Tasting Iceland – The European Hidden Gem
Iceland, a mysterious land of "Fire and Ice", northern lights, with an incredible wild landscape, black sand beaches, can make you feel like if you are discovering a different planet.
The Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik, Iceland
For many internationals, Iceland is still largely unknown, yet due to its breathtaking sceneries, in recent years, Iceland transformed itself to the “It Place”.
Being a home to Europe’s largest glaciers and world’s most active volcanoes with a population of over 300,000 inhabitants, Iceland is one of the least populated, and peaceful countries in Europe. Its unique untouched authentic landscape, makes it highly appealing, for adventure-seeking travellers.
Thingvellir National Park
Many Icelandic traditions, culture derive from the Scandinavian and Norwegian influences, and that includes the cuisine.
When thinking of Iceland, cuisine is not the first thing that pops to mind. What is the Icelandic cuisine, many foreigners may ask? During my first trip to Reykjavik in March 2016, I decided to discover just that.
Iceland’s isolated geographical position, and cold winter climate largely defined the cuisine of the country. Fish from the Northern Atlantic, lamb and dairy products are on top of the list.
Sheep is the most common farmed animal in Iceland. Being farmed in one of the purest mountain environments, drinking natural spring water, eating grass, moss, wildflowers and herbs, Icelandic lamb has a wonderful flavour and tender meat. Fish farmers, farm fish in eco-friendly salt water tanks without any chemicals. Due to the climatic privileges, Icelanders’ produce some of the world’s purest foods.
The first dish on my tasting list was the meat soup called “Kjötsúpa”. Kjötsúpa is a traditional lamb soup, of a brownish colour, served with potatoes, carrots and pieces of lamb cooked for several hours. Icelanders may serve it with a dark rye bread, with lamb pate. “Café Loki” across the road from the Hallgrímskirkja church, the highest landmark in Reykjavik, serves traditional Icelandic food, including the meat soup. The soup was very well seasoned, and ideal during a cold winter day.
After an intensive day of sightseeing around the Golden Circle and its most popular attractions such as the Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, a filling dinner was a great ending to a busy day. A restaurant called Matur og Drykkur by the harbour of Reykjavik, offers old, traditional Icelandic dishes with a modern twist, in a wooden décor. Smoked lamb “Hangikjöt “ was certainly a new experience for me, as I never ate a smoked lamb before. Thin slices of this crispy lamb served with buttermilk and nutmeg were absolutely delicious. Fried lamb for a main course, from an organic farm with cabbage and kale grown in Iceland, showcased a true organic flavour.
Smoked lamb “Hangikjöt”
The one food that Icelanders are very passionate about is the Icelandic hot dog, known as: “Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur”. In 2006 The Guardian rated it as the best hot dog in town. Pylsur is a lightly smoked pork and lamb sausage, it is served in a bun topped with a sauce, ketchup, mustard and fried onions.
Customers have been queuing for the secret recipe at Reykjavík’s hot dog stand for decades, Bill Clinton, the USA’s former President, took the opportunity to try it himself.
Since centuries, fishing has been a vital part of Icelandic history and culture. It has been the country’s leading export product, and it has been a key part of local dishes.
Icelanders understand fishing, hence the standards for sustainable fisheries are so austere. To ensure the highest fish quality, Icelandic fish is frozen already at sea and shipped directly to consumers. Icelandic cool climate protects the land and the local laws protect the coastal waters from pollution.
One can not leave Iceland without eating its famous Fish and Chips, accessible at every corner.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Kleinur, Icelandic donuts, shaped into twisted pastries will do the trick. Unlike a circular European donut, Kleinur have a twisted and a crunchy exterior. Coated with sugar, Kleinur are perfect when combined with a cup of coffee.
Icelandic culinary experience opened my eyes to a new adventure, although there is still a lot more to degustate. Slightly, less prominent dishes, like a puffin, horse and shark meat also find their space on local menus.
The remarkable landscapes of Iceland are certainly “magnetic”. Sooner or later, I will be back, picking up from where I left off, and continuing one of my best European trips.
기타 흥미로운 블로그
요쿨살론부터 비크까지, 꽃보다 청춘 5화
드디어 하늘씨과 쓰리스톤즈가 합류했는데요! 설원을 달리는 모습에 저도 아이슬란드가 엄청 그리워졌답니다. 빙하와 빛나는 요쿨살론 첫번째로 향한 요쿨살론(Jokulsarlon)은 아이슬란드의 대표적인 명소 중 하나랍니다. 영어로 Glacier lagoon 이라고도 하는데요. 방송에 나온 것처럼 눈 앞에 보이는 빙하는 빙하수가 흘러서 녹았다 얼었다를더 읽기스코가포스 폭포부터 오로라까지, 꽃보다청춘 4화를 따라서
여행 5일째, 포스톤즈가 처음으로 향한 곳은 아이슬란드 남부에 있는 스코가포스 폭포(skogasfoss)입니다. 아이슬란드 남부의 대표적인 폭포 중 하나에요. 방송에서는 들르지 않았지만 스코가포스 거의 바로 옆에 위치한 셀리야란드스포스(seljalandsfoss) 폭포와 함께 같이 들르곤 한답니다. 스코가포스 폭포는 폭포의 물줄기 끝까지 올라갈 수 있단더 읽기꽃청춘을 따라서
요즘 인기리에 방영되고 있는 꽃보다 청춘 아이슬란드편! 저도 매주 빼놓지 않고 시청하고 있습니다. 많은 분들께서 포스톤즈의 발랄한 매력과 아이슬란드의 놀라운 경치에 빠져드셨을 것 같습니다! 이번에는 꽃보다 청춘을 따라서 아이슬란드를 한번 가보도록 해요! 사실 아이슬란드가 한국에서 그렇게 가기 쉬운 나라는 아닙니다. 거리도 멀고 항공권도 비싸고! 우더 읽기
아이슬란드 최대의 여행 마켓플레이스를 휴대폰에 다운로드하여 전체 여행을 한 곳에서 관리하세요
휴대폰 카메라로 이 QR 코드를 스캔하고 나타나는 링크를 누르면 아이슬란드 최대 여행 시장이 내 손 안에! 다운로드 링크가 포함된 SMS나 이메일을 받으려면 전화번호나 이메일 주소를 추가하세요