What to eat in Iceland?
In this Iceland food guide, I’m going to introduce you to delicious Icelandic food that you should try when visiting Iceland.
1. Skyr
I first knew about the name “Skyr” while I was on my way to Iceland. It was a long 3.5 hours fly from Copenhagen to Keflavík, so I started reading the magazine that WOW air provided.
Skyr first caught my eyes with its appealing flavors with different choices from plain, strawberry, blueberry, mango, etc., as well as its benefit.
Not only contains high protein, but Skyr is also FAT-FREE!
How does it taste?
Skyr tastes quite similar to yogurt, but it has a thicker form. I prefer the one with a mixed flavor of blueberry and raspberry! It’s super tasty and healthy.
How to eat Skyr like a local?
Skyr is often served with milk, but trying it alone is also tasty. While Skyr is popular in Nordic countries, it is exclusively Icelandic.
If you want to find the best Skyr, you should always look for the MS Skyr or KEA Skyr brands (brands like Arla are not from Iceland and are thus not real Skyr).
Skyr is one of the must-try food when you visit Iceland
2. Fermented Shark Meat
When I was walking around the flea market, one seller offered me to try shark meat. It was quite salty, and the taste stayed long inside my throat.
Although I don’t support or encourage eating sharks, tasting it was one way to understand more about Icelandic food and culture.
Would you dare to try?
3. Dried fish – Harðfiskur
During my road trip to Iceland, I noticed that dried fish is sold everywhere. You can either find it at the supermarket, or souvenir shop, or fish markets.
I tried it once at the flea market, and still remember the taste until now. I could feel the freshness of the sea a bit salty, and I enjoyed the tastiness of different types of fish.
Not only rich in omega-3, but dried fish products also have a lot of vitamins and protein. You can surely buy it as a perfect souvenir thanks to its healthiness, lightweight and long-shelf-life.
This picture was taken at the flea market – Kolaportid. Credit: Ásta Karen Ólafs
Would you like to try it?
4. Icelandic meat soup – Kjötsúpa
Having a hot bowl of soup when it’s cold outside is the best, isn’t it?
Meat soup is one of the traditional dishes of Iceland, and every restaurant offers this meal.
With the tasty flavor of the broth made of the root veggies – potatoes, carrots, rutabagas, and lamb, Kjötsúpa comforted and warmed me up.
A traditional Icelandic meal in Reykjavik
5. Smoked lamb – Hangikjöt
Don’t forget to try smoked lamb when you visit Iceland. Although smoked lamb is a traditional Icelandic dish that is usually severed on Christmas day, you can still find it in many restaurants.
6. Flatbread – Flatkökur
Another Icelandic food to try on this list is Flatbread, which is made of a mixture of rye flour and whole wheat flour.
It is usually served with some butter and a slice of smoked lamb or smoked salmon. I tried the one with smoked lamb, and that combination was delicious!
Smoked lamb on flatbread and meat soup is a great combinationI had this meal at Loki café, which is an excellent restaurant that served traditional Icelandic food with a beautiful view.
The decoration was unique, and the service was great too! I recommend this place.
Loki café – a lovely restaurant that serves traditional Icelandic food
You can view the cathedral from this café
Stunning decoration at Loki café
7. Icelandic hot dog
There is a popular hot dog chain in the heart of Iceland, Reykjavik named Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which means “The best in town.”
It has operated since 1937, and famous for its lamb sausages. Many famous people have visited this stand, including Bill Clinton (2004). This place is selected as the best hot dog stand in Europe.
Side note: According to my Icelandic friend, it’s probably just something they say to sell it to tourists. It’s just hot dogs with a mash of leftover meat that is mostly pork, then some beef and lamb.
8. Breakfast in Iceland with Icelandic bakery –Kleina
Do you know how people have breakfast in Iceland?
It’s common to get some bread (Kleina) and drink cocoa milk.
A delicious breakfast with bread and chocolate milk
9. Licorice candy for gifts
Licorice candy is popular in Nordic countries, and so is Iceland.
There are various candy stores in Reykjavik, Iceland with different flavors. I think the taste is quite weird, but many people love it, so try it!
There are so many flavors to choose from.
10. Sheep’s head – Svið
Sheep’s head is one of the traditional Icelandic food that rarely eat today. If you’re looking to try something special (and challenging), a sheep’s head should be on your list.
I didn’t try it though. I cannot eat without imagining the sheep is staring at me!
