Icelandic Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Where to Try Them
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 5 minutes
By: Shaun
Icelandic cuisine is quite unique and offers dishes that have been influenced by the country’s harsh climate and isolation from the main lands. The cuisine is known for its use of fresh seafood, meat, and dairy products, which are often prepared using traditional cooking methods that give a distinct flavour that is sure to delight your taste buds.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular traditional Icelandic dishes and provide some suggestions of where to try them.
History of Icelandic Cuisine
Icelandic cuisine dates all the way back to the 9th century with the country’s original settlers. These settlers relied heavily on fishing and farming to survive and were influenced by Scandinavian and European cuisines from where they originated.
Over time, due to the harsh climate and limited resources, it transformed into its own distinct style of cuisine.
Unique Icelandic Ingredients
Icelandic cuisine utilizes a variety of unique ingredients that are not commonly found in other cuisines. Some of these ingredients include:
Harðfiskur
Harðfiskur | Image by Ingunn H Nielsen on Flickr
Harðfiskur is a snack made from dried fish, typically cod or haddock. The fish is dried in the open air with a little salt added for flavour. Once dry, the fish is eaten as a snack or added to soups and stews for a kick of flavour and nutrition.
Skyr
Skyr is a popular dairy product in Iceland that is similar to yogurt but with a thicker consistency and a slightly sour taste. It is often served as a dessert with berries or used as a spread on bread.
Rye bread
Rye bread
Rye bread, or Rúgbrauð, is a dark, dense bread that is traditionally baked in the ground using geothermal heat. It has a slightly sweet taste and is often served with butter and smoked salmon. One can experience this tradition in the town of Laugarvatn, where at the Fontana Spa one can take a tour of how this bread is baked.
Brennivín
Brennivín | Image by Doctor Popular on Flickr
Brennivín is a traditional Icelandic schnapps made from distilled potato mash and flavoured with caraway seeds. It is also known with the locals as the “Black Death” due to its strong taste and high alcohol content. The drink has a long history in Iceland and is considered an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Svið
Svið, also known as “singed sheep’s head,” is a delicacy in Iceland that dates back to Viking times. It is made by singeing the hair off a sheep’s head, boiling it until the meat is tender, and then serving it with mashed turnips or potatoes.
Popular Traditional Icelandic Dishes
Smoked Lamb (Hangikjöt)
Smoked lamb, or Hangikjöt, is a popular Icelandic dish that is often served during the Christmas season. The lamb is smoked over birch wood and served with boiled potatoes, peas, and a white sauce.
Fermented Shark (Hákarl)
Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish that is not for the faint of heart. The shark meat is buried in the ground for several months to ferment, giving it a pungent smell and taste. It is often washed down with a shot of Brennivín.
Icelandic Meat Soup (Kjötsúpa)
Rye bread
Kjötsúpa, is a hearty and filling soup made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions and is often referred to as the country’s national dish. Kjötsúpa is often served at family gatherings and on special occasions. This dish is perfect for cold Icelandic winters and has been a staple of the island’s diet for centuries.
Fish Stew (Plokkfiskur)
Plokkfiskur is a stew made from boiled fish, potatoes, onions, and seasoned with herbs and spices. The dish is then frequently topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and served with rye bread. Plokkfiskur is another comforting meal that is perfect to indulge in on a cold day.
Flatkaka
Flatkaka is a type of flatbread that is traditionally made with rye flour and baked on a hot stone. It is often served with butter or used as a wrap for meat or fish.
Kleinur
Kleinur is a snack or dessert often served with a cup of coffee or tea. They are similar to a twisted doughnut and are made from a simple dough that is fried and then sprinkled with sugar.
Where to Try Icelandic Cuisine?
If you want to try traditional Icelandic cuisine, there are many restaurants in Iceland that offer authentic dishes. Here are some of the best places to try Icelandic cuisine:
Fiskfélagið
This restaurant is located in Reykjavík and offers a variety of traditional Icelandic dishes, including fermented shark and smoked lamb.
Café Loki
Café Loki is located near the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavík and offers traditional Icelandic dishes, including rye bread, meat soup, and smoked lamb.
Hallgrimskirkja | Image by David Stanley on Flickr
Matur og Drykkur
Matur og Drykkur is another restaurant located in Reykjavík and offers a modern twist on traditional Icelandic cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as lamb fillet and grilled langoustine.
Conclusion
Icelandic cuisine is unique and offers a variety of dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds. From smoked lamb to fermented shark, there is something for everyone to try.
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, be sure to try some of the traditional Icelandic dishes and experience the country’s rich culinary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Icelandic Cuisine?
Icelandic cuisine is influenced by Scandinavian and European cuisines, with an emphasis on seafood, lamb, and dairy products.
What are some popular Icelandic dishes?
Icelandic cuisine includes several unique and flavorful dishes, with some of the most popular including Plokkfiskur, Skyr, Hangikjöt and Kjötsúpa.
What are some popular Icelandic drinks?
Icelandic drinks are an important part of the country's culinary culture. Some of the most popular Icelandic drinks are Brennivín, Kókómjólk and Icelandic beer in styles of pale ale, porter, and stout.
