When visiting Reykjavík, you embark on a journey through breathtaking landscapes and a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Icelandic cuisine, deeply rooted in the country’s harsh but beautiful North Atlantic location, is a testament to its people’s resilience and ingenuity. From the hearty lamb soups to the delicately smoked lamb, Reykjavík offers a cornucopia of traditional Icelandic dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and immerse you in the heart of Iceland’s food scene. Here’s a guide to sampling the best traditional Icelandic food in Reykjavík.

Warm up with Some Hearty Lamb Soup: Kjötsúpa

Start your culinary adventure with kjötsúpa, a traditional Icelandic lamb soup that has been warming Icelanders for centuries. Made with tender lamb, potatoes, carrots, and turnips, this soup is a staple in the Icelandic diet, especially during the cold months. The lamb, often grass-fed and free-roaming, has a distinctive, robust, and comforting flavour. Some versions also include a hint of rutabaga or leeks, adding layers of flavour to this already delicious dish. It’s best enjoyed at local restaurants like Fjörukráin at Hótel Viking, where the soup is made following age-old recipes passed down through generations.

The Classic Icelandic Hot Dog: Pylsur

No trip to Reykjavík is complete without trying the famous Icelandic hot dog or pylsur. Made from a lamb, pork, and beef blend, the Icelandic hot dog is unlike any other. The sausage is served in a soft bun and typically topped with raw onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade, a mayonnaise-based sauce. The combination of flavours is both savoury and slightly sweet, with the unique taste of the lamb standing out. CityWalk Reykjavík offers walking tours that visit a renowned hot dog stand where guests can purchase this Icelandic fast food favourite that celebrities have even praised.

Savoury Smoked Lamb: Hangikjöt

For a truly authentic taste of Iceland, try hangikjöt or smoked lamb. This traditional Icelandic dish is usually served during the Christmas season, but you can find it year-round in Reykjavík. The lamb is smoked over birch wood or dried sheep dung, giving it a distinctive and rich smoky flavour. It’s typically served with boiled potatoes, white sauce, and sometimes with green peas or pickled red cabbage. Hangikjöt is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Iceland’s culinary traditions, offering a taste that is both deeply satisfying and unique. For a taste, visit Jómfrúin, where lamb is delicately sliced and served in an open-faced sandwich.

Fermented Shark for the Adventurous: Hákarl

Perhaps one of the most adventurous traditional Icelandic foods you can try in Reykjavík is hákarl or fermented shark. This dish is not for the faint of heart; it has a strong ammonia-like smell and a taste that can be challenging for those unaccustomed to it. However, hákarl is a part of Iceland’s cultural heritage, dating back to the Viking Age. The shark meat, which is toxic when fresh, is fermented and then hung to dry for several months. This process transforms it into a delicacy that is often enjoyed with a shot of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature schnapps. You can purchase hákarl at local supermarkets in Reykjavík.

Fresh Seafood: A Taste of the North Atlantic

Iceland’s proximity to the North Atlantic means that Reykjavík is home to some of the freshest seafood in the world. Traditional Icelandic dishes often feature fish like cod, haddock, and langoustine. One must-try dish is plokkfiskur, a creamy fish stew made from boiled cod or haddock, mashed potatoes, and onions. It’s a simple yet comforting dish, often served with rúgbrauð, a dense rye bread baked in geothermal heat, which adds a slightly sweet contrast to the savoury stew. The Reykjavík Edition’s Tides Restaurant serves a divine plokkfiskur, where you can enjoy stunning views of the harbour area while you dine. Another seafood delicacy to try is the Icelandic lobster soup, made with the sweet and tender meat of langoustines, a type of small lobster found in the North Atlantic. This soup is rich and flavorful, often finished with a touch of cream and a sprinkle of herbs.

Delightful Dried Fish: Harðfiskur

As you explore Reykjavík, don’t miss out on harðfiskur, a traditional Icelandic snack made from dried fish. Harðfiskur is usually made from cod, haddock, or wolffish, which is air-dried until it reaches a jerky-like consistency. It’s a high-protein snack that has been a part of the Icelandic diet for centuries, often served with salted butter. Icelanders typically eat harðfiskur as a snack or with bread, and it’s a great way to experience genuinely traditional Icelandic food. You can find it in local markets and grocery stores, and it’s an ideal souvenir to take home.

Þorramatur: A tradition dear to the locals hearts

During the Nordic month of Þorri, from mid-January to mid-February, Icelanders celebrate Þorrablót, a midwinter festival featuring a traditional buffet known as Þorramatur. This assortment includes various preserved meats and fish, such as fermented shark (hákarl), singed and boiled sheep's head (svið), and cured ram's testicles (súrsaðir hrútspungar). Many of the dishes mentioned earlier in this guide are part of the Þorramatur tradition, making it an excellent opportunity to experience Icelandic cuisine in its most authentic form. These dishes are typically served with dense rye bread (rúgbrauð), butter, and Icelandic schnapps called brennivín. While some of these foods may be an acquired taste, they offer a unique insight into Iceland's culinary heritage and the resourcefulness of its people in preserving food through harsh winters. If you're visiting Reykjavík during this period, participating in a Þorrablót or sampling Þorramatur at local restaurants can be a memorable addition to your culinary exploration.

Skyr: Iceland’s Dairy Delight

No exploration of Icelandic food would be complete without mentioning skyr, a dairy product that is often described as a cross between yoghurt and cheese. Skyr has been a staple of the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years, and it’s known for its smooth texture and slightly tangy flavour. It’s typically enjoyed with a topping of fresh berries, rhubarb jam, or honey and is also used in various desserts. Icelanders often enjoy skyr as a healthy breakfast or snack, and it’s packed with protein and low in fat. Be sure to try skyr in Reykjavík, which you’ll find in most cafes and restaurants like Röst Reykjavík by the habour. They serve it with fresh blueberries, cream and sugar for added indulgence.

Icelandic Ice Cream is a Sweet Treat

Despite the chilly weather, Icelanders love ice cream, and Reykjavík is home to some of the best Icelandic ice cream you’ll ever taste. Made with high-quality dairy products, Icelandic ice cream is rich, creamy, and available in a variety of unique flavours. A popular spot to indulge in this treat includes Perlan where you can find both traditional flavours and more adventurous options, while taking a break from exploring the fascinating exhibitions throughout the building. Whether you prefer a simple vanilla cone or something more exotic like liquorice or rhubarb, Icelandic ice cream is a must-try when in Reykjavík.

Make Sure to Try Some Traditional Icelandic Food

Reykjavík’s food scene is a delightful blend of the traditional and the modern, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich culinary heritage of Iceland. From the hearty lamb soups to the daring fermented shark, the city’s traditional Icelandic dishes are a reflection of the island’s unique environment and history. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavours or a traveller seeking an authentic Icelandic experience, Reykjavík’s culinary offerings will not disappoint. So, as you plan your visit to this beautiful city, make sure to savour these traditional Icelandic foods that showcase the best of Iceland’s rich and diverse culinary heritage.