Best Food of Iceland: A Culinary Adventure

When most people think of Iceland, they picture stunning landscapes and the Northern Lights. However, Iceland has a rich culinary scene that is often overlooked by visitors. From traditional dishes that have been passed down for generations to modern cuisine influenced by Nordic and international flavors, Iceland offers a unique culinary experience that is worth exploring. In this article, we will take you on a culinary adventure and introduce you to the best food of Iceland.

The Basics: Icelandic Cuisine

Before we dive into the best food of Iceland, let’s take a look at the basics of Icelandic cuisine. Icelandic cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s geographic location and history. With a cold climate and limited access to fresh produce, Icelandic cuisine has traditionally relied on preserved foods like dried fish and meats, pickled vegetables, and fermented dairy products like skyr and whey. Meat and fish have always been staples of Icelandic cuisine, with lamb, beef, and seafood being the most commonly consumed meats.

🍖 Meat

Lamb is considered a national dish of Iceland and is a must-try for visitors. Icelandic lamb is free-range and grass-fed, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor. Another popular meat dish is kjötsúpa, a hearty lamb soup that is often served with homemade bread. Beef is also a popular meat in Iceland, and it’s usually served in stews or grilled.

🐟 Seafood

Iceland has a thriving fishing industry, and seafood is a staple of the Icelandic diet. With an abundance of fresh fish and shellfish, Iceland is a seafood lover’s paradise. Some of the most popular seafood dishes in Iceland include grilled or baked salmon, langoustine soup, and smoked salmon.

🍲 Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are a popular comfort food in Iceland, especially during the colder months. Icelandic stews are usually made with meat or fish, root vegetables, and barley or other grains. The most popular stews in Iceland are kjötsúpa (lamb soup), fiskisúpa (fish soup), and plokkfiskur (fish stew with mashed potatoes).

🥪 Sandwiches

Icelandic sandwiches are simple but delicious. One of the most popular sandwiches is the pylsa, which is made with Icelandic hot dogs. The hot dogs are served with crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. Another popular sandwich is the fish sandwich, which is made with fresh Icelandic fish and homemade bread.

The Best Food of Iceland

1. Plokkfiskur

Plokkfiskur is a traditional Icelandic dish that is made with fish and mashed potatoes. The fish is usually cod, haddock, or halibut, and it’s cooked in a creamy white sauce with onions and spices. The mashed potatoes are mixed with the fish and sauce, creating a hearty and filling dish.

2. Skyr

Skyr is a dairy product that has been a staple of the Icelandic diet for centuries. It’s similar to Greek yogurt, but with a thicker and creamier texture. Skyr is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy and delicious snack. It’s commonly eaten with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.

3. Brennivín

Brennivín is a traditional Icelandic schnapps that is made from potato mash and flavored with caraway seeds. It’s often called Black Death because of its potent alcohol content and strong taste. Brennivín is usually served as a shot and is a popular drink during celebrations like Midsummer’s Eve and Christmas.

4. Grilled Lamb

Grilled lamb is a must-try when in Iceland. Icelandic lamb is free-range and grass-fed, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor. Grilled lamb is usually served with potatoes and vegetables, and it’s a staple of Icelandic cuisine.

5. Rúgbrauð

Rúgbrauð is a traditional Icelandic bread that is made with rye flour and molasses. The bread is baked in a pot for hours, giving it a dense and moist texture. Rúgbrauð is usually served with butter and smoked fish or lamb.

6. Harðfiskur

Harðfiskur is dried fish that is a popular snack in Iceland. The most common types of fish used for harðfiskur are cod and haddock. The fish is dried in the sun or in a special drying house, giving it a crispy and chewy texture. Harðfiskur is usually eaten with butter or dipped in a creamy sauce.

7. Lobster

Icelandic lobster is considered some of the best in the world. The cold and clean waters of Iceland provide the perfect environment for lobster to thrive. Icelandic lobster is usually served grilled or boiled, and it’s often paired with garlic butter or other flavorful sauces.

8. Kjötsúpa

Kjötsúpa is a traditional Icelandic lamb soup that is hearty and filling. The soup is made with lamb, root vegetables, and barley, and it’s often served with homemade bread. Kjötsúpa is perfect for warming up on a cold Icelandic day.

9. Kleinur

Kleinur are traditional Icelandic pastries that are similar to donuts. They’re made with a dough that’s fried and then coated in sugar. Kleinur are usually served with coffee and are a popular treat during the Christmas season.

10. Langoustine

Langoustine, also known as Icelandic lobster tails, are a delicacy in Iceland. They’re usually served grilled or baked and are often paired with garlic butter or other flavorful sauces. Langoustine is a must-try for seafood lovers.

11. Hangikjöt

Hangikjöt is a traditional Icelandic smoked lamb that is often served during the Christmas season. The lamb is smoked for several days, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Hangikjöt is usually served with boiled potatoes and white sauce.

12. Flatkaka

Flatkaka is a traditional Icelandic flatbread that is made with rye flour and cooked on a hot stone. The bread is usually served with butter and smoked fish or lamb.

13. Kókómjólk

Kókómjólk is a popular Icelandic chocolate milk that is a must-try for chocolate lovers. The milk is rich and creamy and is the perfect treat after a long day of exploring Iceland.

FAQs

1. What is the national dish of Iceland?

The national dish of Iceland is considered to be lamb. Icelandic lamb is free-range and grass-fed, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor.

2. What is skyr?

Skyr is a dairy product that has been a staple of the Icelandic diet for centuries. It’s similar to Greek yogurt, but with a thicker and creamier texture.

3. What is Brennivín?

Brennivín is a traditional Icelandic schnapps that is made from potato mash and flavored with caraway seeds.

4. What is Rúgbrauð?

Rúgbrauð is a traditional Icelandic bread that is made with rye flour and molasses. The bread is baked in a pot for hours, giving it a dense and moist texture.

5. What is Harðfiskur?

Harðfiskur is dried fish that is a popular snack in Iceland. The fish is dried in the sun or in a special drying house, giving it a crispy and chewy texture.

6. What is Kjötsúpa?

Kjötsúpa is a traditional Icelandic lamb soup that is hearty and filling. The soup is made with lamb, root vegetables, and barley, and it’s often served with homemade bread.

7. What is Hangikjöt?

Hangikjöt is a traditional Icelandic smoked lamb that is often served during the Christmas season. The lamb is smoked for several days, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

8. What is Langoustine?

Langoustine, also known as Icelandic lobster tails, are a delicacy in Iceland. They’re usually served grilled or baked and are often paired with garlic butter or other flavorful sauces.

9. What is Flatkaka?

Flatkaka is a traditional Icelandic flatbread that is made with rye flour and cooked on a hot stone. The bread is usually served with butter and smoked fish or lamb.

10. What is Kókómjólk?

Kókómjólk is a popular Icelandic chocolate milk that is a must-try for chocolate lovers.