but it is actually classified as a soft cheese. However, it is typically eaten as a yogurt product. Skyr dates back to the sagas and was originally made from sheep’s milk. It’s unclear whether the original skyr was the same as today’s version.
If you’re looking for the best food in Iceland for breakfast or a nutritious snack, you will find numerous skyr options in every grocery store. From plain skyr to various flavors, including fruits, chocolate, and coffee, you’re sure to find a flavor you enjoy.
While many tourists enjoy skyr as a yogurt product, Icelanders also use it as an ingredient, particularly for desserts. You’ll find skyr cake and various other desserts containing skyr on the menu at many restaurants. They also eat plain skyr with berries and cream as a meal or a refreshing treat.
Kjötsúpa
Another comfort food in Iceland, kjötsúpa is one of the best foods to eat with low food prices, particularly when you consider that some restaurants offer free refills. Kjötsúpa is a meat soup made primarily with Icelandic lamb and various vegetables. Like plokkfiskur, this soup can have numerous variations, making it taste a little different at each restaurant.
Kjötsúpa is an Iceland national dish that goes back to the first settlers in the ninth century. The soup was originally made with a combination of fresh fish and leftover cuts of lamb with rutabagas, carrots, and potatoes. The soup has evolved into a lamb soup and is a delicious option for those looking to spend less on traditional food in Iceland.
Rúgbrauð
Food prices in Iceland can be high, but if you’re looking for a low-cost way to try traditional food, rúgbrauð is an excellent choice. This dense, sweet rye bread was traditionally cooked inside milk cartons buried in the ground, letting the geothermal heat bake the bread slowly. You can still participate in this practice at Laugarvatn in the Golden Circle.
Rye was originally imported from Denmark and was cheap, allowing Icelandic families to create their famous sweet rye bread. With no raising agent, rúgbrauð is more of a sourdough bread. The slow cooking time created the sweetness rather than using sugar or other sweeteners.
Today, rúgbrauð isn’t as common in households, but it still holds a special place in Icelandic cuisine, particularly accompanying plokkfiskur as mentioned above. Icelanders have also used it to create ice cream, a tasty treat that can be found in several places, including Kaffi Loki.
Langoustine (Lobster)
Langoustine is a small lobster variation, also called the Norway lobster. The small lobster is most commonly caught around Höfn in southeast Iceland, the Lobster Capital of Iceland, but can be enjoyed throughout the country. You can find everything from langoustine tails with garlic butter to lobster pizza, giving you numerous ways to enjoy lobster in Iceland.
Another popular dish made from langoustine in Iceland is humarsúpa, or lobster soup. This creamy soup may not be a national dish, but it is a great option to warm up after a long day of hiking in the cold or you want some low-cost food to eat in Iceland.
Ice Cream
Iceland is a cold country, but that doesn’t stop Icelanders from enjoying ice cream, even in the worst of blizzards. There are ice cream shops everywhere you turn, and some farms in the countryside feature freshly made ice cream. Dairy-free ice cream is also available in some locations to accommodate those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
The ice cream in Iceland comes in numerous flavors, including unique options like black licoirce, Turkish pepper, and rye bread ice cream. Bragðarefur is an excellent alternative to enjoying your ice cream in a cone. When ordering bragðarefur, you choose your ice cream flavor and three toppings, such as fruit and various candies, mixed together into a tasty treat.
Honorable Mentions
While not necessarily traditional food in Iceland, there are several other options you shouldn’t miss during your trip. If you’re looking for quick eats at lower food prices, consider picking up premade sandwiches from the grocery store or gas station. These sandwiches are fresh and delicious, giving you something quick to grab on the go.
Another must-try in Iceland is chocolate. You’ll find a vast array of chocolate bars and treats, many accompanied by licorice, giving you tasty treats to enjoy while traveling the country. If you want to take it home with you, you can save money stocking up at the grocery store before heading to the airport.
Baked goods are another popular treat in Iceland, whether you buy them for breakfast or a quick snack. Kleinur, kanilsnúðar, vínarbrauð, and ástarpungar are popular Icelandic bakery options. You will also find more familiar donuts and other treats.
You Need Drinks to Go with Your Food
In addition to the best food in Iceland, you’ll likely want to pair it with something good to drink. You’ll find almost as many unique options for drinks as you will for food, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Non-Alcoholic
The perfect pairing for your gas station sandwiches or pylsur, Kókómjólk is a shelf-stable chocolate milk that’s in a convenient drink box. The chocolate milk is perfect to pair with many Icelandic treats, including baked goods.
Appelsín is an orange soda often compared to Fanta. This drink is perfect on its own or combined with malt to create Malt og Appelsín, a popular drink during the holidays.
Tap water is another option for those traveling to Iceland. While some countries recommend not drinking the tap water, Icelandic water is clear and as clean it comes. In fact, it’s a waste of money to buy bottled water from the grocery store. Instead, refill your water from any tap and enjoy!
Alcoholic
Iceland is home to many native alcoholic drinks. Brennivín is the national liquor, an aquavit made with cumin that has a unique bite. It’s often paired with hákarl. Today, Brennivín comes in several flavors, including the rúgbrauð edition.
Gin is another common drink made in Iceland. In fact, some Icelandic gin brands have won international awards. No matter what type of gin you favor, you’ll find an excellent option among the Icelandic distilleries.
If you enjoy a licorice taste, give Opal or Tópas a try. Because this alcohol is formulated with the same ingredients as the Icelandic candies of the same name, Icelanders get a nostalgic feel when consuming these beverages. While they’re worth a try, they’re not something everyone will enjoy, so try a smaller bottle before investing in a larger one.
Flòki whiskey is one of the newcomers to the Icelandic alcohol scene. This young whiskey is made from Icelandic ingredients, including water, herbs, and barley. It’s an excellent whiskey option for visitors to try. You can even take a tour of the distillery.
The craft beer scene is also strong in Iceland. You’ll find unique breweries in just about every part of the country, giving you plenty of options to try as you make your way around the Ring Road.
Please note that Iceland has a low limit for driving with a zero-tolerance policy in practice. Please don’t drink and drive!
Conclusion
Although not a comprehensive list of food in Iceland, this list will give you an excellent start as you plan the culinary part of your journey. Every area of the country has fantastic restaurants offering a variety of traditional Icelandic cuisine and common fare that will ensure every member of your party will find something they enjoy.
The best campervan rental in Iceland will allow you to prepare Icelandic food you buy at the grocery store or enjoy a meal in a restaurant if you wish. Cooking your meals not only helps you save money but also immerses you in the culture of Iceland. Enjoy the Icelandic cuisine!
