Icelandic Food
Iceland is a place like no other—think epic landscapes, powerful volcanoes, and massive glaciers. But there’s more to it than just jaw-dropping views.
The food here is a big part of the experience too.
Icelandic cuisine is all about making the most of what the island has to offer, blending old-school traditions with fresh, modern ideas.
Here are some must-try Icelandic dishes that’ll make your trip even more unforgettable.
Your taste buds may or may not thank you (hello, fermented shark), but they will remember the experience.
Traditional staples rooted in history
Skyr – Iceland’s Superfood
No Icelandic experience is complete without skyr—a creamy, tangy “yogurt” that has sustained Icelanders for over a thousand years.
While it might look like yogurt at first glance, skyr is technically a soft cheese, boasting a smooth texture and a slightly tangy taste.
High in protein and low in fat, Skyr is considered a superfood.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with fresh berries, or blended into a smoothie, skyr’s a staple at every meal. You might even find it used in desserts in Iceland’s finest restaurants.
You can also find it at any local grocery store around the island. Kronan is one of the most common grocery stores we frequented, and it had all the provisions we needed while road-tripping around Iceland.
And for a true local experience?
While at Kronan, pick up some honey and Icelandic blueberries to add as a mix-in.
One of my favorite snacks.
Icelandic Lamb
There’s lamb, and then there’s Icelandic lamb—a breed that roams free through the highlands (seriously everywhere), grazing on wild herbs and grasses in the purest environment imaginable.
The result?
Tender, flavorful meat with a distinctive herb flavor earned it a worldwide reputation.
Icelandic lamb has been part of the nation’s diet for centuries, and today, it’s a favorite on restaurant menus – roasted, grilled, or served in a stew.
For the ultimate comfort food experience, seek out kjötsúpa, a traditional lamb soup. Simmered with root vegetables, this soup is like Iceland in a bowl.
This is a dish that I ordered at the Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar.
Possibly one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.
Rye Bread (Rúgbrauð)
Icelanders have long mastered using their island’s natural resources, and rúgbrauð, or Icelandic rye bread, is a perfect example.
Traditionally, this dark, dense loaf is baked underground using geothermal heat.
Imagine placing your dough into a pot, burying it near a steaming hot spring, and returning hours later to find perfectly baked bread.
The bread itself is slightly sweet, with a cake-like texture.
It goes great with smoked lamb, butter, or fresh seafood.
One of my favorite ways? Topped with hangikjöt (smoked lamb) or a thick layer of butter.
You can actually still get Rye Bread that has been prepared using this traditional method around Iceland.
One place we wanted to visit but didn’t get the chance to was Laugarvatn Fontana, where you can witness rúgbrauð baking in the ground and even sample it fresh from the earth.
Street Food and Quick Bites
Icelandic Hot Dogs (Pylsur)
If there’s one dish that defines Icelandic street food, it’s the beloved pylsur—Iceland’s hot dogs.
These are no ordinary weiners! They’re made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef.
Icelandic hot dogs have a distinct (good) flavor that will be different from any other hot dog you’ve had.
Pylsur comes topped with a bunch of condiments, including crispy fried onions, raw onions, sweet mustard (known as pylsusinnep), ketchup, and a creamy remoulade.
It’s crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once.
Want to experience the ultimate pylsur?
Head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavik, a hot dog stand that has been serving these iconic treats since 1937.
Even former U.S. president Bill Clinton couldn’t resist the allure of an Icelandic hot dog!
Icelandic Ice Cream
Despite Iceland’s chilly climate, locals have a year-round love affair with ice cream.
No matter how cold the wind blows, you’ll find Icelanders running to the ice cream shop.
Because it’s not just any ice cream—it’s often made from locally sourced, ultra-creamy milk. It’s super rich and worth braving the weather for.
For farm-fresh ice cream, head to Efstidalur II, a family-run dairy farm where you can enjoy your cone while looking at the very cows that produced the milk.
Their ice cream is ultra-fresh and can be customized with a wide range of toppings.
We also went to the Omnom ice cream shop because we had seen it on “Down to Earth with Zac Efron” and it was very good as well. They have more than just ice cream, also specializing in making really unique chocolate.
Seafood Specialties
Icelandic Fish
With its vast coastline and cold, clean waters, it’s no wonder that fish is a central part of Icelandic cuisine.
The country’s waters are home to some of the finest fish in the world, including cod, haddock, and the prized Arctic char.
Icelandic chefs take pride in using simple, pure ingredients to let the freshness of the fish shine through, and you’ll often find these fish grilled, baked, or lightly pan-fried.
One of the best ways to experience Icelandic seafood is by visiting a traditional fiskibúð (fish market) or dining at a harbor-side restaurant where the day’s catch is served just hours after being pulled from the ocean.
Because of the Icelands’ incredibly cold water, the fish is sweet.
Don’t miss out on trying plokkfiskur. It’s a fish stew made from mashed fish, potatoes, and onions, often topped with butter and herbs.
Lobster Soup (Humarsúpa)
Icelandic lobster, or langoustine, is known for its tender, sweet meat.
And when it’s transformed into humarsúpa, a rich and creamy lobster soup, it becomes the ultimate comfort food. (I know I already said that about lamb soup. You can have more than one ultimate comfort food!)
This soup, made with a base of lobster stock, cream, and spices, is served piping hot and often accompanied by fresh bread.
It’s perfect on chilly Icelandic days (which is pretty much any day), warming you from the inside out.
If you’re a seafood lover, this dish is not to be missed.
Sweet Treats
Icelandic Pancakes (Pönnukökur)
Pönnukökur are Iceland’s answer to crepes—thin pancakes often rolled up with jam and whipped cream. These pancakes are a treat in Iceland, a breakfast, a snack, and a dessert.
Made with just a few basic ingredients—flour, eggs, milk, and sugar—they’re quick to make and satisfying.
Some people like them with a dusting of powdered sugar, while others prefer chocolate or berry jam. Either way, these pancakes are so good.
If you like coffee, for an extra-special treat, enjoy pönnukökur with a cup of strong Icelandic coffee. Maddie loved this!
For the Adventurous Eater
Fermented Shark (Hákarl)
A test of courage!
No culinary adventure in Iceland is complete without the ultimate test of taste bud bravery – hákarl, or fermented shark.
This traditional dish is made from Greenland shark, which, when fresh, contains toxins that make it unsafe to eat.
The shark is fermented for several months to make it safe, allowing the toxins to break down and the meat to take on its infamous strong flavor.
An unmistakable ammonia smell and a taste that’s, let’s say, an acquired one, hákarl is not for the faint-hearted.
But those bold enough to try it will be rewarded with a story to tell.
