Whether you are on a strict diet or just naturally curious about what kind of food is served in Iceland, I’ve got you covered!
I traveled to Iceland in February of 2018, and as someone who “eats everything minus Yuca and Fried Plantains” I went into the trip with an open mind. The short trip was so fun that I actually went back for a full week in June of 2018, so I’ve been updating this content as I continue to try to be the best travel advisor on the planet!
What is Typical Iceland Food Like?
Table of Contents
I’ll remind you that if you are in the beginning of planning your trip to Iceland, you are headed to an iconic country that is simply one of a kind. You will fall in love with how different it is from anywhere else I’ve been in the world.
If you are adventurous, take a look at my guide to planning a trip to Iceland.
Now, back on topic – FOOD.
What sorts of food is consumed in Iceland, exactly? Well, this is entirely up to you, because there are many options that you will be familiar with, but if you are like me, and want to live like a local, you’ll go all out and try some of the local dishes.
I’m going to start with foods I actually tried, and then delve into mentioning the ones I didn’t try.
Let’s start with skyr, because it’s something you’ll see over there and you’ll think it’s yogurt. It’s not, but it’s got the same type of texture. As a sort of soft cheese, skyr is made from gelatinous milk curds. The texture and feeling on your tongue is much like that of yogurt, although it has a bit of a sour cream after taste to it, in my opinion. I didn’t consume a ton of it, because I reserved my mornings for the fine pastries at the Sandholt, which you can see below.
It’s worth noting that they eat skyr at all times of the day, sort of like how the Vietnamese enjoy a bowl of Pho.
What’s worth mentioning about skyr is that it’s high in protein and very low in fat and carbs. Ironically, I noticed it just hit the shelves at my local South Florida Whole Foods. Being rich in vitamins and calcium doesn’t hurt the body, I suppose.
Next, I went into Kjötsúpa, which essentially is a meat soup.
This was my absolute JAM. Small pieces of meat are lumped together with rice, carrots, onions, potatoes, and herbs. Typically this is boiled for several hours prior to being served, but like the chili I was served during cold Minnesota winters, the locals like it’s flavor even more after letting it sit for a day and re-heating it.
Speaking of things that I enjoy, the pylsa is what they call the local hot dog. You can find my review of the best hot dog stand in Europe to find out more!
Made with a hint of lamb in addition to the normal beef or pork, the real magic is in the sauce. You can see me pigging out on this delicious flavor, with fried, crispy online rings and all, on the image below.
Served with brown mustard, ketchup, the aforementioned friend onion crisps, and a sauce made from mayo and relish, this would be a hit in any baseball stadium in the USA.
“Get your Icelandic hot dogs here. Right here, with a cold Viking Beer.”
Hmmmm….business ideas are flowing.
Speaking of the Viking Beer, it’s the local lager that you’ll find around town. Being a Minnesota Vikings fan, I wanted this beer to be awesome, however, it was something that tasted like any lager you can find on tap anywhere. It’s very similar to a Miller Lite, which actually may be appealing to many people. In a day and age with craft beer being so abundant, the classic beers, like Viking, are just hard to stomach unless it’s the only option. That said, I had many of them, because growing up a beer drinker, I will always opt for a cold one after a hard day of work.
By the way, you will need a passport to visit Iceland. If you need one, or need to rush one, use the service below:
If you need a passport or travel visa for ANY country, and need to expedite it, there is one service I can highly recommend over any other service: Click this link ——>IVisa.
Our big night out at the expensive place in town was spent at Grill Market.
You may not believe it, but according to our server, “horse” was the dish people ate when they were celebrating something special. Well, I’ve never been one to shy away from celebrating the sun coming up, so I dove right in and ordered this bad boy rare. Horse tenderloin, ladies and gentlemen, ranks right up there with the best filet mignon or ribeye you’ve ever had. Take a look at the exact piece that I ordered. Clean muscle, lean, and tasty. (Scroll down for a picture of it served.)
(I got horse at this restaurant for all inquiring minds:https://www.allworld.com/grillmarkadurinn-restaurant-review-iceland/)
While I am happy to report that eating Mr. Ed was something that satisfied my stomach, eating Hákarl (dried fermented Shark) was something I’ll not run back to repeating. The smell of it alone is enough to steer most people away from it, and unless you like drinking cleaning products or rubbing alcohol, you probably won’t enjoy this dish.
In fact, I did some research, and while I didn’t see the show, Anthony Bourdain calls fermented shark:
the worst thing he’s ever—ever, ever—eaten.
