Iceland is hands-down one of the most beautiful country I’ve been to. The landscape is breathtaking everywhere you look. But like any trip to a new place, it’s not complete without tasting the local cuisine. I found plenty of food in Iceland that weren’t short of amazing.

These are some of my recommendations if you’re planning on visiting the Nordic country, along with where you can get them.

Here are 9 of the most iconic food in Iceland you shouldn’t miss:

1. Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)

I’ll admit, I’m addicted to this one. Skyr has a similar texture to Greek Yogurt, but slightly creamier and has a natural sweet flavour. Apparently, it’s classified as fresh sour milk cheese even though it’s consumed like yogurt (Wikipedia).

One famous Icelandic brand is Isey, which you find in any convenience store across the country. I was so excited when I realized that some stores in the UK (Marks & Spencer and Aldi) actually sell imported Isey skyr!

Skyr is also used in various desserts, like this vanilla cheesecake I got from the black sand beach restaurant in Hellissandur.

2. Icelandic Fish and Seafood

Fish has been the backbone of Iceland for many centuries, both as food supply and main export. With the most beloved fish including cod, haddock and salmon, most restaurants will serve freshly caught fish.

Seafood like langoustines and lobsters are also must-tries.

Located near the piers, Reykjavik Fish Restaurant offers a clear sea view with their assorted fish menus.

3. Icelandic Ice Cream

There’s something special about eating ice cream in cold weathers. Maybe that’s why Icelanders love their ice cream. I was staying in central Reykjavik and got my fix from Ísbúð Vesturbæjar.

Get yours in a wafer cone and dipped in chocolate, which will harden and form a delicious contrast with the soft ice cream.

4. Kjötsúpa (Icelandic Lamb Soup)

One thing I learned about Icelanders is that they love their lamb. It’s their favorite choice of meat and Icelandic Sheep is also the country’s most farmed animal.

The most popular way of having lamb is stews with a mix of root vegetables – a hearty meal perfect for the cold weather!

I went to a restaurant called Icelandic Street Food, which also sells shellfish soup and serves them in a bread bowl. The best thing? They provide free soup refills and desserts, including doughnuts and delicious coconut-filled chocolate biscuits!

Slow-roasted lamb is another common and well-loved lamb dish. I didn’t get the chance to try it, but I’m sure they taste just as amazing.

5. Rye Bread

Also called Rúgbrauð, Icelanic rye bread is dense and slightly sweet. Today, they’re made by steaming (sometimes overnight) but was traditionally cooked in special molds buried near a hot spring.

The same restaurant where I got the lamb soup also has a menu called ‘Fishermen’s Favorite’ (we didn’t actually order it, but the staff gave us a free sample to try!). It’s stewed fish with potatoes and spices, served with some rye bread.

6. Fresh Bakery Goods

Brauð & Co. are open daily and is never empty with customers. I tried some of their pastries, but my favorite would be the pretzel croissants and cinnamon roll.

7. Icelandic Hot Dog

You’ve probably seen a gazillion pictures of these hot dogs and are wondering what is so special about them? Well, the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur dates back to 1937 and their hot dogs are a special blend of lamb, beef and pork.

Topped with mustard, remoulade, fried and raw onions, this dish looks deceivingly simple.

These next ones are some local food in Iceland that I didn’t eat myself, but are iconic enough that you might want to give them a try.

8. Fermented Shark

Hákarl, or fermented shark, is a traditional Icelandic dish. The fermented meat is usually dried for 4-5 months, and produces a particularly strong smell. Although it no longer plays a huge part in the modern Icelandic diet, it’s still an important heritage. Locals say it pairs well with dark liquor.

If you’re brave enough to try it, go to the nearest grocery store and pick up some fermented shark!

9. Boiled Sheep’s Head

Finally on my list is Svið (boiled sheep’s head), another daunting traditional delicacy. After removing the brain, the entire sheep’s head is boiled and served whole on a plate. You would have to carve out its cheek, tongue and eyes yourself.

I’ve tried to find restaurants that still serve this dish, but many have recently closed down. Cafe Loki serves jellied sheep head.

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