Visiting Iceland and wondering what the food is really like? Here is an essential guide for where to start with traditional food in Iceland, including what to eat, where to eat it (and what to avoid!).
Iceland is quickly becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations for adventurous travelers lusting after otherworldly landscapes and stunning natural scenery.
And while most people know that Iceland is a place where you’ll be marveled by some of nature’s most prized masterpieces and some incredible things to do, not many travelers know much about the food in Iceland.
Icelandic cuisine remains a testament to its rich history and how creative its early inhabitants had to be in order to thrive in this harsh climate.
You’ll find traditional nordic influences and flavors here, but also some unique aspects that make Icelandic cuisine truly its own.
You’ll rarely find most of these foods abroad, so you’ll definitely want to try Icelandic food while here. And one of the best ways to ensure you try all these traditional Icelandic foods is by joining this food tour of Reykjavik.
Here is a list of the top must try food in Iceland.
Table of Contents
Must try food in Iceland
Icelandic Lamb
If you only have the time (or the budget) to indulge in one Icelandic dish, you simply can’t leave the country until you’ve tried some authentic Icelandic lamb.
Locals will tell you it’s the best lamb in the world, and they aren’t wrong. The quality of lamb meat here directly results from the wholesome and free-roaming lifestyle the local sheep live, spending their days stress-free, grazing on the most pristine shrubs and berries.
The result is incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful meat unlike lamb you’ve had elsewhere. Icelandic lamb is an Icelandic staple dish and you’ll find it included in various local dishes.
One of the most common dishes is lamb stew cooked with root vegetables, locally called Kjötsúpa, or you can go for the Sunday dinner classic: lamb leg.
Where to eat Icelandic Lamb
You’ll find lamb on many restaurant menus but Vid Voginn in Djùpivogur is one that comes highly recommended. This restaurant closes in the middle of winter, but it is conveniently located in the middle of the popular Ring Road route.
If you don’t have much time in Iceland to do the Ring Road, join this food tour of Reykjavik instead to try Icelandic lamb.
Svið (Sheep’s Head)
Now for those who err a bit more on the adventurous side, you can take it one step further and opt to try some sheep’s head.
This unique dish dates back to the Viking days when during the harsh winters food was scarce, and resources needed to be used efficiently. This meant that it was common for all parts of an animal to be used as food, including the head.
Today, sheep’s head is mostly consumed during local festivals and holidays, namely Thorablott, the annual winter’s feast held to commemorate eating traditional Icelandic food from the Viking era.
Sheep’s head has a very distinguished taste that not everyone will like, but it’s worth trying for those with a more adventurous palette.
Where to eat Sheep Head in Iceland
Sheep’s head is not a common dish anymore, but during holidays many local restaurants will add it to their menu as a special, especially in February around the week of Thorrablott. Just look for the word Svið on the menu.
Kleinur
Kleina (Kleinur in plural form) is a simple dessert that can be found in many Nordic countries, with Iceland being no exception. It’s essentially just deep-fried dough that tastes like something between a donut and a pretzel.
They usually come in strips or knots, and the classic version calls for a generous coat of powdered sugar to top it.
Make no mistake, this is not healthy food, it’s comfort food. It’s best enjoyed when dipped into a hot coffee on a cold day (which is most days in Iceland).
Where to eat kleina in Iceland
Kleina is an extremely common food. For some freshly rolled kleinur feel free to check out any bakaríið (bakery) you come across. You can’t go wrong at Bókasamlagið in Reykjavik for warm, fluffy kleina baked fresh daily.
Alternatively, you can try it on this food tour of Reykjavik.
Skyr
Skyr is easily one of Iceland’s most popular food exports, as it’s now sold all around the world as a premium yogurt and superfood.
Touted as a highly nutritious dairy product, skyr is mostly known for its high protein content and for being densely packed with probiotics.
As far as taste goes, skyr is thicker, richer, and slightly more sour in taste than other yogurts.
In Iceland, you’ll find skyr sold in every flavor under the sun, from apple to salted caramel to my personal favorite, creme brulee.
Skyr is a traditional breakfast in Iceland, but it can also be used as a main ingredient in a wide variety of dishes from desserts to sauces and much more. One of the best burgers in the country is the skyr burger from Efstidalur Farm in Laugarvatn.
Where to eat Skyr in Iceland
To try skyr in yogurt form, simply head to any supermarket you see. You’ll easily find dozens of flavors and brands, all of which are worth trying.
