The Best Food To Eat In Iceland

Discover The Tastiest Icelandic Delicacies To Savor On Your Next Trip

Are you ready to embark on a gastronomical journey to one of the most unique countries in the world? Iceland may be known for its stunning natural beauty, but it is also a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of traditional dishes and modern cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds.

From hearty stews to fresh seafood, there is something for everyone in Iceland. Follow our guide to the best food to eat in Iceland, and get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious dishes you’ll ever taste.

🍽️ Icelandic Lamb

One of the most popular foods in Iceland is lamb. The sheep in Iceland are allowed to roam free and graze on wild grass, giving the meat a unique flavor. Icelandic lamb is often served as a roast, stew, or in a hotpot, and is always tender and flavorful.

🐟 Fresh Seafood

Iceland is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a staple of Icelandic cuisine. From succulent lobster to fresh salmon, the seafood in Iceland is some of the best in the world. Make sure to try the traditional dish of smoked salmon on rye bread, known as smörgåsbord.

🍦 Iceland’s Ice Cream

Don’t let the cold weather fool you! Icelanders love their ice cream, and you will too once you taste it. Icelandic ice cream is made with fresh milk and cream, and comes in a variety of flavors. One of the most popular flavors is liquorice, which may sound strange, but trust us, it’s delicious.

🐴 Icelandic Horsemeat

Icelandic horses are unique to the country and are known for their strength, endurance, and gentle nature. While not everyone may be comfortable with the idea of eating horse meat, it is a traditional Icelandic food and is often served as a steak or in a stew.

🧀 Skyr

Skyr is a type of yogurt that is unique to Iceland. It is high in protein, low in fat, and has a thick, creamy texture. Skyr is often served with fresh berries and granola for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.

🍞 Rye Bread

Rye bread is a staple of Icelandic cuisine and is often served with smoked salmon or lamb. This hearty bread is made with rye flour and is traditionally baked in the ground using geothermal heat, giving it a unique flavor.

🥔 Plokkfiskur

Plokkfiskur is a traditional Icelandic dish that is similar to a fish pie. It is made with fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce, and is often served with rye bread. This hearty dish is perfect for a cold Icelandic evening.

🍫 Omnom Chocolate

While not a traditional Icelandic food, Omnom chocolate is a must-try for any chocolate lover visiting Iceland. This artisanal chocolate is made in Reykjavik and comes in a variety of flavors, including sea salt, coffee, and liquorice.

🍺 Icelandic Beer

Iceland has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries popping up all over the country. Make sure to try a local brew, such as Einstök White Ale or Borg Brugghús’s Garún Stout.

🍔 Icelandic Hotdogs

Icelandic hotdogs are a cheap and tasty snack that can be found all over the country. They are made with lamb, beef, and pork, and are often topped with fried onions, ketchup, and sweet mustard. Don’t leave Iceland without trying one!

🎂 Kleinur

Kleinur are a type of Icelandic doughnut that are often served with coffee. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

🌭 Hangikjöt

Hangikjöt is a type of smoked lamb that is often served cold. It is a traditional Icelandic food that is often served during the holiday season, and is delicious with rye bread and pickled red cabbage.

🥟 Hákarl

Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic food that is not for the faint of heart. It is made from fermented shark meat, which is hung to dry for several months before being cut into cubes. It has a strong, ammonia-like smell and a chewy texture, making it an acquired taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Icelandic food like?

Icelandic food is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Traditional Icelandic dishes often include lamb, seafood, and potatoes, and are often served with rye bread. Modern Icelandic cuisine is more diverse, with a range of international flavors and fusion dishes.

2. What is the national dish of Iceland?

The national dish of Iceland is Þorramatur, a selection of traditional Icelandic foods that are served during the winter festival of Þorrablót. The dish includes items such as smoked lamb, pickled herring, and fermented shark.

3. What is Icelandic skyr?

Skyr is a type of yogurt that is unique to Iceland. It is high in protein, low in fat, and has a thick, creamy texture. Skyr is often served with fresh berries and granola for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.

4. What is Icelandic hotdog made of?

Icelandic hotdogs are made with a blend of lamb, beef, and pork. They are often served with fried onions, ketchup, and sweet mustard.

5. What is the best time to visit Iceland for food?

The best time to visit Iceland for food is in the summer months, when the weather is milder and the local produce is at its freshest. However, Iceland’s food scene is thriving year-round, so you can enjoy delicious meals no matter when you visit.

6. What is Icelandic lamb?

Icelandic lamb is a type of meat that comes from sheep that are allowed to roam free and graze on wild grass. The meat is tender and flavorful, and is often served as a roast, stew, or in a hotpot.

7. What is hákarl?

Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic food that is made from fermented shark meat. It has a strong, ammonia-like smell and a chewy texture, making it an acquired taste.

8. What is plokkfiskur?

Plokkfiskur is a traditional Icelandic dish that is similar to a fish pie. It is made with fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce, and is often served with rye bread.

9. What is hangikjöt?

Hangikjöt is a type of smoked lamb that is often served cold. It is a traditional Icelandic food that is often served during the holiday season, and is delicious with rye bread and pickled red cabbage.

10. What is the best Icelandic beer?

Iceland has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries popping up all over the country. Some of the best Icelandic beers include Einstök White Ale and Borg Brugghús’s Garún Stout.

11. What is Omnom chocolate?

Omnom chocolate is an artisanal chocolate that is made in Reykjavik. It comes in a variety of flavors, including sea salt, coffee, and liquorice.

12. What is rye bread?

Rye bread is a type of bread that is made with rye flour. It is a staple of Icelandic cuisine and is often served with smoked salmon or lamb.

13. What are Kleinur?

Kleinur are a type of Icelandic doughnut that are often served with coffee. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Now that you know the best food to eat in Iceland, it’s time to start planning your trip. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Iceland’s unique cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds. From hearty stews to fresh seafood, there is something for everyone in Iceland.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Iceland today and start exploring the delicious world of Icelandic cuisine!

Disclaimer:

This article is based on the author’s personal experiences and research. The information provided is intended as a guide and should not be considered as professional advice. Please consult with a qualified expert before making any decisions based on the information presented in this article.