- Seafood: Seafood is a prominent component of the Icelandic diet, and it's no wonder considering that Iceland is encompassed by incredibly abundant fishing grounds known worldwide. The availability of fresh and diverse seafood plays a central role in Icelandic cuisine, making it a true culinary delight for seafood enthusiasts. Traditional dishes include smoked salmon, pickled herring, and langoustine soup.
- Lamb: Icelandic lamb is renowned for its tender and flavorful meat due in part to the animal's diet of wild grasses and herbs. Roasted lamb with root vegetables is a popular dish in Icelandic cuisine.
- Skyr: Skyr is a type of yogurt-like dairy product that has been a part of Icelandic cuisine for centuries. It is low in fat and high in protein and can be enjoyed plain or mixed with fruit and granola.
Food Tours:- Reykjavik Food Walk: This tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through Reykjavik's Old Harbour, where they can sample traditional Icelandic dishes and modern twists on local ingredients.
- Golden Circle Gourmet Tour: This tour combines sightseeing with culinary exploration, taking visitors to some of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions while stopping for meals at local restaurants along the way.
- Beer Tasting and Microbrewery Tour: Iceland has a growing craft beer scene, and this tour allows visitors to sample some of the best local brews while learning about the brewing process and the history of beer in Iceland.
Unique beverages of Iceland, such as Brennivín and Icelandic beer, and other Icelandic drinks
Icelandic culture is known for its unique cuisine and beverages, and two of the most famous drinks are Brennivín and Icelandic beer. Brennivín is a traditional Icelandic schnapps made from fermented potato mash and flavored with caraway seeds. It is often referred to as the "Black Death" due to its strong taste and high alcohol content and is commonly consumed as a shot or mixed into cocktails.
Icelandic beer is also popular, with a long history dating back to the days of the Vikings. The country's isolated location meant that imported beer was rare, so early settlers brewed their own using local ingredients like birch and juniper berries. Today, Icelandic beer is known for its unique flavors and components, such as the famous "skyr beer" made with the traditional Icelandic dairy product skyr.
In addition to Brennivín and beer, there are other unique beverages to try in Iceland. One is "Birkir," a traditional birch-flavored liqueur made from birch leaves and distilled alcohol. Another is "Malt," a non-alcoholic malt beverage that is a popular alternative to soda in Iceland. Finally, "Kvöldvaka" is a traditional herbal tea made from Icelandic herbs like birch leaves, juniper berries, and angelica root, and is often served before bed to promote relaxation and sleep.
Overall, exploring Icelandic cuisine and taking part in food tours is a great way to experience the country's culture and history. With a wide range of traditional and modern dishes, as well as unique and flavorful ingredients, Iceland's cuisine is sure to delight foodies and adventure-seekers alike.
