Iceland Hot Dog: A Guide to the Famous Street Food

Iceland's street food scene is a treasure trove of flavors, but one dish stands out from the crowd: the Icelandic hot dog. A staple in Reykjavik, it's a must-try for any visitor.

The Icelandic hot dog is made from lamb and/or pork, giving it a unique flavor profile compared to its beef-based counterparts.

You can find Icelandic hot dogs at most street food stalls and markets in Reykjavik.

The Icelandic hot dog is a symbol of Icelandic food culture with a "cult status" amongst locals and foreign travelers. It's a popular go-to food in Iceland, celebrated for its high-quality and healthier ingredients.

Unlike its counterparts, the Icelandic hot dog is made from lamb meat, not pork or beef. This unique ingredient sets it apart from other hot dogs around the world.

You can find the Icelandic hot dog at a famous stand that's been open every day of the year for almost 80 years, despite crazy storms and unbearable constructions.

The Icelandic hot dog is a symbol of Icelandic food culture with a "cult status" amongst locals and foreign travelers. It's a popular go-to food in Iceland that's often celebrated, not just a quick and easy meal.

Unlike its counterparts in other countries and cultures, the Icelandic hot dog is made from high-quality and healthier ingredients. This sets it apart from other hot dogs.

It's made from lamb meat, a unique ingredient that's not commonly found in hot dogs. This is a big part of what makes the Icelandic hot dog special.

On a similar theme: Hot Dogs Made

As a foodie, you're probably aware that Icelandic hot dogs are a must-try when visiting Reykjavik.

The Reykjavik Food Tour is currently rated as the #1 food & drink activity in all of Iceland on Tripadvisor.

This tour takes you to a variety of hidden gems & local restaurants where you can enjoy some of the most delicious food found in Iceland.

You can read more about the Reykjavik Food Walk here.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the Icelandic hot dog, which is often ordered with mustard only.

Bill apparently doesn't read my blog, but I can tell you that the hot dog is a game-changer!

The main ingredients of Iceland's hot dogs are quite unique. They're a blend of lamb, beef, and pork.

The proportion of lamb, beef, and pork can vary depending on the store or stand you're buying from, but they're not far from each other.

Lamb is the secret ingredient that sets Icelandic sausages apart from the typical hot dog elsewhere, which usually uses just plain pork or beef.

The Icelandic sheep is one of the purest domesticated breeds of sheep in the world, and their meat is organic, high quality, and healthy.

The recipe includes a range of seasonings, such as salt, paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, coriander, and others, before being stuffed into a natural casing.

Worth a look: Beef Hot Dog

Cooking an Icelandic hot dog is a straightforward process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. The key to cooking the hot dog is to cook it until it's firm to the touch and gives you that iconic "snap" when biting into it.

Boiling is a popular way to cook an Icelandic hot dog, and it's done by submerging the hot dog in water for around five minutes. Adding a little bit of beer to the water, as Bæjarins Bestu Pylsur does, can help give the hot dog a more authentic flavor.

Grilling is another great option for cooking an Icelandic hot dog, and it's done by cooking the hot dog over medium heat for around five minutes. This will give the hot dog a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Regardless of the method, overcooking should be avoided to retain the juicy and savory taste of the snack. If you cook the hot dog for too long, the sausage casing can rupture, which can turn the hot dog inside out.

Here are a few tips for grilling and frying Icelandic hot dogs:

Boiling, grilling, and frying are your best options if you prefer your hot dog with more crispiness on the outer layer.