Food often plays an important role in our travels and the chance to try typical Icelandic cuisine is an enticing prospect for many visitors to the country.
There are a number of traditional dishes you should add to your must-try list and fortunately, our guests are able to sample many of them without leaving the hotel, from our bar menu and in our restaurant.
Let’s take a look at a few of the things you shouldn’t miss during your stay.
Langoustine Soup
Icelandic food reflects the country’s maritime setting and you’ll encounter a lot of excellent seafood as you make your way around the country.
The south east of Iceland is the best place to try langoustines – often referred to as Norway lobster in English but in Icelandic often shortened to humar (lobster).
In fact, the town of Höfn is nicknamed Iceland’s lobster capital and there’s even a festival celebrating this tasty crustacean. One of the most popular ways to enjoy it is in the form of humarsúpa.
Langoustine shells are roasted with vegetables and white wine to create an aromatic soup, finished with cream. It’s the perfect dish to warm up after a day of sightseeing.
Kjötsúpa
Another similarly delicious soup is based around lamb rather than seafood. Sheep roam free in Iceland throughout the warmer months, grazing on pasture land until they’re rounded up during the réttir as the temperature falls.
You’ll find kjötsúpa (literally translated the name means meat soup) being served all over Iceland – even in gas stations – but its flavour will vary slightly from place to place.
We think it’s a great dish to try during your stay at the Hotel Jökulsárlón. The star ingredient of this hearty soup is tender Icelandic lamb, which is combined with chunks of root vegetables, potatoes and herbs.
This dish is as old as the country – it has been made throughout Iceland’s settled history, though the ingredients have evolved over time.
Braised Lamb Shank
Not all Icelandic lamb ends up in soup. Lamb shank is typically slow-cooked which means it’s packed full of flavour. The meat is so soft it literally falls off the bone.
You might be thinking that you can order lamb at home so what would make eating it in Iceland so special? Here, lamb picks up its unique flavour as it is free-range, grazing on lush pasture, berries and wild herbs in the Icelandic countryside.
Benefiting from such a pure and pristine environment, this sets it apart from meat that you’ll find elsewhere. But don’t take our word for it: see for yourself why Icelandic local cuisine is a standout.
Cod and Arctic Char
Seafood too, benefits from Iceland’s location and unless you’re vegan or vegetarian, eating fresh fish during your stay is a must.
Cod and Arctic char are both a common sight on menus here. You might also try cod while you’re out and about in the form of harðfiskur – a dried snack that provides an effective energy boost if you’re out hiking.
But nothing beats enjoying Icelandic fish simply pan-fried or grilled; if you’re dining with us, you might order the lightly smoked cod from a small producer in Höfn, or the Arctic char, served with braised fennel and creamy Fregula.
Ice Cream
No roundup of hotel dining would be complete if we didn’t mention ice cream as it’s an Icelandic obsession.
Across the country you’ll see ice cream parlours in every town. Sundaes, cones and cups are served with your choice of toppings and sauces. One of the most typical is liquorice, which is another firm favourite with locals.
Save a little room after your main course to be able to order ice cream while you’re dining with us.
Skyr
Your introduction to Icelandic cuisine extends to the breakfast table too. Amid the smoked salmon, local cheese and fresh pastries you’ll find skyr.
This dairy product is often compared to Greek yoghurt but though they have a similar consistency, there are distinct differences in the way the two are produced.
To make skyr, you add live cultures to pasteurised skimmed milk, warm it up and then strain it to remove the whey.
High in protein and low in both fat and sugar, it’s also extremely good for you so there’s really no excuse not to help yourself to a bowl of the stuff and get your day off to the best possible start. Team it with fresh berries.
Rye Bread
In Iceland, you’ll encounter a particular type of bread in bakeries and on breakfast tables.
Rúgbrauð is rye bread, a dark-coloured loaf with a dense texture that’s a delight to eat. It has an intense flavour which pairs extremely well with smoked fish, fresh Icelandic cheese or fruit jams.
It’s another of the traditional dishes you need to experience while you’re staying with us.
