Traditional Icelandic Food You Must Try and Where to Find It on Tour
When people join my tours, they come expecting waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers — but by the end of the trip, it’s often the food they can’t stop talking about. Icelandic cuisine is more than fuel for adventure; it’s a living story of survival, tradition, and a deep respect for the land and sea. So grab your appetite — and your sense of adventure — and let me take you on a delicious journey through Iceland’s must-try dishes.
A Taste of Tradition: From Viking Roots to Modern Tables
We Icelanders learned long ago how to make the most of what our rugged island provides. Our ancestors were resourceful — every part of an animal, every catch from the sea, every bit of warmth from a volcanic spring was treasured. You’ll see that spirit alive in our traditional dishes today.
Take harðfiskur, for example — dried fish, often cod or haddock, enjoyed with a generous smear of butter. I keep a bag of it in my truck; it’s the perfect road snack between stops. The taste is salty, chewy, and honest — like the sea itself. You’ll find it in most grocery stores, but the best comes from small family producers in coastal towns like Borgarnes or Ísafjörður.
Iconic Icelandic Eats
Of course, no introduction to Icelandic food would be complete without mentioning skyr. It’s thick, creamy, and somewhere between yogurt and cheese — rich in protein and beloved by locals for over a thousand years. You can try it fresh at Café Loki in Reykjavík, overlooking Hallgrímskirkja church. They serve it with homemade rye bread and a drizzle of local honey — simple, but unforgettable.
Speaking of rye bread, don’t miss the famous hverabrauð in Laugarvatn. It’s baked underground using geothermal heat. When I bring guests there, we actually dig up a loaf ourselves — steaming, sweet, and perfect with butter. You can’t get more “Icelandic” than bread baked by the earth itself!
Then there’s lamb, a cornerstone of Icelandic cuisine. Our sheep roam freely in the highlands, feeding on moss and wild herbs, which gives the meat its delicate flavor. For a traditional meal, I love taking guests to Við Fjöruborðið in Stokkseyri or Grillmarkaðurinn in Reykjavík. Order the lamb roast or soup — and you’ll taste centuries of Icelandic farming in every bite.
For the Brave (and the Curious)
If you’re feeling adventurous, try hákarl — fermented shark. Yes, it smells… strong. But it’s part of our Viking heritage. I tell my guests to take a deep breath, hold it, and then take the bite. Chase it with a shot of Brennivín, our local schnapps, and you’ll have earned bragging rights for life.
A Meal with a Story
Food in Iceland isn’t just about flavor — it’s about connection. Every dish tells a tale of resilience, creativity, and love for the land. When you eat here, you’re tasting history itself.
So when you join me, Otto the Viking, on tour, comes hungry. Because in Iceland, every meal is an adventure — and I promise, it’s one you’ll never forget.
