But most people dont have a clue what to expect when it comes to Icelands food culture.
Beyond its freshness, Icelands food is pure.
Our fare has always been very simple because of our climate limitations and isolation from the world.
Photo: Courtesy of Claire Volkman
With people visiting the island in droves, Iceland’s food scene is experiencing a renaissance.
Foodies are finding thatReykjavik, the islands capital, is full of restaurants serving traditional ingredients in new ways.
Honestly, two of my personal favorite Icelandic dishes are the horse and the whale.
Food Tour
Both are incredibly traditional to our cuisine and rarely found elsewhere.
Plus, theyre delicious when served as steaks but can also be cured or smoked, Halldorsoon says.
Halldorsson grew up eating it with sugar, but most locals love itau natural.
Reykavik Restaurant
Lamb
Id have to say that our Icelandic cuisine completely builds up around our Icelandic lamb, says Halldorsson.
Honestly, they marinate themselves naturally with their free-range diets.
For a more traditional dish, try Islenski Barinn, a casual eatery that serves hearty lamb shank.
Iceland Food
We go absolutely bananas for good ice cream, says Halldorsson with a smile.
If youre vegan, try Hafis dairy-free varieties, like caramel.
Access to food was also limited, thats why we ate things like this, Smaradottir explains.
Salmon
Rye bread (and butter)
Icelandic rye bread, or rugbrau, is a staple of Icelandic cuisine.
However, if you ask any local, theres really only one way to make it right.
It should be buried 30 centimeters in the ground next to a bubbling geyser.
Seafood
Families in Iceland almost always had fish for one of their daily meals.
Delicacies like plokkfiskur, or mashed fish stew, kept the locals satisfied during the painfully cold winters.
Although times have changed, fish is still a huge staple in many local diets.
Lobster is also one of the best things Icelanders eat.
Another one of Marchants favorite spots for seafood isSkal.
Go there for the fresh scallops and pair with their natural wine or local beer, he suggests.
Fish is found aplenty all throughout Reykjavik, like the gratinated fish with rye bread atSlippbarrinnin the Marina Hotel.
Svi
Although lamb was previously mentioned, svi is a dish that needs its own category.
It’s usually served with sides of vegetables like mashed turnips or potatoes and rhubarb jelly.
Similar to hangikjot, svi is a meal often served during a specific time of year.
Kjotsupa, or lamb soup
Hearty and nourishing, Icelands traditional lamb soup is quintessential comfort food.
Vegetables are added and sometimes herbs and rice as well.