Icelandic Rye Bread
Another Icelandic staple food is the age-old Icelandic rye bread. This is not your typical bread by any means, since authentic Icelandic bread is much denser, sweeter, and incredibly hearty compared to regular bread.
The most unique aspect is how the Icelandic rye bread is made. The most traditional way to bake the bread is by putting the ingredients into a large pot or container, then burying it underground for up to 24 hours in a geothermal area.
The volcanic heat from the ground will bake the bread overnight. The result is a nutrient-dense, richly flavored bread that is eaten with butter, fish, or as a side to any local dish.
Where to eat Icelandic rye bread in Iceland
The most unique way to try Icelandic rye bread is to experience the baking process prior to tasting it. You can do this in several places around Iceland, but the most convenient place is at Fontana Spa, located along the Golden Circle Route.
Here they’ll walk you through the process of creating the dough, show you where and how they bury the bread, and end the tour with a tasting of course!
Fish & Chips
Most people assume that fish & chips is a British dish, and while they aren’t totally wrong, an Icelandic local may argue that point to the death.
Fish & chips, and cod in general, are very important elements of Icelandic cuisine. So important that Iceland almost went to war with England 3 times over the cod-rich fishing area between the two nations.
Today, you’ll find fresh fish & chips stalls all around downtown Reykjavik. I personally think fish & chips is best done in Iceland, as I find the batter to be fluffier and less drenched in fat than the English counterparts, but you can decide for yourself what you think.
Where to eat fish & chips in Iceland
The hands-down best spot for fish & chips is Reykjavik Fish Restaurant. Due to their popularity, there are now two locations in Reykjavik and both are equally great.
Pyslur (Icelandic Hot Dog)
Icelandic hot dogs are to Icelandic people what I’d imagine Starbucks iced coffee is for Americans: a comforting, reliable, on-the-go staple.
While hot dogs do not originate from Iceland, they certainly love them here, as proven by the numerous pylsur stalls you’ll find in every city in Iceland.
For those who need to give their wallet a break while travelling in Iceland, you’ll be happy to find that a hotdog will always be between $4 – $8 (that’s considered cheap in Iceland) anywhere you go.
The local way hot dogs are served is quite unique too, as they are typically topped with fried onions, raw onions, and a local variation of both mustard and remoulade.
Where to eat hotdogs in Iceland
You can find hot dog stalls in almost any city in Iceland. My favourite stall is called Viking Pylsur, located right in front of Hallgrimskirjka church in Reykjavik.
Here, they serve some of the best hot dogs in the country, including speciality hot dogs such as grounded lamb and vegan hot dogs.
Another super popular hot dog stand is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which has multiple locations across Reykjavik, and even Bill Clinton has had the pleasure of having one of their hot dogs.
And another option would be to join this food tour of Reykjavik where you’d get to try the famous Icelandic hot dog as well as most of the dishes mentioned in this post.
Smoked Salmon
The salmon found in Iceland is amongst the best in the world. This likely results from their habitat of pure, icy-cold waters of the North Atlantic, which in turn lead to high-quality salmon adapted by developing more body fat.
This makes the salmon here very soft and juicy, not to mention the added benefits of those extra omega-3s! Smoked salmon itself is not a dish but is wonderful when paired with Icelandic rye bread served as an appetizer.
Where to eat smoked salmon in Iceland
Some restaurants do serve smoked salmon, but the easiest and best way to try it is by heading to the supermarket and grabbing a pre-sliced pack. These make awesome impromptu sandwich ingredients, perfect for those long stretches on the road in Iceland.
I’d suggest going for the ones seasoned with dill if you can find them.
Hardfiskur (Dried Fish Jerky)
Hardfiskur is definitely another quintessential Icelandic food that all locals will tell you you must try. It’s essentially a dehydrated fish or “fish jerky” that is eaten as a snack or appetizer.
The fish used in hardfiskur is always some variation of Icelandic fish such as cod, stockfish or catfish. The flavor is mild, but somehow very satisfying and addictive.
These make fantastic road trip snacks as they are totally dried and don’t require any refrigeration.
For the most local way of eating it, buy a pack of single-use butter and dip the fish into it like a sauce. Don’t worry, you can always find butter packets sold right alongside hardfiskur in the store.
Where to eat fish jerky in Iceland
Hardfiskur is sold in essentially all supermarkets and grocery stores across Iceland.
Arctic Char
Arctic char is the most common freshwater fish species found and consumed in Iceland. When cooked, it can be found in a variety of types of entrees since it has a mild flavor that goes well with many dishes.
