In the event youโre planning a visit to Iceland, youโll shortly uncover the nationโs meals scene is as distinctive as its landscapes. At the least that’s what we discovered. From cosy bowls of fish stew after a day within the Westfjords to lobster pizza in a South Coast fishing village, consuming right here is an journey in itself. Icelandic delicacies attracts on centuries-old traditions formed by isolation and survival, then provides trendy creativity from a brand new technology of cooks.
On this journey, you would possibly begin with plokkfiskur, a creamy fish stew, or hangikjรถt, the smoky lamb usually served at Christmas. Youโll discover pylsur, the well-known Icelandic sizzling canine, in each metropolis streets and distant fuel stations, whereas rรบgbrauรฐ (rye bread) bakes underground in sizzling springs. Recent catches like humar (lobster) and Arctic char showcase the islandโs pristine waters, and treats like selfmade Icelandic ice cream or tangy skyr give a candy end to any day.
Our information takes you thru probably the most iconic and scrumptious Icelandic meals to attempt, from hearty farmhouse favourites to creative dishes in Reykjavรญkโs buzzing meals scene.
Prime Iceland Meals at a Look
Plokkfiskur โ Creamy fish stew served with darkish rye bread
Hangikjรถt โ Smoked lamb, usually a Christmas custom
Pylsur โ Icelandic sizzling canine with fried onions and remoulade
Humar โ Candy lobster tails from the South Coast
Rรบgbrauรฐ โ Rye bread baked in sizzling springs
Skyr โ Thick yogurt eaten at breakfast or in desserts
Why Icelandโs Meals Scene is Distinctive
Icelandโs volcanic soil, chilly seas, and geothermal assets have formed its delicacies for over a thousand years. Farming is restricted, so lamb, dairy, and seafood turned staples. Geothermal greenhouses now develop greens like tomatoes and cucumbers year-round, whereas the encircling ocean gives cod, haddock, and Arctic char. The result’s a mix of conventional recipes, usually born out of necessity, and trendy dishes impressed by international culinary traits.
One evening you would possibly tuck into lamb soup at a mountain hut; the subsequent, youโre sipping craft beer with langoustine tacos in Reykjavรญk. For a real Iceland foodie expertise, attempt each ends of the spectrum.
1. Pylsur โ Well-known Icelandic Scorching Canine
What it’s:Pylsur are Icelandโs well-known sizzling canine, constituted of a mix of lamb, pork, and beef. Theyโre served in a bun with uncooked onions, crispy fried onions, tangy mustard, candy ketchup (made with apples), and creamy remoulade.
Why attempt it:We stood within the snow outdoors Bรฆjarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavรญk, the nationโs most well-known sizzling canine stand , and it was value each minute of the wait. The lamb offers the sausage a refined sweetness, whereas the fried onions add a satisfying crunch.
Cultural notice:Scorching canine turned well-liked in Iceland after WWII, and at present theyโre thought-about a nationwide quick meals. Theyโre additionally one of the reasonably priced meals you will discover on this in any other case costly nation.
The place to seek out it:Bรฆjarins Beztu Pylsur is the long-lasting spot, however youโll discover pylsur at fuel stations, festivals, and roadside stands nationwide. Order it โein meรฐ รถlluโ โ one with all the pieces.
2. Skyr โ Icelandic Yogurt
What it’s:Skyr is a thick, protein-rich dairy product that appears and tastes just like Greek yogurt however is technically categorized as a gentle cheese. The Icelandic model is made by straining milk to take away the whey, it has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs completely with fruit, honey, or granola.
Why attempt it:On our glacier hike day in Vatnajรถkull Nationwide Park, we packed particular person pots of skyr for breakfast. It was filling sufficient to maintain us going for hours with out weighing us down, and the tangy creaminess was refreshing after the lengthy drive. Itโs not only a wholesome snack โ itโs a real meals from Iceland that locals take pleasure in day by day, whether or not at house or on the go.
Cultural notice:Skyr has been a part of Icelandic diets for over a thousand years, courting again to Viking settlements. As soon as made completely in houses and farms, itโs now produced commercially however nonetheless makes use of conventional cultures to take care of its distinct flavour.
