Want to try some traditional Icelandic delicacies on your trip? Look no further. We have detailed some delicious and unique foods to try while in Iceland.
If you’re heading to Iceland in the coming months, we want to ensure you get the very best and most authentic Icelandic experience, especially when it comes to food, because, let’s face it, food is the main reason we go anywhere. Well, apart from the sun, but let’s be honest, no one is coming to Iceland for the sun…
Food is a great link between a place and its culture and history, which is why we want you to try all that Iceland has to offer. Below we have included a selection of the best food in Iceland, with dishes to guarantee you have a truly unforgettable food experience in Iceland.
Skyr
When you visit Iceland, Skyr is one of the first things you’ll come across, whether you’re looking for a healthy start at breakfast before you day of exciting activities or a sweet snack in the afternoon. This thick and creamy delicacy is a mixture of cottage cheese and yoghurt, and more often than not will remain a fixed feature of most Icelandic homes.
You can choose to have skyr as it is, or maybe with a touch of jam, cream or sugar - really, there’s no right or wrong way to eat this dish, though some locals may disagree - either way Iceland’s response to greek yoghurt is always a great choice when searching for something to eat.
Fermented Shark
Fermented shark is a dish that may not be as popular to locals nowadays, though it is still a rich part of the cuisine heritage of everyone Icelander. So if on your holiday you wish to feel as though you’re a true local then this is a dish we suggest you try, at the very least.
The process of fermenting the shark involves soaking it in vinegar and a shot of black death (an unsweetened schnapps). This enables it to bring a smoother taste to the meat, and not to mention smell too, either way this might be one to share on your Instagram story.
Lamb
Lamb has been a massive part of Icelandic cuisine for centuries, so during your stay it’s only right you take the time to enjoy some of the best lamb you’ll likely ever taste - after all, many of the sheep graze in the wild with unrestricted fields and fresh glacier water, meaning they've likely got the freshest diet of anyone in Iceland.
Whether you have it in its traditional form of a classic lamb stew, not with roasted vegetables and gravy, or in a modern twist served with fresh blueberry polenta and crumble, we’re sure you find it delicious.
Seafood
As an island, Iceland has always had to look to the seas for food, meaning for most locals fish is a staple of their diet, whether it be cod, haddock, salmon or langoustines (smaller lobsters). Many can be enjoyed in fish stews and other traditional recipes. Don’t stress if you’re not the fish connoisseur like many icelanders are. Across Reykjavik, in particular, it is also sold in a simpler form of classic battered fish and chips, meaning really there is no excuse for missing out.
If you’re searching for more of a snack, then you could always try Harðfiskur, otherwise known as fish jerky, which you can likely find in most Icelandic supermarkets. Don’t miss the seafood off of your food tour of Iceland.
Rye Bread
Known in Iceland as rúgbrauð, rye bread is a side to a number of different dishes. What makes this bread so special is that it is actually baked in the hot springs around the country, an unusual process that enables you to make a crustless bread that is spongy and soft, yet dense with a slightly sweet flavour to it.
This bread can be enjoyed in almost any way, be it simply with butter, not with smoked fish and some cream cheese, it is a dish you’ll find almost anywhere in Iceland and despite the simplicity it really is one of the best foods in Iceland.
Now we’ve covered the mains, it’s time for deserts. Here we highlight some of the best desserts you’ll need to try during your Icelandic adventure.