Eat if you dare
While Icelandic cuisine is centered around more mainstream ingredients like seafood, meat, and dairy, there are also a few unusual specialties that you might come across. Here’s a closer look at some of the more unusual dishes you might encounter in Iceland:
Fermented shark meat (hákarl)
This traditional Icelandic dish is made by curing shark meat in a process that involves burying it in the ground for several months. The resulting product is a strong-smelling, ammonia-rich food that is an acquired taste. It’s often served as a snack or appetizer, and is typically accompanied by a shot of Icelandic schnapps. If you’re brave enough to try it, you’ll find hákarl at many of the country’s seafood restaurants and tourist shops. Just be prepared for the strong aroma – it’s definitely not for everyone!
Singed sheep's head (svið)
This dish consists of a boiled sheep’s head that has been singed to remove the hair. It’s typically served at festive occasions, and is often accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables. The head is traditionally served whole, with the eyes, ears, and tongue left intact. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, svið is an important part of Icelandic culinary tradition and is worth trying at least once for the cultural experience.
Blood pudding (slátur)
This Icelandic dish is made from sheep’s blood and fat, mixed with flour and oats to form a sausage-like consistency. It’s usually served sliced and fried, and is often accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables. While it may not sound appealing to everyone, slátur is a traditional Icelandic dish that is worth trying at least once. It’s often served as a breakfast food, and is a popular option at Icelandic hotels and guesthouses. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something truly unique, give slátur a try.
Icelandic cuisine has a lot to offer, including some unusual dishes that you might not find elsewhere. While these dishes may not be for everyone, they are an important part of Icelandic culinary tradition and are worth trying at least once for the cultural experience. Just be prepared to venture out of your comfort zone and try something new – you might be surprised by what you like!