The place to seek out it:Each grocery store, cafรฉ, and comfort retailer sells skyr in plain and flavoured varieties. For a particular deal with, attempt skyr-based desserts like skyrkaka (cheesecake) in eating places.
3. Plokkfiskur โ Icelandic Fish Stew
What it’s:Plokkfiskur is a creamy stew of flaked white fish (often cod or haddock), mashed potatoes, onions, and a buttery white sauce. The identify actually means โplucked fish,โ describing the way in which the fish is damaged into small items earlier than mixing.
Why attempt it:We first had plokkfiskur in a harbour cafรฉ in รsafjรถrรฐur on a snowy winter evening. The home windows steamed up as locals got here in from the chilly, and the odor of fish stew crammed the air. Itโs hearty with out being heavy, and the candy, contemporary fish balances completely with the buttery sauce.
Cultural notice:This dish began as a approach to make use of leftover fish, stretching it with potatoes to feed the entire household. At present, itโs consolation meals โ the type youโll discover at house kitchens, roadside cafรฉs, and upscale eating places alike.
The place to seek out it:In Reykjavรญk, Cafรฉ Loki serves a standard plokkfiskur with darkish rye bread. Coastal cities like Siglufjรถrรฐur and Hรบsavรญk have wonderful variations of their harbourside eating places. You’ll be able to even purchase it pre-made in grocery shops for those whoโre self-catering.
4. Kjรถtsรบpa โ Lamb Stew
What it’s:A hearty soup made with lamb shank, root greens like carrots and rutabagas, potatoes, and contemporary herbs.
Why attempt it:On a chilly, windy day alongside the Golden Circle, we stopped at a small cafรฉ and ordered steaming bowls of kjรถtsรบpa. The lamb was so tender it fell off the bone, and the broth was wealthy with out being heavy.
Cultural notice:Kjรถtsรบpa is without doubt one of the most Icelandic typical meals dishes, valued for its capacity to heat and nourish via lengthy winters.
The place to seek out it:Eating places, countryside guesthouses, and even fuel station cafรฉs.
5. Hangikjรถt โ Smoked Lamb![]()
What it’s:Hangikjรถt interprets to โhung meat,โ referring to the way in which the lamb is smoked whereas hanging over a birchwood or dried sheep dung hearth. This conventional preservation methodology infuses the meat with a deep, smoky flavour.
Why attempt it:We first tried hangikjรถt through the Christmas season in Reykjavรญk, served with boiled potatoes, inexperienced peas, crimson cabbage, and Icelandic leaf bread. The smoky aroma hit earlier than the plate reached the desk, and the meat was so tender it virtually melted.
Cultural notice:Sheep farming has been central to Icelandโs economic system for hundreds of years. Smoking lamb wasnโt nearly style, it was about survival via the lengthy winters. Even at present, hangikjรถt is a festive centrepiece, particularly in December.
The place to seek out it:Accessible in grocery shops through the holidays and in conventional eating places year-round. Farm stays generally serve their very own smoked lamb, which is about as genuine because it will get.
6. Humar โ Icelandic Lobster
What it’s:Humar is Icelandโs small, candy lobster, truly nearer to langoustine, prized for its tender tail meat. Itโs served grilled, baked, fried in garlic butter, or in creamy lobster soup known as humarsรบpa.
Why attempt it:On our South Coast highway journey, we stopped in Hรถfn, Icelandโs lobster capital, for humar pizza. The candy lobster meat with melted cheese and herbs was an unforgettable mixture.
Cultural notice:Humar is generally caught alongside Icelandโs southeast coast, and fishing for it’s strictly regulated to make sure sustainability.
The place to seek out it:Seafood eating places in Hรถfn and Reykjavรญk serve humar in varied kinds, from connoisseur entrรฉes to informal lobster rolls.
7. Rรบgbrauรฐ โ Scorching Spring Rye Bread
What it’s:Rรบgbrauรฐ is a dense, darkish rye bread with a barely candy flavour, historically baked within the floor utilizing geothermal warmth from Icelandโs sizzling springs. The dough is positioned in a pot or picket cask, buried close to a sizzling spring, and left to prepare dinner slowly for about 24 hours utilizing geothermal warmth.
