23 Icelandic Food You Need To Try Or Skip Entirely

Iceland is probably the only place with fermented shark on the menu but no McDonalds in the entire country.

Let’s just say, Icelandic food is a unique mix of food you’ll want to try and food you’ll want to stay far, far away from. Here are my top 23!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Traditional Food In Iceland

Icelandic food developed out of necessity because of their harsh climate.

They had plenty of fish from the sea but a lack of sunlight or warm weather to grow many crops.

They also had to preserve a lot of their food to last the winters.

So this lead to a lack of vegetables, and a lot of salty, fermented food.

Eating In Iceland – Expect It To Be Expensive

Everyone says Iceland is expensive, but you don’t realize how expensive it is until you’re actually there, looking at the menus.

When we visited in 2023, one meal would cost around $40/ person (CAD). This didn’t include a drink or appetizer either… that’s just the meal!

But, keep in mind that it does include the tax and tip (which makes a difference especially for us Canadians where we’re used to paying an extra 30% on top of the price we see!).

How To Save Money When Eating In Iceland

You can usually share food when ordering at restaurants.

We got away with ordering an appetizer and a main at most restaurants in Reykjavik. This cut the cost of eating out every day quite a bit.

This won’t work at every restaurant, but makes a small difference when you can share.

Another way to save money when eating in Iceland is to try to find restaurants serving unlimited soup. These are honestly the best lunches in the country!

They’re usually not too pricy and you can refill your bowl as many times as you like until you’re full! We found this deal at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, and would definitely recommend!

This next tip might be hard for some of you, but it will save you a lot of money in Iceland – skip your drink order!

Drinks are an expensive part of most meals, but especially in Iceland. A local Icelandic beer can be upwards of 20 000 ISK (that’s $20 CAD)!

And finally, if you don’t have breakfast included with your hotel, try to buy breakfast at the grocery store (so make sure you book a hotel with a mini fridge in your room – ours didn’t have one!). Traditional Icelandic breakfast are expensive and we noticed a lot of cafes actually opened up pretty late.

If you have a fridge, go to the grocery store and buy some Skyr and granola!

Food From Iceland That You’ll Actually Enjoy!

This is the Icelandic food you’ll want to seek out and try while you’re in Iceland because it’s actually good!

1. Iceland Natural Spring Water

And no, I’m not talking about Icelandic Glacial Water from a bottle. I’m talking filling up a bottle from the tap!

All Iceland tap water is safe to drink and some of the best water I’ve had! And they’re really proud of it too!

Every restaurant always has a tap, or pre-filled jugs for you to use.

We were in for a bit of a culture shock going to Ireland afterwards and we couldn’t just drink from the tap. Well we could, it just did not taste good!

2. Ísey Skyr – Traditional Food In Iceland

Skyr is the famous Icelandic yogurt. But locals will be insulted if you say it’s yogurt, because it isn’t exactly that (which is why you have to try it!).

Skyr actually made from skimmed milk, which is why it’s packed with protein and less fat.

You may have seen Skyr at your local grocery store back home, but trust me, it won’t be the same. You want to make sure you’re eating Ísey Skyr in Iceland, this is THE authentic brand and it doesn’t make it out of the country.

So savour it when you get the chance because you won’t be able to get it once you leave!

You can buy it unflavoured, add in sugar and cream and mix it well. Then add fruit of your choice or raisins. This is the traditional way to enjoy Skyr.

Or another way to eat it is with oatmeal (this is known as hræringur).

But you can also just buy one of the delicious flavours they now sell.

3. Syett Rúgbrauð – Rye Bread

Syett Rúgbrauð is an Icelandic straight rye bread, and it’s some of the best bread I’ve eaten.

We really enjoyed trying this at every restaurant we could because it was always different.

Our first taste of Syett Rúgbrauð was a very thick cut that was sweet, it had a cake like texture. Honestly, it could have been served for dessert.

But other times it was much thinner and not as sweet (still just as delicious though!).

You can find Syett Rúgbrauð as the grocery store, bakery, or we often had it with Plokkfishur (more on that in a bit!).

4. Flatkaka – Icelandic Food

Flatkaka is a flat unleavened rye bread. It’s often enjoyed it with smoked leg of lamb, lamb liver pate, cheese, or butter.

