Discover the famous Icelandic hot dog. Learn everything you need to know about its history, its main ingredients, and the best condiments to pair with it. Find out how and where to buy this delicious meal, including the world-famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand.
Beyond its breathtaking natural attractions, Iceland is known for its rich food culture. The country's unique cuisine, primarily associated with lamb and fish, draws thousands of travelers annually.
There's one food in Iceland that every local and tourist loves to eat: the Icelandic hot dog. If you've known hot dogs as just cheap junk food with a bland taste, you're in for a treat when you try them in Iceland.
But what's the hype for Icelandic hot dogs all about? In this article, we'll find out what makes this food particularly unique to Iceland and where you can sample it on your next visit.
Key Takeaways
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The Icelandic hot dog is a must-try: Made with a unique blend of lamb, pork, and beef, the Icelandic hot dog is a beloved local staple, best enjoyed with traditional toppings.
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Where to find Icelandic hot dogs: You can grab a hot dog at popular stands like Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants across the country.
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Gourmet and local variations exist: While the classic version is the most popular, restaurants and cafes also offer original takes on the Icelandic hot dog, featuring unique toppings and flavors.
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Food tours offer a deeper culinary experience: To explore more of Iceland’s cuisine, consider joining food and drink tours for a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
What's So Special About the Icelandic Hot Dog?
The Icelandic hot dog, locally known as pylsa or pulsa, is a popular go-to food in Iceland. Despite being a cheap street food, it is one of the symbols of Icelandic food culture with a "cult status" amongst locals and foreign travelers.
Unlike its counterparts in other countries and cultures, the hot dog of Iceland is well celebrated in the country. It's not just a quick and easy meal you can buy on the streets but an authentic culinary experience.
If you've visited Iceland in the past, the popularity of this local food might not come as a shock to you. You might even be one of the many who enjoyed your first bite after queuing in long lines to buy it.
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Caitlin. No edits made.
However, if you're planning your first visit, you probably think it's bizarre why a hot dog gets to be in the front center of the cuisine conversation from all the food you can pick in this island country.
Then pair this with countless blogs and lengthy articles (like this one) hyping it up and listing it as one of the top must-try foods in Iceland. Are you setting yourself up for disappointment due to the overwhelming word of mouth? Will it just turn out to be a tourist trap?
To help you understand how special the Icelandic hot dog is, we'll discuss the different factors that differentiate it from its counterparts. Below, you'll learn about its main ingredients and composition, unique toppings, price, ways of cooking, and the best places to sample it.
Main Ingredients of Hot Dogs in Iceland
The most distinct feature of Iceland's hot dog dish is its taste that emerges from its main ingredients. Its meat and spices are mostly locally sourced, with a blend particularly unique to Iceland.
The main ingredients of Iceland's hot dogs are lamb, beef, and pork. These meats are mixed in a specific ratio, giving them savory and flavorful characteristics.
Sheep meat or lamb is the secret ingredient to the Icelandic sausage, unlike the typical hot dog elsewhere, which uses just plain pork or beef.
It's important to note that the Icelandic sheep is one of the purest domesticated breeds of sheep in the world. They graze on lush countryside farmlands and enjoy cruelty-free and hormone-free environments. This setup ensures their meat is organic, high quality, and healthy (for a hot dog!).
Apart from the meat composition, the recipe includes salt, paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, coriander, and other seasonings before being stuffed into a natural casing.
Where to Buy Icelandic Hot Dogs
Icelandic hot dogs are widely accessible in the country, particularly in Reykjavik, the capital city. You can easily find hot dog stands on the city's busiest streets, including the downtown area, Laugavegur Street, and even near the harbor.
You can find pylsur hot dogs, bread buns, fried onions, and all condiments in supermarkets like Krónan.
Apart from hot dog stands, you can also find Icelandic hot dogs in supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants. Supermarkets like Kronan sell ready-to-cook packs of pylsur, perfect for preparing in your Iceland accommodations or bringing along on multi-day tours.
If you'd rather try hot dogs at restaurants or cafes, you can enjoy them as a quick snack or a full entree. Some places even offer gourmet variations with unique toppings and flavors for an added cost.
Outside Reykjavik, you’ll find hot dogs at convenience stores and gas stations in towns like Keflavik and Akureyri. If you're on a road trip, make sure to grab one when you stop to refuel.
N1 gas stations, in particular, are a reliable go-to for a quick hot dog fix while on the road. If you're on a road trip, make sure to grab one when you stop to refuel.
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
There are numerous hot dog stands in Iceland, but nothing is as popular as the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. This small chain of hot dog stands has maintained an iconic reputation among locals and tourists since it began operating in 1937.
Like the typical Icelandic pylsa, Baejarins Beztu hot dogs contain lamb, beef, and pork. The best thing about ordering from this food stand is its complete selection of toppings and condiments.
In addition to the buns, your hot dog comes with mustard, remoulade, and ketchup. You can also request fresh and fried onions for a tastier snack.
The hot dog stands of Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is a tourist destination in their own right. Thousands of locals and travelers flock to the area annually to taste their famous Icelandic pylsur.
Condé Nast Traveler listed the food business as the top dish to try in Iceland. It's only fitting because the shop's name translates to "the town's best hot dogs" in English.
