Food in Iceland

Iceland, a land of raw natural beauty and otherworldly landscapes, offers a culinary journey as unique and captivating as its vistas. For those venturing to this northern island nation, the cuisine provides a fascinating insight into the country's heritage and resourcefulness. Icelandic food is shaped by the harsh climate and isolation, resulting in dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Discover the must-try Icelandic delicacies that will add an unforgettable flavor to your travel experience.

Icelandic Dishes

Hákarl (Fermented Shark)

Hákarl is perhaps one of Iceland's most notorious traditional dishes. This fermented Greenland shark is an acquired taste due to its strong ammonia-rich flavor and pungent odor. The shark meat is cured with a particular fermentation process and hung to dry for several months. Hákarl is typically served as a small cube on a toothpick.

Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)

A comforting staple, Plokkfiskur is a hearty fish stew made from boiled fish (often cod or haddock), potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. This dish exemplifies the Icelandic approach to simple, satisfying cuisine, and it is often served with rye bread and butter.

Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb)

Hangikjöt, or smoked lamb, is a traditional Icelandic food, especially popular around Christmas time. The lamb is smoked in the traditional Icelandic way, often using dried sheep dung, which gives it a distinctive flavor. It can be served hot or cold, and is commonly accompanied by pea soup, béchamel sauce, and boiled potatoes.

Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)

Harðfiskur is a dried fish snack, typically made from cod or haddock. It's high in protein and often enjoyed with a dollop of Icelandic butter. Harðfiskur is chewy and has a mild fish taste, making it a popular snack among locals.

Svið (Sheep's Head)

Svið is a traditional Icelandic dish consisting of a singed and boiled sheep's head, sometimes served with mashed turnips and potatoes. The brain is removed before cooking, and the head is typically cut in half. Diners eat the tender cheek and tongue meat. It's a dish that harkens back to Viking times when no part of the animal was wasted.

Kjötsúpa (Meat Soup)

A classic Icelandic comfort food, Kjötsúpa is a hearty meat soup made with lamb and a variety of root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and rutabaga. The soup is seasoned with herbs like thyme and often includes rice or rolled oats to thicken the broth.

Slátur

Slátur, resembling haggis, is a traditional sausage made from sheep's offal (heart, liver, and lungs), mixed with flour and oats, and then boiled in the animal's stomach. It comes in two varieties: Blóðmör (blood pudding) and Lifrarpylsa (liver sausage), and is typically eaten with mashed potatoes and turnips.

Rúgbrauð (Rye Bread)

Rúgbrauð is a dense, dark rye bread that is traditionally baked in a pot or steamed in special wooden casks buried near a hot spring. The slow cooking process caramelizes the sugars in the bread, giving it a sweet taste. It's often served with butter, smoked lamb, or pickled herring.

Skýr

Skýr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to thick yogurt, but technically it's a cheese. It's made from pasteurized skim milk and a bacteria culture similar to yogurt. After the fermentation process, the whey is removed, resulting in a creamy, high-protein product. Skýr can be enjoyed plain, or with sugar, fruit, or granola.

Lobster Soup

Known locally as Humarsúpa, Icelandic lobster soup is a rich and warming dish. Made with the local langoustine, a small lobster, the soup is creamy and often includes a blend of spices, tomatoes, and cream, topped with fresh langoustine meat.

Icelandic Desserts

Vínarterta

Vínarterta is a traditional Icelandic layered cake made with alternating layers of biscuit and prune jam, covered with a thin layer of icing. This dessert is a festive treat, often served during Christmas and other special occasions.

Kleinur

Kleinur are a type of Icelandic twisted doughnut. The dough is made with cardamom flavoring, cut into trapezoids with a specific kleinur cutter, twisted, and then deep-fried. They are usually enjoyed with coffee and are a popular snack in Iceland.

Pönnukökur (Icelandic Pancakes)

Pönnukökur are thin, crepe-like pancakes that are a part of Icelandic cuisine. They are often rolled up with sugar, or filled with jam and whipped cream, and then folded into triangles. These pancakes are a traditional treat, especially enjoyed on festive occasions.

Astarpungar (Love Balls)

Astarpungar, also known as "love balls," are a fried pastry similar to doughnuts. They are made from a dough with raisins and cardamom, rolled into balls, and deep-fried until golden brown. The name comes from the tradition of women making these for the men they loved.

Skúffukaka (Icelandic Brownie)

Skúffukaka is an Icelandic version of a chocolate brownie, typically baked in a large tray and cut into squares. It's a moist cake with a rich cocoa flavor, often topped with a layer of chocolate glaze or dusted with powdered sugar.