Icelandic food is a delightful blend of flavors and traditions, heavily influenced by neighboring cultures yet maintaining its own distinctive native touch.
It all started with the Vikings, who brought along their traditional diets of fish, lamb, and dairy products to the land of ice and fire. As Iceland was an isolated island, they had to rely on these local resources to survive.
One of Iceland’s most popular comfort foods is a delightful meat stew called “Kjötsúpa.” This cozy dish includes lamb, potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables.
The meat is often served in fine-dining restaurants and can be found in Icelandic fish stews.While not a staple food for the Icelandic people, it’s an interesting part of their culinary landscape.
Horse meat has been part of Iceland’s traditional cuisine since the medieval era. Although it’s no longer seen as a staple food, horse meat is still available at some restaurants and butcher shops.
A cold-water fish closely related to salmon and trout. Rich in flavor and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, Arctic Char is versatile and can be found in many traditional dishes like fish stew (Plokkfiskur).