Food is an integral part of any culture, and Iceland is no exception. With its unique geography, climate and history, Iceland has developed a cuisine that is both distinctive and delicious. From hearty traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Iceland has something to please everyone’s taste buds.
The traditional Icelandic cuisine known as “hákarl” or putrefied shark meat is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. The Greenland shark meat is cured in a process that takes several months, resulting in a unique flavor that may be an acquired taste for some. Other traditional dishes include skyr, a type of yogurt made from skimmed milk; puffin, which is seabird eaten whole; and hartshorn (or “hornafjördur”), which is dried fish flakes.
Modern Icelandic cuisine often incorporates influences from other countries. For example, sushi restaurants are becoming increasingly popular in the capital city of Reykjavik. Other popular dishes include hot dogs with Icelandic-style condiments like mustard and remoulade; rye bread with smoked salmon; lamb soup; and “plokkfiskur”, a traditional fish stew made with potatoes and onions.
Seafood
Seafood plays an important role in the Icelandic diet. Traditional dishes include boiled cod with butter sauce (“blandað kjötsúpa”) and salted herring (“síld”).
Popular seafood snacks include dried fish strips (“harðfiskur”) and smoked salmon (“lax”). Seafood restaurants are also plentiful in Reykjavik.
Sweets
Icelandic desserts tend to be light but flavorful. Popular sweets include “kleinur”, small doughnuts often flavored with cardamom; skyr cake covered with chocolate or raspberry sauce; “vínarterta”, a layered almond cake served at weddings; and rye bread ice cream (“rúgbrauði ís”).
Drinks
The national beverage of Iceland is Brennivín, an unsweetened schnapps distilled from potatoes. Beer drinkers will find plenty of local craft brews available throughout the country as well as imported favorites from other countries.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, food in Iceland is varied and flavorful. From traditional putrefied shark meat to modern fusion cuisine, there’s something to please everyone’s palate when visiting this beautiful country.
Seafood plays an important role in the Icelandic diet while desserts tend to be light but flavorful. And don’t forget to try the national beverage: Brennivín!