Iceland is a country of rugged beauty, with glaciers, geysers, volcanoes and the midnight sun. But it’s also known for its unique cuisine. From traditional dishes to modern twists on classic recipes, here’s what food is Iceland famous for.
Skyr – Skyr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product made from skimmed milk. It has a creamy texture and an unmistakable sour-sweet taste.
It’s usually eaten as a snack or breakfast food and can come in both sweet and savory varieties. It’s also used to make dips and sauces.
Hot Dogs – Hot dogs are the unofficial national dish of Iceland. They’re served in almost every restaurant in the country, and even have their own dedicated stands in Reykjavik. The traditional Icelandic hot dog is made from lamb, pork and beef and topped with crispy onions, ketchup, sweet mustard and remoulade.
Seafood – Iceland’s waters are filled with fresh seafood such as cod, haddock, salmon, herring and more. Seafood plays an important role in Icelandic cuisine and can be cooked in many different ways: boiled, grilled, fried or served raw as sushi or sashimi.
Lamb – Lamb is another popular ingredient in Icelandic cooking. Icelandic lamb is especially flavorful because it grazes on wild herbs that grow around the country’s volcanic hillsides. Common dishes include lamb stew (lambskál) and cured lamb (hangikjöt).
Fermented Shark – Fermented shark (hakarl) is one of the most unique dishes you’ll find in Iceland. It’s made from Greenland shark which has been buried underground for several months before being hung up to dry for several more months.
Icelandic Chocolate – Chocolates from Reykjavik’s Omnom Chocolate Factory are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world. The company produces premium chocolates using only natural ingredients sourced from local farms.
Icelandic Beer – Beer has been brewed in Iceland since Viking times but today there are dozens of craft breweries across the country producing some amazing beers such as Gull (a pale lager) or Einstök White Ale (a wheat beer).
Conclusion
What Food Is Iceland Famous For?
Iceland is known for its unique cuisine which includes traditional dishes like skyr, hot dogs, seafood dishes like boiled or grilled fish; lamb cooked various ways; fermented shark; chocolates from Omnom Chocolate Factory; and local craft beers like Gull or Einstök White Ale.