You can easily pick this up at the local grocery store. There’s really nothing offensive about this. It’s just simple bread!

5. Icelandic Fish (Fish & Chips, Cod, Arctic Char, Salmon…)

You don’t have to search very hard to find fish in Iceland. It’s their main export and mainly what they eat.

Let’s just say that after a few days in Iceland we were eating so much fish that we actually had to seek out other proteins!

But seriously, the fish is delicious. You’ll have to try fish and chips, and cod. But also some pink fish like salmon and arctic char.

6. Plokkfishur – Icelandic Fish Stew

Plokkfishur was one of our favourite traditional food in Iceland to eat. And again, this was another one that we didn’t mind trying at each restaurant because it was always so different.

They call it a fish stew on most menus, but it’s often much thicker than a stew.

Plokkfishur is made with a white fish (usually cod) mixed with potatoes. We often had it served on Icelandic rye bread as well.

But once we had it as more of a curry which is apparently a more modern recipe (it was at Eldstó Art Cafe on our way back from Seljalandsfoss).

7. Harðfiskur – Dried Fish Jerky

Harðfiskur is dried white fish jerky, and isn’t too bad. It way to salty for our taste buds but I feel like if you like jerky and fish, you’ll probably like Harðfiskur too.

There is a proper way to eat it and you’ll want to make sure you do it properly. First, rip a small piece off (with your fingers – not teeth – we made that mistake, and it hurt!).

Then, spread some butter on it and chew it until it rehydrates and becomes juicier.

You can buy this at the grocery store. It’s often enjoyed as a high protein snack on hikes.

So I recommend buying it on your first day and then have it for the rest of your stay in Iceland. It’s more expensive , but that’s because its all protein so it will be quite filling.

8. Kjötsúpa – Traditional Icelandic Lamb Soup

Lamb soup is exactly what it sounds like! It’s a lamb base soup with root vegetables.

You might also be able to find this traditional Icelandic food with unlimited refills! We saw it at Street Food Iceland in Reykjavik.

This was my first time trying lamb and it was A LOT of lamb! This wasn’t my favourite Icelandic dish, but I think if you like lamb then you’ll like this soup!

9. Thyme Tea

Thyme tea is exactly what it sounds like, tea made from the herb Thyme. Although, it’s not just any thyme.

This is thyme from Iceland, known as arctic thyme. It’s harvested from the mountains and is apparently very healthy for you.

Although I actually couldn’t find it on any menu in Iceland. I did ask a cafe for it and they were out of fresh thyme so couldn’t make it for me.

You will be able to find dried arctic thyme at souvenir shops that you can bring home to try!

10. Rye Bread Ice Cream

So rye bread ice cream isn’t exactly traditional food in Iceland, but you’ll want to try it!

Even the lack of warm weather might not inspire eating ice cream, it is typical to enjoy after going to a hot spring in Iceland!

And I mean, if there’s any flavour you’re going to try in Iceland, it has to be rye bread. And, it’s better than you think!

It tasted more like vanilla with caramel than rye bread.

We found this gem at Valdis in Reykjavik.

11. Waffles!

Waffles in Iceland are a Scandinavian type of waffle that are much thinner than anything I was used to. In Iceland, they’re traditionally served with jams.

We had them at our breakfast buffet, but we saw signs for them all over Reykjavik.

If you’re lucky, you might even find a restaurant offering free waffles with your meal (shout out to Street Food Iceland in Reykjavik!).

12. Kleina

Kleina (pronounced kléna) are twisted donuts. They’re also known as angel wings because of how they look.

This is a popular doughnut in Scandinavian countries as well, so it’s no surprise that it’s popular in Iceland.

Most coffee shops will sell these, so they make a good treat to pick up for breakfast!

13. Appelsín

Appelsín is the Icelandic version of orange soda, and like all the others, it’s really good (if you’re a fan of orange soda!).

This is another easy treat to find at grocery stores and gas stations.

If you’re visiting around the holidays, a popular Christmas drink is to mix Appelsín with Malt (another Icelandic soft drinks).

14. Food From Iceland: Any Type Of Liquorice Candy

For some reason that I just don’t understand, liquorice is very popular in Iceland.

