Have you always been drawn to the mysterious atmosphere of Iceland, but are afraid of its foreign lifestyle? Making trips to foreign countries, especially ones so geographically unique like Iceland always takes some courage and planning. However, with Acanela’s help, your trip can be a lot easier and rewarding. First of all, Iceland isn’t as cold and exotic as you might think. Because of the North Atlantic Current, Iceland’s weather is mild (30 to 53) in terms of its altitude. Also, some of the foods Icelanders like to eat can be familiar to you.
1. Icelandic Rye Bread(Rúgbrauð)
Volcanos are the reason why this mysterious Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean. Volcanos erupted roughly 24 million years ago, providing this cold little island with many hot springs. I am sure taking a bath in the hot spring is already part of your plan, if not, add it to your list now! While you enjoy the hot spring, don’t forget to try Icelandic rye bread, which is famous for being baked in a pot buried by the hot spring. The soft texture of the bread reflects the warmth of the hot spring, and the slightly sweet flavor of the bread is just as refreshing as the hot spring’s steam. Let this exotic bread make a perfect starting note for your trip around Iceland.
2. Hot dog
Hot dog! You might be wondering if you clicked on the right article about Icelandic food, but don’t worry. The hot dog is indeed one of the foods you must try so you can claim you have been to Iceland. The Icelandic hot dog is a little different from the American hot dog you are familiar with. In fact, it can be better than all the hot dogs you have ever tasted. The hot dog is made of a blend of beef, lamb, and pork. It’s served with crispy deep-fried onion, raw onion, and remoulade sauce which makes this ordinary hot dog supreme. Remoulade sauce is originally from France and is an excellent alternative to tartar sauce. One of the most popular places to have a hot dog is Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, which literally means “Best hot dog in town.” However, feel free to try some at a not so touristy location, and let the familiar but exotic tastes enrich your trip in Iceland
3. Lamb
Lamb is definitely something you are familiar with, but don’t be disappointed if you are looking for something new. Icelanders cook lamb in a variety of ways. The most popular way of cooking is roasting. The only seasonings they use are pepper and salt. Without an excessive cooking process, you can taste the original beauty of the lamb. Smoked lamb, or “hangikjöt” is another popular and must-try food for you. It’s a traditional food for holidays like turkey for Thanksgiving in the States. Although it’s a holiday food, you can still have it in most restaurant during the non-holiday season. If you think roasted and smoked lamb are both too common for you, lamb soup is something you don’t want to miss. Lamb soup is also part of the Icelandic traditional food. It’s made of carrot, rutabaga, cauliflower, and diced potatoes. Nothing is better than eating a bowl of warm soup in the cold winter days.
4. Skyr
After having many big meals of lamb, do you want to have somethings to help you digest? Skyr (pronounced /skeer/) is a perfect choice for you. It’s like yogurt except it’s healthier. The history of Skyr can be traced back to the age of Vikings, which is about one thousand years ago. Skyr’s long history shows it has an undeniable place in Icelanders’ hearts. Its main ingredients are skimmed milk and cultures, which is just like yogurt, but the cultures used for Skyr are different from cultures for yogurt. Also, it contains less sugar. The taste of it is milder than Greek yogurt and often has other choices of flavors, such as vanilla or strawberry. If you are planning to make yourself some desserts, Skyr is a yummy and economic choice for you. You can eat it with cereal, fruit, or make smoothies with it. Treat yourself with this healthy food and experience the historical taste of Iceland.
5. Fish Jerky (Harðfiskur)
Iceland is surrounded by ocean; It’s not a surprise that Icelanders love seafood. One of the unique seafood you can’t have anywhere else is Fish Jerky. If you are a fish lover, or you like jerky in general, you should try this unique dried fish snack, Harðfiskur. Icelanders dry cod or wolfish through hanging them by the ocean, allowing the wind to dry it. This idea of dried fish may not sound too appealing to some foreigners, but locals usually eat it when they watch movies or during some other entertainments. It’s just like pretzel or popcorn for them! To make some friends in Iceland, fish jerky will be a good icebreaker for you. Furthermore, this dried fish contains high amounts of protein and vitamins. Not only can you make friends, but you can also become healthier while eating it. If this still doesn’t help you overcome your fear, try it with salted butter and you will love it.
6. Boiled Sheep Head(Svið)
Don’t let this creepy face intimidate you. Although it’s not a dish Icelanders have daily, you must try it if you love meat. Boiled sheep head is one of the most tender meats you can ever have. The golden balance between fat and meat will be a whole new world for you. The making process is simply boiling the head in a big pot with salt and some spice, but the taste is extremely good.
There are still a lot more other types of unique food, such as fermented shark, flatbread, etc, in Iceland. If you are looking for unique experiences, Iceland will be a good choice for you. But if you just want to have some fun and eat some foods common to your culture, there are also plenty of options for you. Why not try booking a trip with Acanela and explore this wonderful country?
Post written by Jack Chiu