I had the Hákarl as part of the “Icelandic Braveheart” dish. You get a shot of Brennivín to wash it down, so how bad could it be? Brennivín is like Sambuca, and the locals call it “black death.”
Well, I wish they gave me a fifth to wash it down, or maybe even an entire bottle. To me, it was like taking a small scallop, pouring Drano on it, soaking it, and eating it. I found out that eating fresh shark could poison you, which is the reason the curing process, which consists of burying the shark underground for 6-12 weeks, followed by hanging it to dry an additional 4-5 months, is so long.
While I didn’t eat an entire meal of it, puffin was a nice little bird to eat. Eating them on a slider was quite delightful.
This cute little bird is great on a toasted bun with sauce!
Minke Whale was as I expected – blubbery. It had a nice taste to it, but unlike horse, wasn’t very lean. Again, totally expected. I ate this as a dish and on a slider.
Icelandic Food I Didn’t Try
Svið is the sheep’s head, and it’s not available publicly at restaurants, but you can find it in people’s homes and it’s typically well received. After singing the head to get rid of all the hair, the head is brained and boiled. You’ll find this served with mashed turnips and potatoes as well as some rhubarb jelly for good measure. A real Viking will eat the face, eyeballs and all. Again, it gets really good reviews, so don’t think of this as something you used to see on Joe Rogan’s Fear Factor. If given the opportunity, I would have dove right in, just for the story.
Another food I didn’t get to eat was Hrútspungar (Rams testicles). The story goes that in the poverty ridden times of Iceland, the thought process people had was to not be wasteful. As it turned out, they really didn’t waste anything, so Ram’s balls were saved, pressed, pickled, and eaten. You really can’t make this stuff up, and for the sake that there may be children reading about Iceland for school work, I’m not going to insert a pic of Ram’s testicles here in any fashion.
Additional Notes on Food in Iceland
Be ready for a ton of bread. A lot of dark rye, in fact. However, unlike in the USA, the bread is gluten free and much better for you. I figured I’d bloat up after consuming more bread than I have in years, all over the course of a weekend, but this wasn’t the case. It’s amazing.
You’ll also find an abundance of lamb. I don’t enjoy lamb, so I have nothing to report. However, more than one local mentioned to me that their lamb is the “best lamb in the world.” Apparently they are free roam, which makes them more tasty. I’ll just believe them.
Fish are very popular as well, and you’ll find fish of many varieties across Iceland. Arctic Char was very delicious, but as my friend would say “you can get that at Nobu.” Yeah, because we go there all the time, you know.
If you ever have questions about Iceland or Icelandic food, simply drop me a comment below, I’m more than happy to answer any questions.
AboutTim
Tim Schmidt is an Entrepreneur who helps companies grow their online business. A firm believer in creating great content, he founded AllWorld.com to empower world travelers. You can also find his work published at the Huffington Post, Social Media Today, and many other online journals. His latest claim to fame is having his footage of feeding giant crocodiles in Costa Rica featured on Animal Planet. Visit his official site to learn more about him.
FAQs
What food is typical in Iceland? ›
The most typical food in Iceland involves fish, lamb, or Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt). These have been the main elements in the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years. Icelandic meals are commonly meat-based due to the lack of farmable lands in the past.
What are the most popular food in Iceland? ›Cod, salmon and haddock are the most common, along with langoustines, a favorite for most local gourmands. “Lobster is also one of the best things Icelanders eat. The small Icelandic langoustine is incredible tender and delicious and an expensive favorite for many, myself included,” Halldorsson laughed.
What is a typical breakfast in Iceland? ›A typical Icelandic breakfast can include thick oatmeal (hafragrautur), Skyr with jam, bread with butter, and cod liver oil.
What meat do Icelanders eat? ›Lamb. Lamb is the quintessential ingredient of Icelandic foods. The country has some of the best lamb meat in the world, as their sheep are allowed to roam the hills without fences. The sheep get to choose the best bits of grass, moss and berries to munch on and drink from sparkling glacier rivers.
Is there a Mcdonalds in Iceland? ›Chain Restaurants for Fast Food Reykjavik
As mentioned earlier, Iceland is one of the few countries in the world without a McDonald's and there is no Starbucks either.
| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 1,200.00kr |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 1,100.00kr |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 604.86kr |
| Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 348.17kr |
Brennivín A distilled brand of schnapps that is considered Iceland's signature liquor. It is sometimes called Svarti dauði, meaning Black Death. It is made from fermented potato mash and is flavored with caraway seeds.
