Table of Contents
Are you taking a trip to Iceland? The land that stuns with ice and fire. There’s nothing like watching the Northern Lights dance over the dazzling island with dramatic landscapes, glaciers gleaming against black lava rock, and windswept meadows dotted with wildflowers. Iceland is a place of striking natural beauty, but the food scene is often a surprise, bursting with flavors! From the mild, sweet taste of halibut soup to the meltingly tender meat of the free-roaming sheep, Iceland’s favorite foods offer something for every palate. Its unique culinary landscape is a treasure trove of seasonal delights, offering an unparalleled gastronomic adventure for travelers.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Reykjavik or the serene countryside through day tours from Reykjavik, here are some top seasonal foods you must try while traveling in Iceland. The culinary scene in Iceland changes with the seasons. Savor succulent lamb throughout the year, indulge in fresh summer berries, and explore autumn’s unique offerings like ptarmigan. Every visit promises a new taste of Iceland. In this blog, we will be taking a look at some of the most popular seasonal Icelandic cuisines to look out for on your trip to Iceland, so get your taste buds ready!
Kjötsúpa
Kjötsúpa is a slow-cooked lamb soup, which is a famous and beloved traditional Icelandic cuisine you must try. Icelandic lamb is renowned as ‘gourmet meat’ for its very tender, fine-grained, flavorful meat, owing to the sheep’s free-range diet of wild herbs and grasses in the highland pastures. Kjötsúpa is a rich, tasty, filling soup made with lamb and root vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes. Nothing can be more satisfying than a sip of this flavorful Icelandic delicacy during the chilly winter days.
Hangikjöt
Hangikjöt means “hung meat” in Icelandic, a uniquely flavored smoked lamb. This centuries-old dish is a Christmas tradition in Iceland. The lamb meat cured in salt water is traditionally hung up to dry and smoked over a fire fueled by dried sheep dung. The long smoking process gives the meat a distinctive flavor that is savory and slightly smoky, making it a delicious and comforting meal.
It is often served sliced thinly with boiled potatoes, green peas, carrots, and béchamel sauce, which is a creamy white sauce. If you are visiting Iceland during the holiday season and want to experience authentic Icelandic cuisine, this dish is a must-try.
Skyr
Skyr is a nutritious Icelandic dairy product similar to Greek yogurt but thicker and creamier in texture. This is a staple in Icelandic cuisines and can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings like fresh fruits, granola, or honey. Even though it is mostly made in the summer, you can enjoy this cultured, protein-rich dairy product year-round. Skyr can be a delicious and satisfying grab-and-go breakfast or snack for your Icelandic adventures, as it is readily available in supermarkets across the country.
Hákarl
Hákarl, or fermented shark, is a strange traditional Icelandic food made by fermenting Greenland shark meat for several months. Its strong ammonia-like odor and intense flavor profile can’t be quite enjoyable for most palates. But if you are a food adventurer brave enough to try the distinctive taste of hákarl and want to experience every bit of Icelandic culture, you can try it. Despite its availability in most grocery stores in Iceland, hákarl is mainly consumed during the midwinter festival of Þorrablót.
Plokkfiskur
Since Iceland is surrounded by the nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, it is famous for its seafood varieties. Plokkfiskur is a creamy Icelandic fish stew made with tender pieces of boiled fish (often cod or haddock), creamy potatoes, béchamel sauce, sautéed onions, and aromatic herbs. Although the fishing season peaks in the summer, fish like haddock and cod are available year-round. This delicious fish stew is a perfect dish for a chilly autumn or winter day, as it warms you up from the inside out.
Rúgbrauð
Rúgbrauð is a type of Icelandic rye bread that is soft, fluffy, and deliciously sweet. This rich and dense bread made up of dark rye flour, buttermilk, leavening agents, honey, and molasses is a staple in Icelandic cuisines. It is also known as Icelandic volcano bread due to its unique method of preparation using the earth’s natural geothermal heat. Since it is an all-year-round essential, you can enjoy this cake-like bread no matter the time of year.
Rjúpa (Ptarmigan)
A popular, medium-sized game bird in Iceland, rjúpa, or rock ptarmigan, is a seasonal delicacy highly prized for its tender meat and rich flavor. This is a type of grouse often hunted in the late autumn and early winter months. Rjúpa is also one of the traditional Christmas dishes, which is typically served roasted or braised with seasonal herbs and vegetables.
However, due to a declining population of ptarmigan, there is now a sale ban and strict hunting regulations in effect. So, it’s always advisable for travelers to check the most recent regulations and guidelines regarding hunting and consumption of ptarmigan. Although there is a sales ban on domestic ptarmigans, imported ptarmigans can be found in some stores during the season if you want to savor their taste.
Icelandic Berries
Late summer brings forth the berry season in Iceland. The island is home to a variety of edible berries, such as crowberries, blueberries, brambleberries, strawberries, bearberries, rowanberries, and juniper berries. Whether enjoyed fresh off the bush or used in jams, preserves, or desserts, Icelandic berries are a delicious seasonal treat not to be missed. Also, berry picking, or ‘berjamór,’ is a popular, fun-filled activity that people of all ages enjoy.
Pylsa (Pulsa)
Pylsa, or Pulsa, is Iceland’s iconic hot dog, which is very famous and beloved among locals and tourists alike. Made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, the unique flavor of this hotdog even surprised the taste buds of Bill Clinton, and he praised it as “the best hot dog in the world” during his visit to the country in 2004. Pylsa is often served with onions, sweet brown mustard, ketchup, and a creamy remoulade. Don’t forget to try this delicious comfort food of all seasons during your visit to Iceland.
Conclusion
Delve into the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Iceland to capture the soul of this Nordic wonderland. From the rich flavors of fresh lamb and seafood to the unique taste of fermented shark, this country’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its landscapes. So, on your next trip to Iceland, be sure to savor these seasonal delights and experience the true essence of Icelandic cuisine. Bon appétit!
