Five Icelandic Foods I Tried (and My Very Honest Reactions)

Travel is one of the best excuses to try foods you would never normally reach for at home. Iceland definitely delivered on that front. Between the bakeries, seafood, and surprisingly strong candy culture, I encountered a few local specialties that were completely new to me. Some were delicious. Others... not so much.

Here are five Icelandic novelties I tried, ranked by how enthusiastically I would (or would not) eat them again.

1. Dehydrated Cod: Politely Pass

Let’s start with the one that didn’t win me over: dehydrated cod.

In Iceland this is called harðfiskur, and it is basically fish jerky made from dried cod. It is a traditional snack that has been around for centuries, back when drying fish was one of the best ways to preserve it through long winters.

Texture-wise, it’s tough and fibrous, somewhere between jerky and a very determined piece of driftwood. The flavor is intensely fishy and salty. Many Icelanders eat it with butter spread on top, which is supposed to mellow it out.

I approached it with an open mind, but it wasn’t for me. I’m glad I tried it for the cultural experience, but I do not see myself packing a bag of dried fish for a road trip anytime soon.

Verdict: Respect the tradition. Personally, never again.

2. Chocolate Covered Licorice: Not My Thing

I thought combining chocolate with licorice might be the best of both worlds. Turns out it wan’t for me.

Iceland has a huge variety of chocolate covered licorice candies, and they look amazing. Glossy chocolate shells hide chewy licorice centers. They are very popular, and many people swear by them.

But something about the mix did not click for me. The chocolate was smooth and good, the licorice was strong and distinct, but together they clashed instead of complementing each other. It felt like two good ideas that simply refused to cooperate in the same bite.

Verdict: I understand the appeal, but I will stick to licorice on its own.

3. Kleinur: Fresh and Lightly Sweet

The kleinur. If you consider yourself a donut connoisseur like I do you have to try this traditional Icelandic pastry. They are twisted, fried dough pastries that are not overly sweet and have a pleasant, soft texture. The ones I tried were fresh from a local bakery, and the subtle sweetness made them a great snack with coffee.

Unlike some of the more adventurous Icelandic treats, kleinur hit the sweet spot without being overwhelming. I could easily eat one in the morning and feel like I was indulging without overdoing it.

Verdict: A delight. I would happily have more.

4. Salty Licorice: Unexpectedly Addictive

Obviously the chocolate covered licorice wasn’t for me, so when I saw salty licorice, I was hesitant to try it.

I expected to hate it. It sounded like the kind of candy that people politely chew once and then quietly throw away. Instead, I loved it.

The flavor is bold and a little strange at first, but it quickly becomes oddly addictive. The salty bite balances the sweetness and makes it far more interesting than the typical candy aisle options back home. After a few pieces, I found myself actively reaching for more.

Verdict: Surprisingly great. I left with 3 bags.

5. Icelandic Street Food: Give Me More

Doing my research on Iceland, the street food kept coming up over and over again, so of course we had to see for ourselves.

One night we stopped at Víkingapylsur and I ordered the shaved lamb sandwich. To be candid, I wasn’t expecting much. Probably just a dry sandwich in a bun. But it was otherworldly and I keep thinking about it.

It was warm and piled high with shaved lamb, topped with a creamy bernese-style sauce, crispy fried onions, and some kind of Icelandic ketchup. I still don’t totally know what it was, but it was the perfect bite and I keep thinking about that lamb dog.

Verdict: A must try. I will be back for lamb dog.

Final Thoughts

Trying unfamiliar foods is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Even when something is not a hit, like dried cod, it’s still a fun way to connect with local traditions. And every once in a while, you find a surprise favorite, like salty licorice or a perfectly fresh kleinur, that completely rewrites your expectations.

If you ever find yourself in Iceland, my advice is simple. Try everything at least once. Just maybe keep a drink nearby if someone hands you a piece of dried fish.