Is food expensive in Iceland? ›Cook Your Own Food
I found food to be the most expensive thing in Iceland. Eating out, even on the cheap, costs about $15 USD or more per meal. Something from a sit-down restaurant with service can cost $25 USD or more! It's easy for your food budget to go through the roof at those prices.
| Item | ISK (average) | Price in GBP (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | 2,500 | £14.32 |
| Three course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding wine) | 15,000 | £85 |
| Domestic beer (half litre) | 1,200 | £6.87 |
| Imported Beer (0.33l) | 1,000 | £5.73 |
WHEN DO ICELANDERS ENJOY DINNER? Similar to many Scandinavian countries, it's very common to have dinner in Iceland at around 6 – 8PM. 7pm being the standard “dinner time”. Of course you can dine at every time you please but most restaurants in Reykjavik have their kitchens open from 6PM and until 22PM.
What do you wear to dinner in Iceland? ›
A nice shirt and jeans for example with dark or brown shoes will work perfectly as well. But since it can get chilly during the winter time, I would recommend bringing a warm jacket, coat or blazer to keep you warm while you hop between different bars and nightclubs.
Can I drink water in Iceland? ›Yes, the water is safe to drink in Iceland. Unless marked otherwise, tap water is considered safe, and because of where it comes from, you know you're getting it in its purest form. Nearly all of Iceland's tap water is sourced from groundwater – stored deep in wells under the earth's surface.
What can picky eaters eat in Iceland? ›Icelandic Food Guide for the Picky Eaters | What To Eat In Iceland
Do people use cash in Iceland? ›Iceland is expensive. Credit cards are widely used. Icelandic Kronur are available through banks and cash machines in Iceland although some UK banks require advance notice before allowing debit or credit cards to be used in Iceland.
What can I bring back from Iceland? ›- Icelandic candy. In the category, edible souvenirs, Icelandic candy surely takes the win. ...
- Icelandic fashion. ...
- Icelandic skincare products. ...
- Icelandic liqueurs. ...
- Traditional Icelandic lopapeysa. ...
- Icelandic literature. ...
- Icelandic wool blankets. ...
- Hand-carved birds or furry sheep.
The most baneful ones spread diseases. In almost every country in the world, mosquitoes are a menace. Everywhere but Iceland, that is. Iceland is one of the few habitable places on the planet that is mosquito-free, and nobody really seems to know why.
Do they have KFC in Iceland? ›KFC boasts eight locations around the country, sprinkling towns big and small with its 11 herbs and spices.
How much is a Big Mac in Iceland? ›You can buy a Big Mac in the US for $3.06, for the equivalent of $1.27 in China but it would cost you $6.67 in Iceland. According to the Economist, “burgernomics is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP), the notion that a dollar should buy the same amount in all countries.
Do I need to carry cash in Iceland? ›The quick answer to 'do I need cash in Iceland' is a resounding 'no. ' You'll be fine using your credit card or debit card while you travel throughout the country.
Do you tip in Iceland? ›Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Iceland, but it is always appreciated. The standard rate of tax on Icelandic products is 24%, with some products and services, including books, food and accommodation, taxed at a reduced rate of 11%.
Why is there no alcohol in Iceland? ›
prohibition in Iceland is not a long-forgotten relic. Icelandic prohibition went into effect on January 1, 1915 and existed in some form until 1989. Unlike American prohibition (which was enacted through the process of constitutional amendment), Icelandic prohibition was enacted through a referendum.
Can you take chocolate into Iceland? ›Travellers may import duty-free up to 10 kg of food, including candy, not exceeding the value of ISK 25,000. Travellers are not allowed to import meat and dairy products from outside the European Economic Area to Iceland.
What is the legal age to drink in Iceland? ›The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20. Grocery stores only have low-alcohol beer; all other alcohol is sold in state-controlled stores called Vínbúð, with limited opening hours. If you're arriving by plane and want to have some stronger alcohol on you, we advise to get some at the airport.
How much is a glass of wine in Iceland? ›| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 187 ISK (155-240) |
|---|---|
| A bottle of wine (Mid-Range) | 2,500 ISK (2,000-3,500) |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 404 ISK (300-550) |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 371 ISK (300-500) |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | 1,400 ISK (1,400-1,800) |
How much is a cup of coffee in Iceland? You may want to consider it an odd treat instead of a daily buy. A cup of latte or cappuccino goes for around 5 USD, tea at about 3 USD (usually with free hot water refills), and a regular black coffee goes for anything from 1.50 USD to 4 USD.
Is Iceland cheaper than UK? ›United Kingdom is 37.4% more expensive than Iceland.
