Traditional Icelandic Food & Drink: A Traveler's Guide

Discover the best of Icelandic cuisine, from traditional fermented shark to the famous Icelandic hot dog and modern craft beer. Get ready for the ultimate culinary adventure!

During your trip around Iceland, you’ll surely notice that the food here reflects the country's rich history and culture. Some dishes might look strange and perhaps not so appetizing at first glance, but others clearly deserve a try. In this guide to Icelandic cuisine, we have compiled samples of Iceland's most famous dishes, including some that might surprise you!

Brief History of Icelandic Cuisine

Icelandic food was originally all about surviving the long, harsh winters. Back in the day, if you couldn’t smoke it, ferment it, or bury it in the ground, you simply didn’t have anything to eat. Icelanders had to get creative to preserve their food and make it through the dark months. The cuisine focused on whatever resources the land and sea could provide, revolving around fish, lamb, and dairy products like the famous Skyr. Icelandic cuisine has since come a long way. Nowadays, thanks to geothermal energy, tomatoes can grow in greenhouses year-round.

The Must-Try of Traditional Icelandic Food

While Icelanders love a good burger, the traditional classics of Icelandic cuisine are the heartbeat of the local culture and diet. You’ll find these on almost every menu as you drive around the Ring Road or spend a day in Reykjavík. Let’s dive into these.

Plokkfiskur: Fish Stew

This fish stew is an old Icelandic dish that originally started as a practical way to use up leftover fish and potatoes from previous meals. Plokkfiskur is a thick and hearty mash of cod or haddock combined with onions, potatoes, and mixed with a béchamel sauce. Locals like to enjoy it with a slice of dark rye bread and butter. Many restaurants have Plokkfiskur on the menu, and you can even buy it pre-made in the store for an easy campsite dinner. It is a great comfort dish to warm up and relax after a cold day spent exploring the country.

Kjötsúpa: Lamb Soup

This lamb soup is a staple in Icelandic homes and clearly the soul of Icelandic cuisine. Kjötsúpa is a savory broth with tender pieces of Icelandic lamb and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and rutabagas. You can find this soup at almost every restaurant and even at gas stations around the country. It is a practical and tasty choice for an easy dinner after a day of adventure.

Hákarl: Fermented Shark

Hákarl is considered to be a national dish of Iceland and is loved by many locals. This fermented shark has a strong ammonia smell and is what we could call an acquired taste. When fresh, the shark’s meat is toxic, and it requires a long preparation process to make it edible. First, the meat is fermented, and then it needs to dry for several months. The question is, would you be adventurous enough to give it a try?

Hangikjöt: Smoked Meat

Hangikjöt is an iconic dish that is often found on Icelandic tables during Christmas, making it a very festive dish. This smoked meat is usually made of lamb, but horse meat can also be used sometimes. During Christmas, Hangikjöt is traditionally served with green peas, pickled red cabbage, potatoes, and a creamy white sauce. You can find pre-sliced Hangikjöt at any local supermarket and enjoy it for a quick and tasty road-trip sandwich.

Harðfiskur: Dried Fish

Harðfiskur is a traditional dried fish, usually haddock or cod, that is usually enjoyed with a massive amount of Icelandic butter. This is a very practical snack to keep with you for a long drive because it is packed with protein and doesn't need to be kept in a fridge. You can find bags of it at pretty much any grocery store all around the country.

Pylsur: Icelandic Hot Dog

This is not just a hot dog, it is the famous Icelandic hot dog! Not everything has to be expensive here, and the Icelandic hot dog is proof that you can find cheap food in Iceland. If you want to get the full local experience, order 'eina með öllu' (one with everything) and get crunchy fried and raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. It’s definitely one of the cheapest meals in the country and, honestly, a local obsession. You can also find plenty of vegan versions, so everyone can enjoy them.

Rúgbrauð: Icelandic Rye Bread

Rúgbrauð is a dense, dark rye bread that is traditionally baked by burying a pot in the ground near a hot spring and letting the geothermal steam do its magic for many hours. It’s sweet, cake-like, and incredible when topped with Icelandic butter. Many locals also enjoy it as a side dish with smoked fish. You can find it at most grocery stores, and it is a very practical item to keep in your camper because it stays fresh for a long time.

Skyr

We can’t talk about traditional Icelandic food without talking about Skyr. This is a unique dairy product that dates back to the Viking Age and has been a staple here for over a thousand years. While it looks and eats like a thick yogurt, Skyr is actually technically a type of fresh cheese. Many locals like to enjoy it for breakfast with some fresh berries and granola on top, or even just a splash of cream. It is great for a protein-packed morning meal or as a quick road snack.

Laufabrauð: Leaf Bread

Laufabrauð is a crispy flatbread traditionally made during the Christmas season and is famous for its geometric patterns that look like leaves. Laufabrauð is crunchy with a slightly savory taste. It is great paired with hangikjöt during Christmas dinner or even topped with butter. If you visit Iceland in December, we highly recommend giving it a try!

Ice Cream

It might surprise you, but Icelanders love to eat ice cream no matter what the temperature is outside. There is even a word in Icelandic, “ísbíltúr,” which approximately translates as “ice cream road trip”. This shows how much appreciation ice cream gets here. You will find ice cream shops all around the country, and most gas stations along the Ring Road serve excellent ice cream. Are you ready to go on an “ísbíltúr”?

Kleinur

Kleinur are often described as the Icelandic version of a doughnut. These twisted pieces of fried dough are flavored with a hint of cardamom and vanilla. They aren't overly sweet, and they are amazing to enjoy with a hot thermos of coffee. A tip for campers: pick up a large bag of kleinur at a local bakery or grocery store before you start your journey as they are great to have during a camping trip across the country.

Snúður

Snúður is definitely a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. This oversized cinnamon roll is often topped with a thick layer of chocolate, caramel, or a pink sugar glaze. It is a great treat to grab at a local bakery or gas station before heading out on your adventure.

Icelandic Drinks

Exploring the landscapes of Iceland will surely work up a thirst. While Icelandic water is clearly the star of the show, the country has a unique beverage culture ranging from historic spirits to modern craft brews that is definitely worth a try.

Brennivín

Brennivín, also known as 'The Black Death,' is what we could call Iceland’s signature distilled spirit. This unsweetened schnapps is flavored with caraway seeds and traditionally served chilled in a shot glass. It is a great accompaniment to hákarl, helping to mask the strong flavor. For travelers, a small bottle of Brennivín makes for a great souvenir or a warming toast at the end of a long day of hiking.

Icelandic Craft Beer

Until March 1st, 1989, Iceland had a total ban on beer. Since then, the Icelandic craft beer scene has exploded! Many small towns now have their own local microbreweries, so keep an eye out for regional specialties as you travel through the Eastfjords and North Iceland.

Appelsín

Appelsín is a classic orange soda that has been a favorite since 1955. It is one of the most popular soda brands in the country. A cold can of Appelsín is a great treat that every road-tripper should try at least once.

Malt

Malt is a sweet soda that has a rich, bread-like flavor and is surprisingly filling. While it is non-alcoholic, it has a deep flavor profile that many Icelanders grew up drinking at every family gathering.

Ready to Taste Iceland?

From the salty crunch of harðfiskur to the sweetness of snúður, discovering Iceland’s food culture is just as much of an adventure as driving the F-roads across the Highlands. A great way to experience this unique culinary landscape is with the total freedom that a 4x4 car rental can provide. If you’re ready to start this delicious journey through the Land of Fire and Ice, book your rental car and get ready to taste everything Iceland has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions and answers about food and drinks in Iceland.

Is food expensive in Iceland?

It can be. The cost of food in Iceland can be higher than visitors might be used to. A burger and fries at a fast-food restaurant can cost around 2,500 to 3,000 ISK. If you want to save money on food, shop at Bónus or Krónan, avoid eating out every day, and skip the bottled water.

Is Iceland vegan and vegetarian friendly?

Definitely. In Iceland, even remote gas stations usually have a vegan wrap or burger. Reykjavik is a haven for plant-based eating.

Is Icelandic tap water safe?

The tap water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world. There is no need to buy bottled water, just bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill anywhere.

Are there fast-food restaurants in Iceland?

Absolutely! While there are no McDonald’s restaurants in Iceland, you’ll find plenty of delicious local alternatives, ranging from burgers and pizzas to authentic street taco