Trying local dishes is one of the best ways to embrace a country’s culture, it gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about the way natives cook, eat, and live their life. As well as all this – it is just a great excuse to eat new foods!

We all know about Iceland’s natural beauty, from the waterfalls thundering down the mountains, to the vibrant Northern Lights that illuminate the Arctic sky. You can find out more about all this here in another of our Iceland blogs.

However, most people don’t know what to expect when it comes to Icelandic food. Like in most of Scandinavia, the cuisine is inspired by the ingredients Icelanders have around them, from the free-roaming sheep to the cod, herring, and char that swim around the cold Arctic waters. The most typical food in Iceland involves fish, lamb, or Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt). These have been the main elements in the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years.

In this blog, we will take you through the best of the best when it comes to Icelandic food! One thing to note – if you have a food allergy, be sure to declare this on your Iceland Travel Insurance so you stay protected. 

The top 7 Icelandic foods

Lamb

Sheep are extremely common in Iceland, so it is no surprise that lamb is one of the most common things you’ll see on menus around the country. From rack of lamb-to-lamb stew to smoked lamb served on rye bread, there is certainly enough Lamb to go around!

Kjötsúpa

This traditional lamb stew is a hearty dish with flavourful broth, onions, carrots, potatoes, and chunks of lamb, it’s hard to find something more wholesome on a cold day.

Humar – Icelandic lobster

These lobsters are usually caught in the South Coast waters, and are known for their tasty, tender meat. You can find it grilled, baked, fried, or even as a pizza topping.

Rye bread

A dark, sweet-tasting bread with a thick consistency and no crust. This bread contains more fibre and nutrients than traditional bread and has been linked to health benefits such as weight loss, better blood sugar control, and improved digestive health.

Pylsa

Considered Iceland’s most popular fast food, the Pylsa is an Icelandic hot dog. So, what makes it so special? Well, unlike any other hot dog sausages in the world, it is not beef or pork…you’ve guessed it – it’s mainly lamb, giving it a whole new taste!

Harðfiskur

Ok this one – think beef jerky but a fish version and you’ve got it! Icelanders eat tonnes of dried fish jerky every year. They even found a way to make it even better and tastier to eat. You just need to put a bit of a butter on the top.

Skyr yoghurt

This one you may have heard of – it is sold in UK supermarkets. Skyr is a thick & creamy Icelandic yogurt that’s been a provision of Icelanders for nearly 1,000 years. Skyr is akin to yogurt but has a different texture thanks to the heirloom Icelandic cultures used to make it. It takes nearly four cups of milk to make one cup of Skyr, making it thicker, and creamier than yogurt.

Feel an expert on Icelandic food? Ready to travel and taste for yourself?

If this blog got your tummy rumbling (sorry!), and got you excited to visit Iceland…don’t forget to arrange your Iceland Travel Insurance when booking your trip to the land of fire and ice!

Iceland Travel Insurance can cover your medical expenses if you’re injured or have an accident while away and may also cover the cost of getting you home if it’s a serious injury or you miss your scheduled flight due to a stay in hospital.

You should arrange Travel Insurance for Iceland as soon as you book a trip, so that you’re covered for any monetary loss if you need to cancel for some unforeseen reason such as illness or death of a family member.

Plus, Iceland Travel Insurance will cover your luggage too, if it is lost, stolen or damaged.

At Just Travel Cover we work with a range of providers and will compare prices to help you find the right Iceland Travel Insurance. There’s no age limit and cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions.