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What Is Icelandic Food Like? (It's Actually Really Good)

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Justin Bernstein
Justin Bernstein
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Icelandic Food

Cultural Context

Icelandic cuisine is rooted in the island's harsh climate and reliance on fishing and sheep farming. Traditional dishes often feature preserved foods, such as fermented shark and dried fish, reflecting a resourceful approach to cooking. Celebrations like Þorrablót highlight these unique flavors, showcasing a deep respect for the land and sea. Today, Icelandic food has gained popularity, with modern interpretations blending traditional ingredients with contemporary techniques.

IcelandicISmain
120 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
1 lb grilled horse
2 lb lamb ribeye
1 lb Arctic char
4 cups mashed potatoes
1/2 cup pesto
1/4 cup Brenovan
1 lb fermented shark
1 lb cod
1 cup onions
1 lb lamb hot dog
1 cup crispy onions
1 cup raw onions
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup sweet mayo sauce
2 tablespoons brown mustard
1 cup oat crust
1 cup rhubarb jam

Quantities are estimated based on standard recipes for your convenience. The actual ingredients used in this video are accurate.

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than lamb.

dried fish

🥗Healthier: fresh fish

💰Cheaper: canned fish

Canned fish is more accessible and easier to prepare.

skyr

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Plain yogurt is a cost-effective substitute with similar texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Margarine is a less expensive fat option.

1

Start the food tour in Reykjavik with a guide named Silia.

2

Visit the restaurant Forthabar and choose between grilled horse or lamb ribeye.

3

Decide to try grilled horse despite initial hesitation.

4

Taste the grilled horse and find it surprisingly flavorful.

5

Move to the second stop at Salon Icelandis for oven baked Arctic char served on top of mashed potatoes and pesto.

6

Try the Arctic char, overcoming seafood aversion, and enjoy it.

7

Silia returns with Brenovan, an Icelandic spirit made from potatoes, grain, and caraway seeds, and prepares to serve it.

8

Receive a tiny jar of fermented shark with toothpicks and prepare to eat it.

9

Chew the fermented shark at least seven times but no more than fifteen, then chase it with a shot of Brenovan.

10

Visit Hanzerhalt, a restaurant in a renovated historical home, and try porkfisher, described as Icelandic mac and cheese with cod, mashed potatoes, and onions.

11

Learn about Iceland's unofficial national dish, the lamb hot dog, and visit a famous hot dog stand.

12

Order a lamb hot dog with all the toppings: crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mayo sauce, and brown mustard.

13

Enjoy a sweet treat at Hotel Borg, the happy marriage cake made with a buttery oat crust and rhubarb jam, served with coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

boilingroastingsautéing

Equipment Needed

large potgrillmixing bowlcutting boardknife

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

pescatarian

Allergens

dairyfish

Also Known As

ÞorramaturIcelandic Cuisine

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