How much is a latte in Iceland? ›Tea or coffee: 400-600 ISK (4-5 USD) Cappuccino, latte, and similar: 500-800 ISK (5-7 USD) Soft drinks and juice: 400-600 ISK (3.5-5 USD)
How much is a bottle of beer in Iceland? ›HOW MUCH DOES BEER COST IN ICELAND? 500 ml of beer will set you back between 800 and 1.500 ISK with prices of 1.000 to 1.200 ISK being typical. 1 liter of beer does not cost much more than 500 ml.
How many days in Iceland is enough? ›A minimum of 1 week in Iceland is ideal, but visiting for up to 2 or even 3 weeks will allow you to see more of this beautiful country in the same trip. Staying for less than 7 days in Iceland is still doable, but there's no doubt you'll want to come back again to see and do more.
Do they eat horse meat in Iceland? ›Do Icelanders still eat horse meat? Although not as common as before, the answer to this question is yes. It's important to stress that Icelanders do not eat the same horses they ride. Some horses are specially bred for their meat and those horses are never tamed or given a name.
Can you eat chicken in Iceland? ›
Icelandic food today is noted for being almost shockingly free of antibiotics, hormones or pesticides. Chicken and livestock often roam free and eat steady diets of grass, and this healthy, natural lifestyle comes through prominently in the quality and taste of the meat you'll get here.
Does Iceland have pasta? ›Ideal for large families or those who simply love to cook each night, our large bags of pasta are fantastic value – and will last for plenty of meals. Our handy ready-made sauces, meanwhile, make it even easier to serve up a satisfying bowl or two.
Do Icelanders wear jeans? ›Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair. If you plan to go on an adventurous excursion, we recommend wearing the appropriate, activewear clothing.
What do you wear on your legs in Iceland? ›Leggings are ideal for Iceland, being both easy to layer and good for moving around in when you're doing some of the adventure activities. And unlike jeans, they dry easily. I chose to bring three different types: thermal, fleece-lined and normal cotton ones. The most important ones were the thermal leggings.
What do you wear to a bar in Iceland? ›For Nightclubs
Icelanders are stylish AF. Gentleman, dress smart casual - no hoodies, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no sweatpants. Like many cold places, it's ok to bring a big coat to stay warm as you make your way to the club. Once in, you can check your coat.
Iceland's water is so clean that drinking from the taps alone doesn't even cover it; more often than not, it is completely safe to drink from the country's streams and river systems, most of which originate from one of the island's many, mighty glaciers.
Does Iceland have any natural predators? ›Are there any dangerous animals in Iceland? Not really, the island is thankfully free of large predators. The only native mammal in Iceland is the Arctic fox, which due to its isolation in Iceland for 10000 years is now its own species called Alopex lagopus fuliginosus.
Is water free at restaurants in Iceland? ›Local Cuisine
For many travelers the journey to Iceland is a true gourmet trip! Please note that in restaurants in Iceland you do not pay for fresh water, unless you order bottled water. Bread is also provided free of charge.
Tea is also pretty popular, though not consumed with such enthusiasm. Bottled water and familiar brands of soft drinks are available everywhere. Milk comes in a bewildering range of styles, making a trip to the supermarket fridge quite a challenge if you can't read Icelandic.
Are there snakes in Iceland? ›Don't worry; there are no snakes in Iceland. This is one of those great trivia facts about Iceland that always surprise people. The climate is too cold for those cold-blooded snakes (no pun intended). Sand snakes are when strong winds blow sand through the air in a stream so fast that it looks like a snake.
Can you take duty free alcohol into Iceland? ›
Duty-Free Alcohol
Customs limits you to 1 liter of wine or 6 liters of beer, plus 1 liter of spirits. If you're not carrying spirits or beer, then you can bring in 2.5 liters (5.3 pints) of wine.
Puffin. Yes, the cute and friendly seabird is served at some restaurants. However, it's mostly tourists who eat Puffins. Icelanders, however, ate puffin when the times were hard and the food was scarce.
Can you pet sheep in Iceland? ›Unlike the horses, sheep are one of the animals in Iceland you shouldn't try to approach. Enjoy them from your car or from behind the fence, but don't try to pet them.
What kind of shark do they eat in Iceland? ›Hákarl (an abbreviation of kæstur hákarl Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈcʰaistʏr ˈhauːˌkʰa(r)tl̥], referred to as fermented shark in English) is a national dish of Iceland consisting of a Greenland shark or other sleeper shark that has been cured with a particular fermentation process and hung to dry for four to five ...
