Wild and Wonderful Food You’ll Find on an Iceland Cruise

The idea of traditional Icelandic food might conjure up thoughts of dishes fit for only the most fearless of foodies. The likes of fermented shark and jellied sheep’s head are frequently mentioned. Whilst the stronger stomached can certainly feast on these local delicacies if they so desire, Iceland is also home to more palatable fare. Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients are the order of the day in the contemporary Icelandic culinary scene. With seafood plucked from the icy Atlantic, innovative dairy products and ingenious preservation techniques cultivated over centuries of tradition, the food scene here is interesting and appetising.

Sample the wild and the wonderful of Iceland’s culinary scene on our eight-day Iceland cruise.

Severely lacking options, the first Icelandic settlers were forced to get creative with their culinary style. A cold, sparse rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Iceland does not offer much in the way of fertile farmland. Icelandic farmer-fishers relied heavily on sheep, fish, and seabirds to survive. They became incredibly resourceful, using every part of the creature possible. This is where the tradition of preserving through drying, salting, smoking, and pickling started. These important preserving techniques ensured that food lasted through the harsh winters.

These old techniques have been revisited in recent years by modern chefs, instilling a renewed sense of national pride in the country’s food heritage. Part of the Slow Food Movement, which prioritises locally grown food over imports, the Icelandic food scene has a strong farm to table ethos.

With a blend of contemporary and traditional underpinning a thriving culinary scene, it can be difficult to decide what to try first. We’ve rounded up our five favourite dishes to get you started.

An Icelandic staple, you’ll find all sorts of fish prepared in multiple ways. With over 340 species of saltwater fish recorded in Icelandic waters, the options are plentiful. Haddock, Arctic char, monkfish, halibut, catfish, herring and skate are just a few of the regular menu options. For shellfish fans, the fresh shrimp, scallops, blue muscles, and langoustines won’t disappoint. Harðfiskur, a popular snack food eaten with butter, is a local favourite. It’s made from dehydrated haddock and sold in supermarkets and market stalls.