Food in Iceland

Iceland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, also offers a unique culinary experience.

Icelandic food: history and facts

The culinary roots of Iceland can be traced back to the traditions of Scandinavian cuisine, ingrained in the country's distinctly Nordic culture since its settlement in the 9th century. The traditional economy, centered around subsistence farming, faced significant shifts, notably during the Little Ice Age in the 14th century. Barley cultivation became challenging, prompting a reliance on imported cereal grains. The onset of the Reformation in 1517 marked a transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period, influencing farming practices. While a Danish trade monopoly in 1602 impacted culinary traditions, Denmark's cuisine had a more pronounced effect in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The economic boom in the early 20th century, driven by commercial fishing, led to a gradual shift from traditional dairy and meat-based dishes to a diet focused on fish and root vegetables, emphasizing fresh ingredients over preserved foods.

Traditional Icelandic food

Icelandic Seafood Delight: Iceland, renowned for its high-quality fish, offers a gastronomic journey with its diverse seafood options. From the delicate Langoustine to the robust flavors of cod and haddock, experiencing traditional Icelandic fare involves savoring these fish varieties. For an authentic touch, pair your fish with a side of potatoes and the classic Icelandic rye bread with butter.
Kleinur: The Tempting Twist of Doughnut: For those with a sweet tooth, Kleinur is a must-try Icelandic dessert. These twisted, fluffy, and lightly crispy fried doughnuts are a ubiquitous treat found in bakeries and grocery stores across the country, providing a delightful experience for dessert enthusiasts.
Bragðarefur: Crafting Your Ice Cream Adventure: Enter the world of Bragðarefur, an Icelandic ice cream delight that allows you to customize your frozen treat. Simply choose your preferred ice cream flavor and three toppings, and let the skilled staff at any ice cream shop in Iceland create a delicious masterpiece for you.
Hákarl: Embrace the Boldness of Fermented Shark: A quintessential Icelandic experience, Hákarl, or fermented shark, is not for the faint of heart. Brave souls willing to try this delicacy will be rewarded with a unique and authentic story to share. Enhance the experience by pairing it with a shot of Brennivín, a cumin-flavored Icelandic liqueur.
Svið: A Culinary Challenge with Sheep's Head: Taking traditional Icelandic cuisine to a daring level, Svið, or sheep's head, is a specialty that requires both courage and an adventurous palate. Served with a side of bravery and accompanied by your favorite drink, Svið promises a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure.

Christmas food in Iceland

Velvety Langoustine Bisque (Humarsúpa): Celebrate the holiday season with the exquisite Creamy Langoustine Soup, a Christmas delicacy that encapsulates the rich flavors of langoustines. This velvety bisque promises to be a luxurious and warming addition to your festive feast.
Festive Grouse Infused with Berry Elegance (Jólarjúpa með Berjasósu): Elevate your Christmas table with the opulence of Christmas Grouse paired with a delectable Berry Sauce. This dish combines the succulence of grouse with the sweet and tangy essence of berries, creating a truly festive culinary masterpiece.
Spiced Red Cabbage Dance with Blueberry Harmony (Kryddað Rauðkál með Bláberjum): Add a touch of spice and the delightful burst of blueberries to your Christmas spread with Spiced Cabbage accompanied by Blueberries. This unique blend of flavors brings a refreshing twist to the classic red cabbage, making it a standout side dish for your holiday celebrations.
Caramel-Glazed Holiday Potatoes (Brúnaðar Kartöflur): Infuse your Christmas feast with the sweet allure of Caramel-Glazed Potatoes. These perfectly cooked potatoes, bathed in a luscious caramel glaze, offer a delectable balance of sweetness and savory goodness, adding a touch of sophistication to your holiday meal.
Traditional Leaf Bread Elegance (Laufabrauð): Complete your Icelandic Christmas experience with the iconic Leaf Bread. This intricately patterned and deep-fried delicacy is a symbol of holiday tradition. Its crisp texture and ornate designs make it a visually stunning and culturally significant addition to your festive table.

