A Foodie’s Guide to Iceland: Traditional Dishes and Where to Eat Them

Iceland’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its history, geography, and the challenges of living on a remote island in the North Atlantic. For centuries, Icelandic people relied on preserving food through drying, smoking, and fermenting to survive the harsh winters. Today, Iceland’s culinary scene offers a unique blend of traditional dishes and modern twists, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients from the sea and land. Whether you’re an adventurous eater looking to try something daring or a foodie who loves high-quality local fare, Iceland has plenty to offer. Here’s a guide to Iceland’s traditional dishes and where to find the best food during your visit.

Hákarl: Fermented Shark

One of Iceland’s most infamous traditional foods is hákarl, or fermented shark. Historically, this dish was born out of necessity, as the meat of the Greenland shark is toxic when fresh due to high levels of urea and trimethylamine oxide. To make it safe for consumption, the shark is buried and left to ferment for several months before being hung to dry for another few months.

Hákarl has a strong, ammonia-like odor that many find challenging, and the taste is equally intense. It’s often served in small cubes alongside Brennivín, a local schnapps sometimes referred to as “Black Death.” While hákarl may not be for everyone, it’s a must-try for those who want to experience a taste of Iceland’s past.

You can try hákarl at local markets or traditional restaurants, but one of the best places to sample it is at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you can learn about the preparation process and try the dish fresh from the source.

Plokkfiskur: Fish Stew

A comforting and hearty dish, plokkfiskur is a traditional Icelandic fish stew made from boiled fish (usually cod or haddock), potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This simple but satisfying meal has long been a staple in Icelandic homes, especially in coastal towns where fresh fish is readily available. Plokkfiskur is typically seasoned with onions, herbs, and sometimes curry powder for added flavor.

Many restaurants across Iceland serve their own versions of plokkfiskur, often with a modern twist. For an authentic and delicious version of this dish, head to Kaffi Loki in Reykjavík, where you can enjoy traditional Icelandic comfort food in a cozy setting with a view of Hallgrímskirkja.

Lamb Soup: Kjötsúpa

Icelandic lamb is known for its exceptional quality and flavor, thanks to the free-range lifestyle of Icelandic sheep, which graze on wild herbs and grasses in the country’s vast wilderness. One of the best ways to enjoy this high-quality meat is in kjötsúpa, a traditional lamb soup.

Kjötsúpa is made by simmering lamb with root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and rutabaga, along with herbs like thyme. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for warming up after a day of exploring Iceland’s rugged landscapes. This dish is a staple in Icelandic homes, particularly during the colder months, and can be found on the menu of many traditional restaurants.

For a delicious bowl of kjötsúpa, visit Matur og Drykkur in Reykjavík, where traditional Icelandic dishes are elevated with modern techniques and presentation.

Icelandic Hot Dogs: Pylsur

It may come as a surprise, but one of the most beloved foods in Iceland is the hot dog, or pylsur. Icelandic hot dogs are made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, giving them a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from hot dogs in other countries. They’re typically served in a soft bun with a variety of toppings, including raw onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade (a mayonnaise-based sauce).

For the best hot dog experience, head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a famous hot dog stand in Reykjavík that has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1937. Even celebrities like Bill Clinton have stopped by for a taste of Iceland’s most popular street food.

Skyr: Iceland’s Dairy Delight

Skyr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product that has been enjoyed for over 1,000 years. Often described as a cross between yogurt and cheese, skyr is thick, creamy, and high in protein, making it both delicious and nutritious. Skyr is available in a variety of flavors, from plain to berry, and is commonly served as a snack or dessert.

In recent years, skyr has gained popularity internationally, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying it fresh in Iceland. You can find skyr at grocery stores and cafés across the country, but for a special treat, visit Café Loki in Reykjavík, where they serve traditional Icelandic desserts featuring skyr.

Harðfiskur: Dried Fish

Harðfiskur is one of Iceland’s oldest traditional foods, and it’s still a popular snack today. Made by drying fish (usually cod, haddock, or wolffish) in the cold Icelandic air, harðfiskur is a chewy, protein-packed treat that can be eaten on its own or with butter. It’s a healthy, portable snack that Icelanders have enjoyed for centuries, particularly during the long, harsh winters.

Harðfiskur is widely available in grocery stores and at local markets, but for an authentic experience, head to Kolaportið, Reykjavík’s weekend flea market. Here, you can sample and purchase different varieties of dried fish directly from local vendors.

Rúgbrauð: Icelandic Rye Bread

Known as rúgbrauð, Icelandic rye bread is a dense, dark bread that has been a staple in Icelandic cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, rúgbrauð was baked by burying the dough in the ground near a hot spring, allowing the geothermal heat to cook the bread slowly over the course of a day. This method results in a slightly sweet, moist bread with a distinctive flavor.

While rúgbrauð is no longer baked exclusively using geothermal heat, you can still taste the traditional version in areas with hot springs. One of the best places to try it is at Laugarvatn Fontana, a spa located in the Golden Circle region where they bake their rye bread using the geothermal sands by the lake. You can even join a tour to see the baking process before enjoying the bread with butter and smoked trout.

Svið: Sheep’s Head

For adventurous eaters, svið (boiled sheep’s head) is one of Iceland’s more unusual traditional dishes. Svið has been eaten in Iceland for centuries, especially during times when no part of the animal could be wasted. The head is singed to remove the wool, split in half, and boiled until tender. It’s typically served with mashed potatoes and turnips, and diners can eat the meat directly from the skull.

Svið may not be for everyone, but it’s a fascinating part of Icelandic culinary heritage. You can try this dish at Fljótt og Gott, a casual restaurant located at the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík, where it’s prepared in the traditional way.

Humar: Icelandic Langoustine

Iceland’s cold waters are home to some of the best seafood in the world, and one of the most prized catches is humar, or Icelandic langoustine. These small, sweet lobsters are typically grilled or sautéed in butter and garlic, creating a dish that’s both simple and delicious.

One of the best places to try langoustine is at Humarhöfnin in the fishing town of Höfn, located on Iceland’s southeast coast. This restaurant specializes in langoustine and offers a variety of dishes featuring this delicacy, from langoustine soup to grilled langoustine tails.

Rye Bread Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a unique Icelandic dessert, rye bread ice cream is a must-try. This creamy, slightly sweet treat incorporates chunks of Icelandic rye bread, giving it a rich, malty flavor with a bit of texture. It’s a delicious example of how traditional ingredients can be used in creative ways.

You can find rye bread ice cream at Café Loki in Reykjavík, where it’s served alongside other traditional Icelandic dishes. It’s the perfect way to end a meal and experience a modern twist on Icelandic culinary traditions.

Conclusion

Iceland’s cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history, environment, and resilience. While some dishes may challenge the palate, others showcase the incredible freshness and quality of local ingredients, particularly the seafood and lamb for which Iceland is renowned. Whether you’re sampling fermented shark, enjoying a simple bowl of lamb soup, or indulging in freshly grilled langoustine, Iceland offers a culinary adventure that’s as unique as its landscapes. Embrace the opportunity to try something new, and you’ll discover the rich and diverse flavors that make Icelandic food truly special.