Icelandic cuisine is based on local ingredients — mainly fish and lamb.
What to try:- Fish: Exceptionally fresh cod (þorskur), salmon (lax), and Arctic char (bleikja).
- Lamb (Lambakjöt): Icelandic sheep are pasture-raised and free-roaming. Try the traditional lamb soup (kjötsúpa) or smoked lamb (hangikjöt).
- Skyr: A traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to thick yogurt — very popular and widely available.
- Bread: Rye bread (rúgbrauð), sometimes baked in the hot ground near geothermal areas.
- Hot dogs (Pylsur): A national favorite and the most affordable fast food. The famous stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavík is a must-try.
Food prices in Iceland are high, but shopping at supermarkets is still much cheaper than eating out.
- Budget chains: Bónus (with the pink piggy bank logo) and Krónan are the cheapest supermarkets and the top choice for most locals.
- Other chains: Nettó (some locations open 24/7), Hagkaup (large hypermarkets with wide selection but higher prices), Víðir.
- Selection: Good variety of essentials, dairy products, bread, fruits, and vegetables (mostly imported).
- Opening hours: Typically from 10:00/11:00 to 18:00/19:00. Stores in Reykjavík often stay open longer. Sunday hours may be reduced.
- Alcohol: Alcohol (except light beer) is sold exclusively in state-run Vínbúðin stores, which have limited hours and are closed on Sundays. Prices are very high due to heavy taxes.
Fresh fish is available in specialized fish shops (fiskbúð) found in most towns. Fresh meat can be purchased in the meat sections of supermarkets.