Why attempt it:We first tasted Icelandic rye bread contemporary from the earth at Laugarvatn Fontana, the place employees dug up steaming pots proper in entrance of us. The bread was moist, wealthy, and subtly candy, so good it barely wanted butter. Pairing it with smoked lamb or pickled herring is a traditional Icelandic mixture.
Cultural notice:Earlier than ovens have been widespread, Icelanders relied on the earthโs pure geothermal warmth to prepare dinner. Rรบgbrauรฐ (aka Scorching Spring Bread) was a staple as a result of it could possibly be made year-round with out scarce gas assets.
The place to seek out it:Bakeries and cafรฉs throughout the nation promote rรบgbrauรฐ, however for the genuine expertise, go to Laugarvatn Fontana or different sizzling spring cities the place you may watch it being baked underground.
8. Harรฐfiskur โ Dried Fish
What it’s:Harรฐfiskur is dried fish, usually cod, haddock, or wolffish, cured within the salty North Atlantic air till itโs chewy and full of flavour.
Why attempt it:On a highway journey via the Westfjords, we grabbed a bag in Bolungarvรญk, pondering it could be a light-weight snack. Inside minutes, we have been hooked, particularly after locals informed us to unfold it with salted butter. Itโs protein-rich, moveable, and one of the conventional meals from Iceland.
Cultural notice:Drying fish dates again over 1,000 years and is comparable in precept to getting older cheese. In lots of fishing villages, youโll nonetheless see picket racks lined with fish drying within the open air.
The place to seek out it:Offered in grocery shops, fuel stations, and harbour markets. For the freshest, purchase it immediately from fishermen in coastal cities.
9. Arctic Char
What it’s:A chilly-water fish native to Iceland, Arctic char is someplace between salmon and trout in flavour and texture. It may be grilled, smoked, or pan-seared.
Why attempt it:We had Arctic char in Seyรฐisfjรถrรฐur, butter fried with tomatoes and sliced almonds. The fish was buttery and delicate, with a clear, contemporary style that spoke to its pristine surroundings.
Cultural notice:Arctic char thrives in Icelandโs chilly, clear rivers and lakes, making it a dependable meals supply for hundreds of years.
The place to seek out it:Served at eating places throughout Iceland, particularly within the Eastfjords and different fishing areas.
10. Fish and Chips โ Iceland Model
What it’s:Recent cod or haddock coated in a light-weight batter, fried till crisp, and served with chunky fries and selfmade sauces.
Why attempt it:In Akureyri, we tucked into fish and chips the place the cod had been caught simply hours earlier. The fish flaked aside with the lightest contact of a fork, and the tartar sauce was vibrant with contemporary herbs.
Cultural notice:Whereas fish and chips isnโt native to Iceland, the standard of the fish right here makes it distinctive. Icelandic waters produce a number of the greatest cod on the planet.
The place to seek out it:Harbour cafรฉs, Reykjavรญkโs Icelandic Fish & Chips restaurant, and coastal meals vehicles.
11. Flatkaka meรฐ Hangikjรถti โ Flatbread with Smoked Lamb
What it’s:Flatkaka is a skinny, spherical flatbread constituted of rye flour and water, cooked shortly on a sizzling griddle. Itโs usually topped with hangikjรถt (smoked lamb), cream cheese, or lamb liver pรขtรฉ.
Why attempt it:We tried flatkaka at a family-run cafรฉ on the Snรฆfellsnes Peninsula, the place it was served heat with thick slices of smoky lamb. Itโs easy however filled with flavour, and itโs a type of Iceland meals to attempt which you could simply recreate at house.
Cultural notice:Flatbreads have been a part of Icelandic diets for hundreds of years, providing a fast, filling base that could possibly be paired with no matter was out there, from lamb to fish to foraged herbs.
The place to seek out it:Accessible in most bakeries and supermarkets. Many guesthouses serve it as a part of a standard breakfast unfold.
12. Icelandic Mussels
What it’s:Recent mussels harvested from Icelandโs clear coastal waters, usually steamed with garlic, herbs, and white wine.
