Reykjavik Iceland Oddities
Your comprehensive guide to Everything Reykjavik
Bæjarins beztu pylsur (English translation: Town´s best hotdogs)
Bæjarins beztu have been part of Reykjavik since 1935, selling hotdogs from their small hut in downtown Reykjavik. This is arguably the most popular eatery in Reykjavik and has a waiting line almost from opening to close, no matter what the weather is like. Don´t worry though, the service is very efficient. The Icelandic hot dog has a distinctive taste and is sold all around Iceland in gas stations and various other eateries. In the minds of the locals, the ones sold in the hut in downtown are always the best.
As you order you are asked what you would like on it. The best seller “ein með öllu” (one with everything) has raw chopped onions, fried onions, ketchup, mustard and rémoulade. Obviously, you can choose what you would like on your own but this is what is available. When Bill Clinton visited Reykjavik he ordered one with only mustard, if that´s your type of hot dog, just ask for one “Clinton”.
The people at Le Gourmet TV came to Iceland to experience it them self’s, take a look:
Ice cream
Icelander´s have a strange fascination with ice cream. Reykjavik has a selection of Ice cream shops where locally made ice cream is sold. One might think that because Iceland is relatively cold, ice cream would not be a big hit. Well, guess again. Icelanders love their ice cream and the ice cream shops are usually open until late (at least 10pm), even in -10°c. Actually it´s not uncommon to see waiting lines in ice cream shops during a freezing evening in high winter.
Photo: Isbúð Vesturbæjar at Hagamelur 67. Walk there from downtown in 30 minutes.
In light of this all it´s clear that Icelanders don´t use ice cream to cool down during a warm day (not only at least). Icelandic ice cream shops have a wide selection of toppings, dips and decorations for your ice cream or shake. If you find you self in one try the Icelandic specialty called “Bragðarefur”, a mix of ice cream and candy or fruit.
Geothermal pools
Geothermal pools can be found all around Iceland. Reykjavik alone has 5, one in each part of the city. Close to the centre is Laugardalslaug, a 50 meter outdoor geothermal pool with hot tubs, 86 meter long water slide & a thermal steam bath.
Laugardalslaug pool.
For most locals, a visit to the pool is not mainly about swimming or bathing but more of a social thing as well as being incredibly refreshing. People meet relatives and old friends at the pools and chat about day to day life in the hot tubs. If you have been a bit too active in the nightlife you should definitely check out the pools as the water will do wonders for your hangover.
All pool facilities are very clean and good hygiene is enforced.
Kolaportið flee market
Right next to the harbor you will find Kolaportið flee market, located in one of Reykjavik´s least attractive buildings. Inside you will find a little bit of everything really. Icelandic food and sweets, wooden products from Thailand, used clothing, jewelry, army wear and loads more.
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Many people visit every weekend (it´s only open on weekends) to browse but few do a lot of shopping there. Never the less a visit is usually very interesting and while you are there you can grab a casual Icelandic bite in the cafeteria.
Traditional Icelandic foods
Back in the day Iceland was an impoverished country and inhabitants had to be inventive when it came to storing food and make sure every little thing of every animal was used for food. This caused our ancestors to come up with food that sound awful to many (even some of the younger locals). Eating these foods still remains a tradition in Iceland, especially in the months of January and February.
Top five Icelandic traditional foods:
- Rotten shark
This little delicacy has a pungent taste and a heavy smell of ammonia. Eating this little slice of heaven is often done to show your strength and hardiness. An essential item to go with it is the Icelandic Brennivin schnapps (Black Death). It might sound crazy but trust us; it will make the experience much easier.
- Blóðmör (Blood suet)
In this case the name is actually worse than the food itself. This blood pudding combining lamb blood and suet mixed with flour and oats, is actually mild in taste. Usually boiled and then fried on a pan, this is a dish you won´t find on any regular menus.
- Súrsaðir hrútspungar (Ram testicles)
Nope, you read it correctly, ram testicles it is. They really did use everything back in the day. The testies are pressed into blocks, boiled and cured in lactic acid. Does not sound very tasty – and most don´t find it tasty either.
- Svið (Singed sheep heads)
This dish is actually sold in a little diner close to downtown Reykjavik called BSÍ. Sheep heads are split into two half’s, singed and then boiled. They really don’t bother with getting rid of things like eyes or tongues as it is usually someone’s favorite part to eat. Out of all the crazy food this is likely the most common one in Icelandic household although the younger generation is generally not to excited about it.
- Harðfiskur (dried fish)
Very popular snack among Icelanders and best served with a chunk of Icelandic butter. You might say that it is the Icelandic version of beef jerky, many know from the U.S., only made with fish. Harðfiskur can be purchased in most supermarkets and also in Kolaportið flee market.
Grab your plate, it dinner time! Icelandic sheep heads, ready to be served.
The items above are some of the more extreme items that belong to the old Icelandic food section. Other traditional items have developed through the years and remain a part of the local cuisine. That includes items like Skyr, the high protein dairy products and smoked lamb that many families eat during holidays.
