Top 10 Foods You Must Try in Iceland
Iceland is renowned for its unique and flavorful cuisine, offering a diverse range of dishes influenced by its rugged landscape and rich cultural heritage. From fresh seafood to hearty lamb stews, here are the top 10 must-try foods that will tantalize your taste buds during your visit:
1. Hakarl (Fermented Shark)
This infamous delicacy is a traditional Icelandic dish made from fermented Greenland shark. It has a pungent, ammonia-like odor but is considered a unique and challenging culinary experience.
2. Skyr
A staple in the Icelandic diet, skyr is a thick, creamy dairy product similar to Greek yogurt. It's high in protein, low in fat, and often enjoyed with berries, fruit, or granola.
3. Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb)
This smoked lamb dish is a beloved Christmas tradition in Iceland. The lamb is cured in salt and then smoked over birch wood, resulting in a tender and flavorful delicacy.
4. Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)
A comforting and hearty dish, plokkfiskur is a stew made with white fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. It's often served with rye bread and butter.
5. Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)
Harðfiskur is a traditional Icelandic snack made from dried fish, typically cod or haddock. It's often flavored with salt, pepper, and butter, and is a popular accompaniment to buttered bread.
6. Brennivín (Black Death Schnapps)
This potent Icelandic spirit is distilled from caraway and flavored with cumin. It's known for its distinct, licorice-like flavor and is often referred to as "the Black Death."
7. Laufabrauð (Leaf Bread)
A festive treat enjoyed around Christmas, laufabrauð is a thin, deep-fried flatbread intricately decorated with elaborate leaf patterns.
8. Rúgbrauð (Rye Bread)
This dense and flavorful rye bread is a mainstay of the Icelandic diet. It's often served with butter and topped with herring or smoked salmon.
9. Icelandic Lobster
Known for its succulent meat and delicate flavor, Icelandic lobster is a prized seafood dish. It's often boiled or steamed and served with drawn butter.
10. Whale Meat
While controversial, whale meat is still consumed in Iceland. Minke and fin whale meat are the most common types used, and it's typically served as a steak or in sushi.