Do I need a plug adapter for Iceland? ›Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs. For these plugs, you can use adapter types “C” or “F”. These are often labelled as a Northern Europe adapter. If you are visiting Iceland from overseas, we do not recommend bringing a hair dryer.
What is the best month to visit Iceland? ›The summer months — July and August — are Iceland's warmest, and have long been the most popular time to visit. And June, with its 24 hours of daylight, sees just about as many tourists as the peak of summer.
Can I use my Halifax debit card in Iceland? ›Our debit and credit cards are accepted worldwide.
How much does a meal cost in Iceland? ›| Item | ISK (average) | Price in GBP (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | 2,500 | £14.32 |
| Three course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding wine) | 15,000 | £85 |
| Domestic beer (half litre) | 1,200 | £6.87 |
| Imported Beer (0.33l) | 1,000 | £5.73 |
Cook Your Own Food
I found food to be the most expensive thing in Iceland. Eating out, even on the cheap, costs about $15 USD or more per meal. Something from a sit-down restaurant with service can cost $25 USD or more! It's easy for your food budget to go through the roof at those prices.
WHEN DO ICELANDERS ENJOY DINNER? Similar to many Scandinavian countries, it's very common to have dinner in Iceland at around 6 – 8PM. 7pm being the standard “dinner time”. Of course you can dine at every time you please but most restaurants in Reykjavik have their kitchens open from 6PM and until 22PM.
What is Iceland famous for? ›
Iceland is most famous for its rugged landscapes and scenery. The Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls top the list of must-sees. Iceland is also famous for its history and being settled by the Vikings. It is known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” due to its contrasting landscapes.
How much is a Big Mac in Iceland? ›You can buy a Big Mac in the US for $3.06, for the equivalent of $1.27 in China but it would cost you $6.67 in Iceland. According to the Economist, “burgernomics is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP), the notion that a dollar should buy the same amount in all countries.
Do I need to carry cash in Iceland? ›The quick answer to 'do I need cash in Iceland' is a resounding 'no. ' You'll be fine using your credit card or debit card while you travel throughout the country.
How much is a glass of wine in Iceland? ›| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 187 ISK (155-240) |
|---|---|
| A bottle of wine (Mid-Range) | 2,500 ISK (2,000-3,500) |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 404 ISK (300-550) |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 371 ISK (300-500) |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | 1,400 ISK (1,400-1,800) |
United Kingdom is 37.4% more expensive than Iceland.
What do you wear to a restaurant in Iceland? ›A nice shirt and jeans for example with dark or brown shoes will work perfectly as well. But since it can get chilly during the winter time, I would recommend bringing a warm jacket, coat or blazer to keep you warm while you hop between different bars and nightclubs. Shark tasting & Icelandic Beer.
Do you tip in Iceland? ›Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Iceland, but it is always appreciated. The standard rate of tax on Icelandic products is 24%, with some products and services, including books, food and accommodation, taxed at a reduced rate of 11%.
What is the national drink of Iceland? ›Brennivín (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈprɛnnɪˌviːn]) is considered to be Iceland's signature distilled beverage. It is distilled from fermented grain mash and then combined with Iceland's very soft, high-pH water, and flavored only with caraway.
Do they eat horse meat in Iceland? ›Do Icelanders still eat horse meat? Although not as common as before, the answer to this question is yes. It's important to stress that Icelanders do not eat the same horses they ride. Some horses are specially bred for their meat and those horses are never tamed or given a name.
Can you eat chicken in Iceland? ›Icelandic food today is noted for being almost shockingly free of antibiotics, hormones or pesticides. Chicken and livestock often roam free and eat steady diets of grass, and this healthy, natural lifestyle comes through prominently in the quality and taste of the meat you'll get here.
What do I need to know before going to Iceland? ›
- It's Expensive, But Not as Bad as You Might Think. ...
- You'll Rarely Need Cash. ...
- You Don't Need to Book Campsites in Advance. ...
- It's Really Cold. ...
- And Rainy. ...
- The Weather is Predictably Unpredictable. ...
- It Doesn't Get Dark During the Summer. ...
- Daylight Hours are Short in the Winter.
- Icelandic candy. In the category, edible souvenirs, Icelandic candy surely takes the win. ...
- Icelandic fashion. ...
- Icelandic skincare products. ...
- Icelandic liqueurs. ...
- Traditional Icelandic lopapeysa. ...
- Icelandic literature. ...
- Icelandic wool blankets. ...
- Hand-carved birds or furry sheep.