Are you ready to explore the unique flavours of Icelandic cuisine? Here is a culinary journey of discovery, as you explore the delightful tastes of this small island nation. From hearty traditional dishes to more modern interpretations, Icelandic cuisine offers something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with the delicious flavours of Icelandic cuisine.
An Introduction to Icelandic Cuisine
When booking your flights to Reykjavik you will be happy to know that the Icelandic cuisine is unique and full of flavour, offering a unique range of dishes that are both traditional and modern. From fresh seafood to hearty stews, Icelandic cuisine has something to offer for everyone. The history of Icelandic cuisine dates back to the time of Viking settlers, who brought with them traditional dishes such as smoked lamb and dried fish. Many of these dishes have evolved over time and are still enjoyed today, including the popular smoked lamb dish, hangikjöt. In recent years, Icelandic cuisine has become more diverse, with influences from many other cultures, including French, Italian, and Asian. This has resulted in an exciting mix of flavours and ingredients, with restaurants offering an array of different dishes from all around the world.
Traditional Icelandic Dishes
Icelandic cuisine is rooted in the natural environment and the traditional lifestyles of its inhabitants. Icelanders have long relied on the abundant marine life and the plentiful livestock of their environment to sustain themselves. In this way, traditional Icelandic dishes are often a combination of land and sea ingredients, usually cooked together over an open fire. Some of the most popular and well-known traditional Icelandic dishes include:
1. Kjötsúpa: Kjötsúpa is a hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables. It's a very popular dish served on special occasions or during cold weather.
2. Hangikjöt: Hangikjöt is smoked lamb, often served as part of a larger meal. It's also a popular ingredient in traditional Icelandic dishes like skyr, an Icelandic yoghurt-like cheese, and kleinur, a deep-fried pastry.
3. Plokkfiskur: Plokkfiskur is a creamy mashed potato dish with fish and a white sauce. It's usually served as a main course with rye bread or boiled potatoes.
4. Harðfiskur: Harðfiskur is dried fish that has been salted and then hung to dry in the cold air. It's eaten as a snack or as part of a main meal.
5. Svið: Svið is boiled sheep's head that is served with mashed rutabaga and potatoes. It's considered to be a delicacy in Iceland and is traditionally served on Christmas Eve.
Popular Icelandic Foods
When it comes to popular Icelandic foods, there are a few dishes that immediately come to mind. These include skyr, the classic Icelandic yoghurt; hakarl, a cured shark dish; and kleinur, a deep-fried pastry. Skyr is made from skimmed milk, giving it a creamy texture, and is served either plain or with added sugar, fruit, or other flavourings. Hakarl is made by burying a fermented Greenland shark in a sandy beach and then digging it up months later. It has an extremely pungent smell but a surprisingly mild taste.
Icelandic Drinks
Icelandic drinks are a unique and flavorful way to experience the country's culture. From creamy and sweet hot chocolate to the traditional Brennivin, a distilled spirit, there is something for everyone.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy, sweet treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, hot chocolate in Iceland is made with cream and sugar and topped with whipped cream. You can find hot chocolate all over the country, from cafés to grocery stores.
• Brennivin: Brennivin, sometimes called "black death," is a traditional Icelandic distilled spirit made from potatoes and flavoured with caraway seeds. This unique drink is served either chilled or heated and is often accompanied by a piece of smoked puffin meat or fermented shark.
• Beer: Beer has been part of the Icelandic drinking culture for centuries and many breweries across the country are now creating craft beers that reflect their local flavours. Beer is served cold and ranges in colour from golden to dark.
• Skyr: Skyr is a thick yoghurt-like dairy product made from skimmed milk that has been fermented with a culture similar to that used in yoghurt. It can be eaten plain or mixed with fresh fruit, berries, honey, and/or nuts. Skyr is also used in baking and can be found in many forms in grocery stores and restaurants.
• Coffee: Coffee has become an essential part of Icelandic culture, with coffeehouses popping up everywhere. You can find coffee in almost every café or restaurant, often served with freshly made pastries.
Where to Eat in Iceland
There is no shortage of amazing places to eat in Iceland, with a variety of traditional dishes, modern fusion cuisines and even some global favourites. From restaurants to cafes and pubs, there is something for every taste and budget. Reykjavik has a plethora of eateries, from Michelin-starred fine dining to inexpensive seafood shacks. Try out "Reykjavik Fish Market" for some of the freshest seafood in the city or "Austur India Fjelagid" for some delicious Icelandic-Indian fusion. Reykjavik also has a vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars and clubs that all serve delicious food. In the countryside, you can find rustic family-run restaurants serving up traditional Icelandic dishes. Try out "Gufu Vik" in Vik, which serves up hearty classics like lamb stew and skyr pancakes.
