5 Great Iceland Eats

In a 2006 New York Times piece, Mark Bittman wrote, “It’s unlikely that Reykjavik will ever be a culinary destination. . .” It is probably one of the few times that I have ever disagreed with Bittman; I have had amazing meals in Reykjavik. Even the tap water is extraordinarily pure.

Today I would argue that Reykjavik has become a culinary destination. Several friends have visited Iceland recently, and their social media accounts have been filled with inspiring food. My dear college friend Ana posted such a beautiful photo of tomato ice cream from a greenhouse tour, that I’m planning my next trip.

Discount airlines make travel to Iceland fairly affordable, but the country is generally pricey. Here are my picks for 5 great Iceland eats that you should definitely try without breaking the bank.

5. Langoustine

It should be no surprise that seafood dominates this list.  Langoustine is also known as Norway lobster, Dublin Bay prawn, and scampi. It resembles a large crawfish, but is actually related to the lobster. It places fifth on my list because it isn’t necessarily unique to Iceland, and it is the most expensive thing on the list. If you can only splurge on one meal, this should be it. The meat is somehow sweeter than lobster. I have tried langoustine at multiple restaurants in Reykjavik, and it always ranks as one of my favorite meals.

4. Skyr

Skyr is actually a cheese, but it has a thick yogurt style consistency. These days “Icelandic Skyr-style” yogurt can be found around the world, including the US. You can only get the real stuff in Iceland though. If you can find a place that serves freshly made Skyr, try it!  Otherwise a container from the grocery store is a good high protein breakfast on a budget.

Photo courtesy of @fatcoward

3. Lobster Soup

It’s hard to plan a trip to Reykjavik without reading about Saegreifinn, (Sea Baron), billed as having the “world’s greatest lobster soup.”  This is essentially a fish shack – you order at the counter and find a seat in the small communal dining room.  The soup is flavorful and full of tender lobster meat and is accompanied by a basket of bread and butter.  The fish kabobs are pretty good, but the soup is great and will fill you up for lunch.

2. Hot Dogs

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is Icelandic for “town’s best hot dog.” This hot dog stand is a must for most tourists, and very popular with locals too. The line can be long, particularly late at night after the bars close. It’s open until 1am on weekdays and 4:30am on weekends! It’s worth a wait for a great hot dog that is probably the cheapest meal in town. Former US president Clinton and travel show hosts Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern have visited. Order it with everything, “eina með öllu.”  That will get you a lamb, pork, and beef hot dog topped with ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, and both raw and crisp fried onion.

1. Fish and Chips

It may seem strange that my number one pick is a British import, but Icelandic Fish & Chips ranks as my favorite affordable restaurant. This place puts its own twist on the classic. Besides using really great fish, the restaurant has perfected a unique organic spelt coating process that is flavorful and crisp. The potatoes are roasted instead of fried. Besides the usual condiments on offer, the restaurant makes great skyr based dips including coriander, truffle and tarragon, and mango. Spelt makes an appearance in some great desserts and a focaccia that was so special our group ordered more. Gull beer may seem ordinary out of a can, but on tap in Iceland, the water adds an indescribable freshness. This place is so great that it is opening a second branch in Downtown Manhattan!