Why attempt it:In Stykkishรณlmur, we had a steaming pot of mussels caught that morning in Breiรฐafjรถrรฐur Bay, candy, briny, and completely contemporary.
Cultural notice:Icelandโs chilly waters gradual the musselsโ progress, leading to a extra concentrated flavour.
The place to seek out it:Coastal seafood eating places, particularly within the Westfjords and Snรฆfellsnes Peninsula.
13. Pickled Herring
What it’s:Marinated herring fillets preserved in vinegar, sugar, and spices, usually served with heat rye bread, boiled potatoes, and generally hard-boiled eggs.
Why attempt it:We had pickled herring for breakfast at a harbour cafรฉ in รsafjรถrรฐur, and the mix of sweet-sour fish with heat, earthy rรบgbrauรฐ was unforgettable. Itโs easy, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Icelandโs coastal traditions.
Cultural notice:Herring fishing was as soon as a significant a part of Icelandโs economic system, and preserving it via pickling meant it could possibly be loved year-round.
The place to seek out it:Breakfast buffets, fish markets, and conventional eating places.
14. Icelandic Ice Cream
What it’s:Icelanders have a shocking obsession with ice cream โ they usually eat it year-round, even in snowstorms. It ranges from soft-serve ice cream (referred to as โรญsโ) dipped in chocolate to artisanal scoops in creative flavours like rhubarb, licorice, and even beer.
Why attempt it:We as soon as stood in line for Icelandic ice cream in Reykjavรญk whereas the wind chill was properly beneath freezing, and we werenโt the one ones. The creamy texture, wealthy flavour, and beneficiant toppings made each shiver value it. Itโs a type of Iceland meals to attempt that tells you as a lot concerning the tradition because it does concerning the delicacies.
Cultural notice:Ice cream parlours are a social hub in Iceland. Households, associates, and {couples} usually make an evening of going out for ice cream, regardless of the climate.
The place to seek out it:In style spots embody Valdรญs in Reykjavรญk for artistic flavours and รsbรบรฐ Vesturbรฆjar for traditional soft-serve with mix-ins.
15. Icelandic Cinnamon Roll (Kanilsnรบรฐar)
What it’s:Kanilsnรบรฐar are Icelandโs tackle the cinnamon roll, gentle, buttery dough spiralled with cinnamon sugar and infrequently topped with a drizzle of icing or a dusting of coarse sugar.
Why attempt it:We adopted the scent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls to Brauรฐ & Co. in Reykjavรญk, and inside minutes we have been unravelling the nice and cozy, sticky spiral. The mix of pillowy dough, aromatic cinnamon, and simply the correct amount of sweetness makes it top-of-the-line good meals in Iceland moments for anybody with a candy tooth.
Cultural notice:Whereas impressed by Scandinavian baking traditions, Icelanders have made kanilsnรบรฐar their very own. Theyโre as well-liked for breakfast as they’re for a day deal with.
The place to seek out it:Bakeries throughout Iceland, particularly Brauรฐ & Co. and Sandholt in Reykjavรญk, serve freshly baked cinnamon rolls day by day.
16. Icelandic Cheese & Dairy
What it’s:Whereas skyr will get many of the worldwide consideration, Icelandโs dairy scene affords a wide range of distinctive cheeses. These embody tangy skyr-based spreads, gentle white cheeses, and brunost (Norwegian-style brown cheese) constituted of caramelized whey, which has a candy, nutty flavour.
Why attempt it:We stumbled upon a cheese counter at Reykjavikโs Kolaportiรฐ flea market and couldnโt resist sampling all the pieces. The brunost was not like any cheese weโd tasted earlier than, nearly dessert-like, whereas the gentle cheeses have been wealthy and creamy, good with rye bread or crackers.
Cultural notice:Dairy farming has been a cornerstone of Icelandic agriculture for over a millennium. Even within the harshest circumstances, sheep and cows offered milk that could possibly be was cheese, butter, and skyr to final via the winter.
The place to seek out it:Specialty meals outlets, markets, and cheese plates in Reykjavรญk wine bars. Many rural guesthouses serve their very own farm-made cheese.