If you go to the grocery store, you will find an unbelievable amount of candy and chocolate with liquorice.

The two most popular candies though are basic liquorice candy Opal and Tópas.

I actually didn’t mind Opal, I found it tasted less like the typical black liquorice flavour I was used to. So if you’re on the edge about trying one, I’d start with Opal.

Tópas on the other hand tasted like all the others, and I couldn’t wait to spit it out (sorry!). But maybe if you’re a fan of black liquorice, you’ll enjoy it!

Today, they also make them in different flavours if you’re not ready for straight liquorice just yet!

And, as I said, you’ll find liquorice in other candies too (ones that hide it better as well!).

We were recommended Pristur and honestly, it wasn’t that bad. The chocolate masked most of the liquorice taste!

Worthwhile Icelandic Alcohol To Try

Along with worthwhile Icelandic food to try, there’s also unique Icelandic Alcohol that’s worth seeking out.

For the most part, you can only get these in Iceland, so better try it while you can!

P.S. if you’re interested in learning about the unique alcohol in Iceland, go on a beer and booze tour with Viator here.

15. Opal & Tópas

Wait, didn’t I just say that Opal and Tópas were candies?

Yes, I did, but they’re also both liqueurs. It’s not often that you can grow up enjoying a candy that you will later be able to enjoy as a liqueur. But, in Iceland, you can!

That’s because it was actually illegal to market alcohol in Iceland. So, the workaround was to create a candy with the same name. This way, the kids will grow up on it!

You can read more about this interesting story here.

Now it’s common to enjoy Opal or Tópas liqueur and end the night with the candy to mask your breath!

16. Snorri Beer

Iceland is actually late to the beer game. It was actually illegal until 1981!

It’s probably still something you don’t want to enjoy every day in Iceland due to the steep price tag but there’s one exception!

Snorri is beer made from Icelandic glacier water and thyme.

I found it tasted like a hoppy beer but without the bitterness, making it quite refreshing!

17. Icelandic Schnapps (Made With Birch Or Moss!)

If you aren’t a fan of the liquorice liqueurs, you might want to try Icelandic birch or moss schnapps.

I had one with a literal piece of birch twig in it. I was shocked that it actually tasted like the tree,  which was incredible.

I was also lucky had sipped it out of a tomato (at Friðheima along the Golden Circle) which just added to the experience!

18. Himbrimi Old Tom Gin

I’m not typically a fan of gin (it’s the juniper and coriander combination that throws me off).

But this Himbrimi Gin is the best gin I’ve ever tasted – I even had it straight on ice!

They add in some unique to Iceland ingredients – namely, arctic thyme! Honey is also added which gives it a sweeter finish.

Icelandic Food To Try Once & Be Happy You Don’t Have To Ever Eat Again

This next set of Icelandic food are a little bit more unheard of.

I’d say you may want to try this traditional food in Iceland once, just for the experience.

They’re fun to say that you tried them, and get some brownie points. And then you’ll be happy to never eat them again!

19. Hákarl

Hákarl is…. drumroll please…. rotten fermented shark meat!

It’s actually Iceland’s national dish, so you can’t really leave without trying it once!

And yes, I tried it – and I’m a really picky eater! So if I can do it, so can you!

I won’t lie, it won’t be enjoyable, but the experience is worth it. Plus, now you get to brag that you’ve eaten fermented shark and have people ask you … but why!!??

Hákarl actually has quite an interesting history and was eaten out of necessity. The Greenland shark dates back to the viking age and was one of the only sources of food at the time.

Only problem? It was toxic to eat. So, it was dried out and fermented to preserve it and purify the meat. But the most surprising part, Icelanders still eat it today!

If you’re brave enough to try it, just trust me, whatever you do, don’t smell it before you eat it!

20. Brennivin (A.K.A The Black Death Icelandic Alcohol)

Brennivin is the signature spirit of Iceland, made with grain mash. People say it tastes like rye bread, cumin drink – but to me it tastes like liquorice.

The main reason to try Brennivin is to mask the ammonium flavour of the Hákarl.

21. Cod Liver Oil

Compared to the Hákarl, cod liver oil might be a walk in the park for you, it’s another traditional Icelandic food to try.