Another popular way to enjoy arctic char is when it’s smoked and served as an appetizer alongside some greens, sauces, flatbread, and even caviar.
Where to eat Arctic Char in Iceland
You can order Arctic char in some form from most restaurants in Iceland either as a main dish or as part of an appetizer. I find that Arctic char is best enjoyed smoked, and served as part of a platter or an open-faced sandwich on rye bread.
If you are visiting the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, their onsite restaurant serves an amazing platter of smoked Arctic char alongside local cream cheese, bread, and other Icelandic specialties.
Another option would be to join this food tour of Reykjavik, where you get to try Arctic Char as well as many of the dishes mentioned in this article.
Must try drinks in Iceland
Brennivín
If you ask any Icelandic person what the most Icelandic drink is, they will almost certainly tell you it’s Brennivín. This liquor was Iceland’s first and only locally produced liquor up until recent years.
With the enticing nickname as the “Black Death” drink, Brennivin is definitely not for the weak.
A sip of this unsweetened schnapps is like a gut punch of warmth and herbal flavors. Luckily, after the initial shock from its strong taste it goes down smoothly.
You can order a shot of Brennivín in any bar and most restaurants. I personally like to take a shot or two when out late night searching for northern lights in Iceland, as this will warm you right up on a cold night.
Icelandic Beer
Many people wouldn’t consider Iceland a beer-drinking destination, but it definitely is.
The local beer, especially the craft beer, is exceptionally high-quality. This is likely a result of the fine ingredients used and the pure water sources used in production.
Gull is the best of the more widely distributed beers in Iceland. But if you have time to head to a vinbudin (alcohol store), the beer you should really try is Einstok.
Their white ale boasts a unique blend of spices and citrus that is a real treat, best enjoyed when at volcanic hot springs or after a long waterfall hike.
Another great craft beer brand is Skoli. You can find their brewery and bar right in downtown Reykjavik where they’ve got dozens upon dozens of flavors to try.
Food to Avoid in Iceland
Whale
The practice of hunting and eating minke whale meat is a tradition steeped in Nordic culture. Today, it is still practiced in certain countries, like the Faroe Islands and even Iceland (although it will be banned completely by 2024).
Whale meat used to be essential in order to survive back in Viking times when food was scarce, and the hunters could use the whales’ body for other resources they needed. But for today’s standards, eating whale meat is questionable.
It’s not good for the oceans or the environment if we have fewer whales, and there’s the aspect that they are highly intelligent animals.
Plus, to be quite frank, besides the importance of travelling responsibly, it is not even the best food in terms of taste so it is best to avoid it.
Puffin
Centuries ago, the act of hunting and eating puffins was more widely practiced than it is today. In modern times, it’s not nearly as common to see puffins on a dinner menu, but a select few restaurants do still sell puffin meat mostly to cater to tourists.
Truthfully, it’s best to avoid eating puffin meat as they are a threatened species as it is. And as history has proven, birds over-hunted in Iceland do go extinct very easily, with the great auk being a prime example.
FAQs about food in Iceland
Hákarl, better known as fermented shark, is considered Iceland’s official national dish. But it doesn’t accurately reflect public opinion since fermented Greenland shark meat is not as widely eaten today as it may have been in the past.
A more recent survey of local opinion found that the majority of Icelandic people actually consider lamb to be the national dish. This makes a lot more sense, as lamb is such a staple part of Icelandic cuisine.
From hearty soups to sumptuous roasts for social gatherings, Icelandic lamb always seems to be at the center of most meals in Iceland.
Food in Iceland is expensive. An entree in a restaurant typically costs between 3,500 ISK – 6,000 ISK (about $27 – $45). Even a burger at gas stations will set you back 2400 ISK ($18).
Luckily, local delicacies like fish jerky, smoked salmon and skyr are best when bought at the supermarket where prices are more reasonable. Hotdogs are the best budget-friendly fast food you’ll find, closely followed by fish & chips.
Some of the food in Iceland is nothing short of amazing, especially when it comes to quality. Since Iceland is blessed with the most pristine water source and untouched natural landscapes, local meat, seafood, and dairy products are of top-notch quality.
There is absolutely no trace of factory farming or any highly genetically modified foods here either, and almost everything locally produced is organic.
But, as an isolated island nation with very few resources, certain things are quite limited in the traditional local cuisine, especially in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Do you have any questions about the food in Iceland?
Let me know in the comments!
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