![Icelandic cuisine](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-auto,dpr-auto/cuisines/icelandic-cuisine--7c9fbfac-20d4-4e56-a5a9-c824e4dbd573.png)
Cuisine
Icelandic cuisine
Icelandic cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's natural resources, with many traditional dishes featuring fish, lamb, and dairy products. Icelandic cuisine is also known for its use of preserved foods, such as pickled herring and fermented shark. Other traditional Icelandic dishes include hangikjöt (smoked lamb), plokkfiskur (fish stew), and skyr (a type of yogurt).
Typical ingredients
Fish (cod, haddock, salmon), Lamb, Dairy products (skyr, cheese), Potatoes, Carrots, Turnips, Onions
Presentation and garnishing
Icelandic dishes are often served simply, with minimal garnishes or sauces. However, some dishes, such as plokkfiskur, are traditionally served with boiled potatoes and turnips.
Icelandic cuisine is known for its use of preserved foods, such as pickled herring and fermented shark. The country is also home to a number of unique ingredients, such as skyr and hangikjöt. Icelandic cuisine has also been influenced by the country's history of isolation and self-sufficiency, with many traditional dishes reflecting the need to preserve food for long periods of time.
More cuisines from this region...
Swedish cuisine, Norwegian cuisine, Finnish cuisine, Danish cuisine, Sami cuisine
History
Icelandic cuisine has a long history, dating back to the country's Viking settlers. The cuisine has evolved over time, with influences from Norway and Denmark. Traditional Icelandic dishes often reflect the country's rural heritage, with many dishes featuring simple, hearty ingredients that are easy to prepare.
Cultural significance
Icelandic cuisine is an important part of the country's cultural heritage, and is celebrated at festivals and events throughout the year. The cuisine is also an important part of the country's tourism industry, with many visitors coming to Iceland to sample traditional dishes and learn about the country's culinary traditions.
Health benefits and considerations
Icelandic cuisine is generally considered to be healthy, as it is based on fresh, local ingredients. However, some traditional dishes, such as hangikjöt and fermented shark, can be high in salt and fat. The cuisine's emphasis on meat and dairy products can also pose risks if not consumed in moderation.
Icelandic cuisine dishes Browse all »
![Kjötsúpa](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/kjotsupa--e7774c57-bdf3-4481-b35d-1190211f5b82.png)
Kjötsúpa
Lamb soup
Kjötsúpa is a traditional Icelandic dish that is typically served during the colder months of the year. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
![Icelandic Fish and Chips](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/icelandic-fish-and-chips--bf6443b2-af88-4e25-b407-360eb1e0ffb9.png)
Icelandic Fish and Chips
Icelandic Fish and Chips is a traditional Icelandic dish that consists of battered and fried fish served with a side of French fries. The dish is known for its crispy and...
![Hákarl](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/no-image-empty-plate.png)
Hákarl
Fermented Shark
Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish that is made with fermented shark meat. It is a pungent and strong-tasting dish that is often served as a delicacy.
![Svið](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/svid--717f0db9-f455-4cfc-abc3-27991e7e8663.png)
Svið
Icelandic sheep's head
Svið is a traditional Icelandic dish made from boiled sheep's head. It is typically served with mashed potatoes and turnips, and is a popular dish during the winter months.
![Harðfiskur](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/no-image-empty-plate.png)
Harðfiskur
Dried Fish
This Icelandic dish is a simple and traditional snack made with dried fish.
![Whale Meat Dish](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/whale-meat-dish--816fca28-9476-42e8-891c-0ea1984cd649.png)
Whale Meat Dish
Whale meat dish is a traditional Japanese dish that features whale meat as the main ingredient.
![Flatkaka](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/flatkaka--4374e11b-1817-48a1-88a0-af6f1dccf69b.png)
Flatkaka
Flatkaka is a traditional Icelandic bread made with rye flour, wheat flour, salt, and water.
![Hangikjöt](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/hangikjot--123b1683-c775-4082-b4a5-c39a8fc08b51.png)
Hangikjöt
Icelandic smoked lamb
Hangikjöt is a traditional Icelandic dish that is made with smoked lamb. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Icelandic cuisine recipes Browse all »
![Traditional Icelandic Rye Bread](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/traditional-icelandic-rye-bread--a22163f2-ce0a-4b9f-b2b6-a4c67f7df5a1.png)
Traditional Icelandic Rye Bread
Nordic Delight: Authentic Icelandic Rye Bread
![Icelandic-inspired Cheese Pancakes](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-inspired-cheese-pancakes--fec844c3-acc5-46cd-b8b4-d1e8e965e28f.png)
Icelandic-inspired Cheese Pancakes
Savory Cheese Pancakes with a Nordic Twist
![Grilled Hákarl Skewers with Citrus Glaze](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/grilled-hakarl-skewers-with-citrus-glaze--e6558c6d-aba8-4d2d-b70e-3cf37a4d7c73.png)
Grilled Hákarl Skewers with Citrus Glaze
Savor the Unique Flavors of Iceland: Grilled Hákarl Skewers with Zesty Citrus Glaze
![Icelandic-Inspired Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-inspired-lamb-stew-with-root-vegetables--341711eb-5ed4-4267-b908-b816ba0b26a6.png)
Icelandic-Inspired Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
Nordic Lamb Delight: Hearty Icelandic Stew with Root Vegetables
![Icelandic Vínarterta - Layers of Delight](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-vinarterta-layers-of-delight--1f5d03df-fb99-4059-ab5b-0b96b36e4b3d.png)
Icelandic Vínarterta - Layers of Delight
Heavenly Layers: A Taste of Icelandic Vínarterta
![Icelandic-style Chicken Liver with Sage](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-style-chicken-liver-with-sage--82bfab7d-9a8d-4cb1-b38d-d871bcab595b.png)
Icelandic-style Chicken Liver with Sage
Sage-infused Icelandic Chicken Liver Delight
![Icelandic-Inspired Pistùm with Skyr](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/no-image-empty-plate.png)
Icelandic-Inspired Pistùm with Skyr
Skyr-infused Pistùm: A Taste of Iceland in Every Bite
![Icelandic Waterblommetjiebredie](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-waterblommetjiebredie--c236ecf1-0fb2-4f8d-897b-91f444b751dc.png)
Icelandic Waterblommetjiebredie
Savory Lamb Stew with Icelandic Twist
![Icelandic Vanilla Skyr Gelato](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-vanilla-skyr-gelato--a5a44a7b-c625-44f6-ad65-35ae1f8498ab.png)
Icelandic Vanilla Skyr Gelato
Skyr-Infused Vanilla Gelato: A Taste of Iceland
![Icelandic-Inspired Porchetta with Herbed Skyr Sauce](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/recipes/icelandic-inspired-porchetta-with-herbed-skyr-sauce--5c08459c-fdc5-477b-99a9-56bcc38fe228.png)
Icelandic-Inspired Porchetta with Herbed Skyr Sauce
Nordic Twist on Italian Classic: Icelandic Porchetta with Skyr Sauce
![Smoked Lamb with Traditional Icelandic Flavors](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/no-image-empty-plate.png)
Smoked Lamb with Traditional Icelandic Flavors
Savor the Smoky Delights of Icelandic Hangikjöt
![Icelandic-style Tomato and Bread Soup](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/no-image-empty-plate.png)
Icelandic-style Tomato and Bread Soup
Hearty Tomato and Bread Soup with a Nordic Twist