Cod liver oil is apparently very healthy for you. Icelanders take a shot of it every morning with breakfast. So, if you’re interested in trying it, that’s the way to do it!

They actually had this at our breakfast buffet at the hotel. After the shark though, I had enough experimenting with foods for one trip!

Icelandic Food You Might Want To Skip Entirely

And finally, the part of this list you’ve all been waiting for. The Icelandic food you might not want to try at all, or it’s honestly just not worth it!

22. Svið – Boiled Sheep’s Head

You can eat half of a sheep’s head if you wanted to in Iceland. Don’t worry, the brain is removed… But apparently the best part are the eyes…. needless to say we skipped out on this traditional food in Iceland.

Again, Svið came to be out of necessity and not letting any part of the animal go to waste

But, I don’t think I would be able to get past the presentation of a sheeps head on my plate staring back at me… yes, that’s how it’s traditionally served.

If the presentation is stopping you, you can also seek out sviðasulta – boiled sheep’s head jam. The meat is taken off the bone and pressed together.

23. Pylsa or Pulsa: Most Famous Food From Iceland – A Hot Dog

Now, before you get too mad at me, hear me out. All I’m saying is that you don’t have to drive yourself crazy to taste this hot dog. Because that’s all it is – a hot dog!

The hot dog is called pylsa or pulsa, no one can decide how to pronounce it. Typically the hot dog is made up of beef, lamb, and pork.

The place to order one is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, and you have to order one with the works (otherwise there’s really no point in getting one!).

You’ll get a hot dog with ketchup and mustard, but also fried and raw onions and remoulade.

So even though it has some unique toppings (and they add some of them underneath the hot dog!), it’s not something you need to run to Iceland for.

If you’re in the area, and there’s no line, then why not pick one up. But, I wouldn’t wait in a long line for this.

To put this Icelandic food into perspective, when I told our guide that I didn’t eat pork, they told me to go to the grocery store to pick up a chicken dog to try… so clearly, it can’t be that special!

P.S. Because I don’t eat pork, this was my partners opinion… so you really can’t get mad at me!

Please Stay Away From Puffin In Iceland!

You might see puffin advertised on restaurant menus in Iceland, but please don’t eat it.

Puffins are a vulnerable species right now. Their population is decreasing every year and you don’t want to be one of the causes.

Icelanders used to eat puffin as it was a source of food when they didn’t have many. Nowadays, they have stopped to help protect the species.

Where To Eat Reykjavik: Icelandic Food

Surprisingly a lot of the classic Icelandic food can be found at the grocery store.

But, for some of the more unique items on the list, you’ll have to seek them out a bit more.

Cafe Loki – For Traditional Food In Iceland

Cafe Loki is an easy spot to try all the traditional Icelandic food you might not want to eat again! You can get everything here all in one shot.

Plus, you get a great view of the church while you’re eating!

We ordered the Braveheart Plate with a Plotkifskur appetizer, and a lamb soup to share and we were STUFFED!

The Braveheart Plate came with all the essentials like the fish jerky, the hàkarl, and flatkaka.

I recommend making a reservation in advance if possible! We were lucky to even get a seat!

Grocery Stores For Icelandic Food

For the snack like items on the Icelandic food list, you can find them at the grocery store.

Bonus and Krónan are the discount grocery stores that are a third of the price of the other corner stores. It’s where everyone shops!

You can find fish jerky, rye bread, flatkaka, kleina, and all the candy in the world here. Plus, if you don’t have a hotel that serves breakfast, pick up some Skyr for breakfast!

You can find Bonus and Krónan in Reykjavik city centre.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In Reykjavik?

We stayed in Reykjavik our whole time in Iceland at the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels. They offered free parking (upon availability), breakfast, and a modern room. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re interested in spa services at the tip of your fingers, ( I mean, you’re in Iceland after all!), stay at Midgardur by Center hotels. My parents stayed here and highly recommend it. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re staying in Reykjavik for one night before heading out to drive the Ring Road, my sister stayed at the Hotel Frón and would recommend it for a one night stay. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

Or, check out more hotel options on Booking.com in Reykjavik, Iceland

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