17. Hรกkarl โ Fermented Shark
What it’s:Greenland fermented shark meat is fermented for a number of months after which dried, leading to a robust aroma and intense flavour.
Why attempt it:We sampled hรกkarl at a fishing village museum in Hรบsavรญk. The odor was eye-watering, however chasing it with Brennivรญn (Icelandโs schnapps) made the expertise extra enjoyable than horrifying. Letโs simply say some native meals are enjoyable to attempt as soon as.
Cultural notice:Fermented shark was developed as a survival meals; Greenland shark is poisonous when contemporary, so fermentation was essential to make it protected.
The place to seek out it:Specialty outlets, รorrablรณt feasts, and conventional eating places.
18. Icelandic Craft Beer & Brennivรญn
What it’s:Icelandโs craft beer scene affords a shocking selection, from crisp Arctic lagers brewed with glacial water to wealthy stouts flavoured with native herbs. Brennivรญn, then again, is a transparent schnapps infused with caraway seeds. Its nickname, โBlack Dying,โ comes from the black label used when it was first produced, and its robust, distinctive style.
Why attempt it:We had our first style of Brennivรญn as a part of the traditional โhรกkarl problemโ in Reykjavรญk โ the schnappsโ daring, spicy flavour lower proper via the fermented sharkโs intense aroma. Pairing a chilly craft beer with contemporary humar or lamb stew is equally rewarding, including a neighborhood contact to any meal.
Cultural notice:Beer was banned in Iceland from 1915 till March 1, 1989; a date nonetheless celebrated as โBeer Day.โ Since then, breweries have flourished, creating beers that replicate Icelandโs distinctive elements and pure water sources. Brennivรญn stays tied to custom, usually served at รorrablรณt feasts and different cultural gatherings.
The place to seek out it:Pattern craft beer at Reykjavรญk brewpubs like Skรบli or MicroBar, or go to native breweries in cities like Akureyri and Egilsstaรฐir. Brennivรญn is bought at Vรญnbรบรฐin liquor shops and served in most conventional eating places and bars.
Exploring the Icelandic meals scene is like taking a chunk in a foreign countryโs historical past, panorama, and tradition all of sudden. Each dish, whether or not itโs a easy slice of rye bread contemporary from a sizzling spring or a plate of humar in a seaside cafรฉ, tells a narrative of resourcefulness, custom, and satisfaction in native elements.
From hearty staples like lamb soup and fish stew to candy comforts like skyr and cinnamon rolls, thereโs one thing for each palate. And with trendy Icelandic cooks reimagining these classics, thereโs by no means been a greater time to be an Iceland foodie.
So, as you intend your journey, make room in your itinerary (and your abdomen) for these iconic flavours. Whether or not youโre sipping Brennivรญn with locals at a midwinter competition or grabbing a sizzling canine at a Reykjavik meals stand, youโll depart with extra than simply nice images, youโll take house the style of Iceland.
FAQ โ Icelandic Meals
Pylsur, Icelandโs sizzling canine, are sometimes known as the nationwide dish. They’re made with lamb, pork, and beef and topped with uncooked onions, crispy onions, mustard, apple ketchup, and remoulade. Attempt the unique stand in Reykjavรญk at Bรฆjarins Beztu Pylsur.
Begin with plokkfiskur fish stew, kjรถtsรบpa lamb soup, hangikjรถt smoked lamb, rรบgbrauรฐ sizzling spring rye bread, harรฐfiskur dried fish, skyr, and humar langoustine. These classics replicate Icelandโs preservation traditions and native elements.
Consuming out might be expensive. For worth, seize sizzling canine, bakery objects, or grocery store picnic provides and blend in a couple of sit?down meals. Authorities?run liquor shops have restricted hours, so plan forward in order for you native beer or Brennivรญn.
Go to Laugarvatn Fontana to see bread buried in geothermal sand and baked for about 24 hours, with day by day tastings and demos.
On March 1, 1989. The date continues to be celebrated nationwide as Beer Day.
Search for specialty outlets and museums that supply samples, and seasonal รorrablรณt occasions. It’s generally served with a shot of Brennivรญn.