Iceland offers a experience ranging from the bustling city life of Reykjavík, to the tranquil mountain communities in the country. Although traditional dishes featuring fish and meat are still widely enjoyed there has been a growing trend towards vegan and vegetarian food options in Iceland. This shift in cuisine has led to an increased availability of vegan menu choices and restaurants, across the nation catering to the needs of vegans and vegetarians conveniently.
- Skyr
Throughout the years Icelandic individuals have treasured skyr, a dairy product, to yogurt. Traditionally skyr was crafted at home with each farm boasting its recipe. Nowadays it is readily available in stores and markets.
Skyr holds a place in the hearts of Icelanders for its energizing properties. It can be enjoyed for breakfast as a midday snack or as part of a meal. Available in flavors skyr is an indulgence that can also be blended into smoothies. In the past children often started their day, with skyr topped with a hint of sugar. Skyr might just be one of Iceland’s renowned offerings.
2. Icelandic Lamb
Icelandic sheep originally brought to Iceland by Viking settlers, around the 10th century have gained a reputation as one of the breeds globally. Their delectable and tender lamb is a choice in restaurants and home kitchens alike with traditional recipes featuring roasts and savory dishes. The flavor of their meat is enhanced by grazing on grass and herbs all day in Iceland while the minimal use of pesticides, in farming methods contributes to the quality of the end product.
Icelandic cooking has ties, to fishing a sector of the country’s economy for ages. Currently it is contributing to Iceland’s resurgence after the decline, in 2008. Iceland boasts a selection of seafood choices from Atlantic Cod commonly found in fish and chips to langoustine dishes making it a haven, for seafood lovers.
Fish is a part of their cuisine whether grilled, roasted, fried, stewed or mashed for dishes like Plokkfiskur. Hardfiskur, a form of fish jerky produced by air drying cod or haddock is commonly available, in supermarkets.
3. Fermented Shark
This unique Icelandic dish might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a choice, as a traditional snack at bars in Reykjavík. If you happen to be, in a bar in Reykjavík you might be tempted to sample it. Fermented shark offers a taste and a chewy consistency that may pose a challenge for individuals. The origins of this delicacy date to times when food was scarce leading locals to use preservation methods like fermenting shark meat. Although scarcity is no longer an issue fermented shark remains a part of the country’s history and traditions earning its place in this guide, to Icelandic cuisine.
4. Brennivín Liquor
Brennivín, also known as Black Death is a beverage, in Iceland that is often enjoyed in shots at special gatherings. This distinctive Icelandic drink features notes of cumin along with touches of caraway, licorice and hints of citrus. Brennivín is typically paired with fish dishes, pickled herring. It is well known for its ability to complement fermented shark offsetting the flavor of this unique dish. For those who prefer beer, over spirits you can explore breweries to taste some craft beers.
5. Reykjavík’s Hot Dogs (Pylsur)
Icelandic people often choose hotdogs as their snack while, on the go. It’s so well liked that some consider it to be Iceland’s dish. Tourists also enjoy this budget friendly treat. In Reykjavik you can locate Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, the hot dog stand, in the city. This renowned spot has been serving customers for over sixty years. Is located in the city harbor. It’s easily recognizable by the line of both locals and tourists waiting outside. A must try experience, in Reykjavík is the hotdog made from a blend of beef, lamb and pork topped with a variety of toppings.
6. Rye Bread
Rye bread holds a position in culinary tradition and boasts an intriguing past. Historically, rye bread was baked underground using heat sources from geothermal activity. This involved placing the dough in a clay pot and burying it underground for a day of baking – truly showcasing the artistry of quality bread.
Today, some bakeries uphold this tradition. If you have the chance to visit a geothermal bakery, make sure to savor the baked bread straight from the pot. Alternatively, you can drop by one of Reykjavik’s cafes to relish rye bread. Savor this treat, with a layer of butter and a dash of sea salt. Alternatively, it pairs well with cream cheese. Smoked salmon, from Iceland.
7. Geothermal Tomato Soup
Despite not being native to the Arctic, these Mediterranean fruits are grown all year round in Iceland, thanks to the country’s geothermal power. Glasshouses, heated by energy on farms, some of which welcome visitors and even have cafes, yield bountiful tomatoes.
If you ever find yourself at one of these farms, like Fridheimar in Southern Iceland, you’ll notice they steer clear of pesticides. This leads to each tomato being organic and incredibly tasty, making them an ideal choice for an evening of comforting and nourishing tomato soup dinner.
8. Ice Cream
Despite the weather, in Iceland locals have a tradition of enjoying ice cream. Many believe that treating themselves to a scoop of ice cream helps them feel warm and cozy. If you want to put this theory to the test why not give it a try?
As you explore Iceland you’ll find ice cream shops scattered throughout every town and village. Stepping inside one of these parlors you’ll likely feel a sense of delight to that of a child entering a candy store with an assortment of tempting flavors waiting to be sampled. Among them you might encounter some options, like rye bread flavored ice cream.
9. Liquorice
Liquorice plays a role, in this society to its popularity in various Nordic countries, where it’s called lakkrís. Thriving in Iceland’s environment liquorice plants have. Produced their tasty roots without blooming. For years liquorice has been a delicacy in Iceland.
In today’s Iceland liquorice comes in forms and flavors ranging from soft to hard chewy to sweet and even salted variations. Those with a tooth may savor chocolate coated liquorice treats. Iceland was, at the forefront of introducing chocolate covered liquorice confections. Moreover, you can easily find liquorice flavored ice cream raisins coated with liquorice and liquorice candies.
Visiting Iceland offers an opportunity for immersion and mindfulness at all moments. Being present in Iceland means embarking on an adventure that deeply connects you with the surroundings, leaving an enduring impact even after you bid farewell.