Famous food in Iceland

Skyr: A Creamy Icelandic Staple Immerse yourself in local flavors by savoring Skyr, a luxurious dairy product that sits between yogurt and cottage cheese. Created from pasteurized skim milk and a yogurt-like bacterial culture, Skyr is often enjoyed with cream and tart berry jam, offering a delightful blend reminiscent of Greek yogurt and creme fraiche. Embrace it in its pure form or follow the locals' lead and pair it with a touch of sugar for a sweet twist.
Icelandic Lamb: A Culinary Masterpiece Experience the heart of Icelandic cuisine with the country's prized lamb. Grazing freely in the picturesque landscapes, Icelandic sheep develop rich flavors naturally. Enjoy lamb stewed with root vegetables or indulge in roasted sirloin, complemented by Hasselback potatoes, baked oyster mushrooms, and pickled blueberries. For a traditional touch, Íslenski Barinn is a casual eatery renowned for its hearty lamb shank.
Ice Cream Extravaganza and Artisanal Cheese Embrace the Icelandic love for ice cream, enjoyed year-round. Explore popular ice cream shops like Valdis and Ísbúðin Laugalæk, offering an array of flavors, from classic vanilla to adventurous choices like Turkish pepper and black licorice. Dive into the unique combination of Reykjavik's best ice cream and the famous rye bread at Cafe Loki, located in front of the iconic Hallgrímskirkja. Vegans can indulge in dairy-free delights at Hafís, including the tempting caramel flavor.

Icelandic street food

Icelandic street food reflects the country's unique culinary heritage, featuring a range of dishes that showcase local flavors and ingredients. One popular street food is "Pylsa," an Icelandic hot dog made with a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, served with an array of toppings such as crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. Another iconic dish is "Lambakæfa," a lamb sandwich often prepared with slow-cooked, tender Icelandic lamb served between slices of fresh bread. Additionally, "Fiskisúpa," or fish soup, is a hearty and comforting option, typically featuring a blend of fresh fish, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs. These dishes offer a taste of Iceland's culinary delights and are commonly enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Vegetarian food in Iceland

Icelandic cuisine may traditionally be meat-centric, but vegetarian options are becoming more widely available and appreciated. Here are some vegetarian dishes you might find in Iceland:

Grænmetispylsa: A vegetarian hot dog made with a blend of vegetables and legumes, often served with the same array of toppings as the traditional Icelandic hot dog.
Kartöflusalat: Potato salad is a popular side dish in Iceland, and vegetarian versions often include potatoes, mayonnaise, pickles, and herbs.
Búllur: Vegetarian meatballs made from ingredients like beans, lentils, or grains. These can be served with a variety of sauces and side dishes.
Koldúsúpa: A cold buttermilk soup with various herbs and spices, offering a refreshing option, especially during warmer weather.
Lifrarpylsa: While traditional lifrarpylsa is made with liver, vegetarian versions may substitute the liver with plant-based ingredients to create a meat-free alternative.

Halal food in Iceland

Beef and Lamb Dishes: Halal beef and lamb can be prepared in various ways, and you can find dishes featuring these meats.
Tandoori Chicken: Marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor is a popular halal dish.
Lamb/Chicken Kebabs: Kebabs with different marinades and spices offer a variety of flavors.
Halal Pastas and Risottos: Many restaurants offer pasta and risotto dishes made with halal ingredients.
Soups and Curries: Various soups and curries can be prepared with halal meat and vegetables.

Icelandic seafood

Grilled or Pan-Fried Fish: Icelandic fish, such as cod, haddock, and plaice, is often grilled or pan-fried to highlight its natural flavors. It may be seasoned with herbs and served with a variety of side dishes.
Fish and Chips: This classic dish is commonly enjoyed in Iceland, featuring battered and deep-fried fish served with crispy fries. It's often accompanied by tartar sauce or other condiments.
Plokkfiskur: A traditional Icelandic fish stew, Plokkfiskur is made with cod or haddock, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. It's a hearty and comforting dish, especially popular during colder months.
Smoked Salmon (Reykt lax): Smoked salmon is a popular appetizer or breakfast item. It's often served with bread, cream cheese, and traditional toppings like red onion and capers.

Food prices in Iceland

Daily budget: 7,900-11,600 ISK ($75-$110 USD)

Breakfast: 2,000-2,500 ISK ($19-$24 USD)
Lunch: 2,100-3,700 ISK ($20-$35 USD)
Dinner: 2,600-4,225 ISK ($25-$40 USD)
Beer or wine (at a bar): 1,160 ISK ($11 USD)

The relatively high cost of food in Iceland can be attributed to several factors. The country's isolated island location and challenging climate make local food production difficult and limited. Consequently, Iceland heavily relies on imports, subjecting the food supply to taxes and tariffs, thereby driving up prices. Additionally, the high cost of living and elevated labor wages in Iceland contribute to the overall increase in expenses, which ultimately impact the prices consumers face.

< Back