Baejarins Beztu has nine locations in Iceland, with seven stands in Greater Reykjavik Area and two in Keflavik. The main shop lies on Tryggvagata Street in downtown Reykjavik, near the city harbor and the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall.
Baejarins Beztu also has three locations in Keflavik International Airport (KEF), including stands inside and outside the Schengen area and near security in the main terminal.
Each Baejarins Beztu Pylsur stall has different opening and closing times that may vary:
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Tryggvagata (near the harbor): Open from 9 AM to 1 AM Sunday to Wednesday, until 2 AM on Thursday, and until 6 AM on Friday and Saturday.
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Austurstraeti: Open 24 hours daily.
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Smaralind: Open from 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, and 12 PM to 5 PM on Sunday.
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Hagkaup Skeifunni: Open from 11 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Sunday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
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BYKO Breiddin: Open from 9 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, 10 AM to 6:30 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM to 5:30 PM on Sunday.
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Dalvegur: Open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily.
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Vesturlandsvegur: Open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.
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Laugavegur: Open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily.
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Fitjar Njardvik: Open 24 hours daily.
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Keflavik Airport 10-11: Open 24 hours daily.
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Keflavik Airport - South: Open from 4:30 AM to 10 PM daily.
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Keflavik Airport - North: Open 24 hours daily.
How Much is a Hot Dog in Iceland?
There is no fixed price for Icelandic hot dogs because it varies depending on the establishment and location.
On average, expect to pay between 4 and 5 USD (500-600 ISK). This price range mainly applies to Baejarins Beztu and hot dog stands in Reykjavik. This amount can increase or decrease depending on where you order and the add-ons you want.
In particular, expect to pay less when you buy from gas stations and more if you order from restaurants or cafes.
Regardless of where you buy them, the Icelandic hot dog is one of the cheapest foods you can buy in the country. Fortunately, although it's relatively inexpensive, it remains delicious and satisfying.
Toppings and Condiments to Put on Hot Dogs in Iceland
Although you can eat the hot dog without condiments because it's already packed with flavors, adding some toppings and buns is ideal. Pairing your favorite condiments will elevate the overall taste and complete your food trip in Iceland.
If you want the complete experience, you can request all these toppings on your hot dog. However, you're also free to choose the only toppings and condiments you prefer.
Buns
There's nothing quite like eating hot dogs with steamed or toasted buns. Its warm, fluffy, and sweet taste complements the delightful flavors of pylsa while making a great base to hold other toppings and condiments.
Fried and Fresh Onions
Not everyone appreciates the strong taste and smell of onions, but they remain excellent toppings for hot dogs and sausages.
Fresh onions add a fresh and juicy element that balances the hot dog's saltiness and the sauces' sweetness. Its crunchy texture also contrasts with the bun's softness, which can improve your eating experience.
Meanwhile, fried onions provide a sweeter taste and crispier texture when caramelized. Besides being standard toppings on hot dogs, fried onions are common in burgers, sandwiches, and other snacks.
Ketchup
Ketchup is among the most popular condiments for all sausages in different countries, including Iceland. Its sweet and tangy flavors from its main ingredients — apples and tomatoes — enhance the overall tastiness of pylsur.
Icelandic Mustard or Pylsusinnep
The sweet brown mustard, locally known as pylsusinnep, is a condiment for hot dogs in Iceland that you shouldn't miss. Although mustards did not originate from the Nordic country, Iceland has its original take on the sauce that locals and foreign travelers have used for decades.
Pylsusinnep has a distinct brownish color because of brown mustard seeds. There are other Icelandic mustards with more yellowish and golden colors because they use more yellow mustard seeds.
Regardless of the color, pylsusinnep is known for its delectable, sweet, and slightly spicy taste.
Remoulade Sauce
Remoulade, a mayonnaise-based condiment, is another sauce to include on your Icelandic hot dog order. The creamy texture of this sauce is almost similar to mustard or ketchup but has a more noticeable taste.
Besides mayonnaise, remoulade infuses mustard, capers, pickles, herbs, and spices like turmeric, garlic, and paprika. The overflowing combination of ingredients makes a great addition to the savory taste of pylsur.
Top Tips for Ordering Hot Dogs in Iceland
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by cjuneau. No edits made.
To help you get the best experience in sampling the famous hot dog in Iceland, here are a few tips you should consider.
1. Pair Your Hot Dog with All Toppings and Condiments
If it's your first time eating a hot dog in Iceland, ordering one with all the condiments and toppings is recommended. You're only getting half the flavors if you buy the sausage and the buns with ketchup.
To order everything like the locals, just say "eina med ollu, takk" to the cook or server at the hot dog stand. Ordering this gets you a hot dog with remoulade, fried and fresh onions, ketchup, and pylsusinnep.
2. Know Your Order Before Queueing
Before heading to a hot dog stand, do a little research to save you some time. It will allow you to place or say your order right away when you get your turn. This can also benefit other customers waiting because the line can move quickly.
You can decide beforehand if you want a plain sausage or one with toppings and sauces. It can also speed things up to choose your drink ahead of time.
3. Be Patient with the Long Lines
Some hot dog stands in Iceland, particularly the famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, can get crowded daily. Icelanders and visitors from different countries brave the long lines just to buy this simple yet tasty snack.
When you see a long queue when you order, don't worry, as the line moves quickly. You also have different food options besides Baejarins, including Vikinga Pylsur, Reykjavik Sausage Company, and Pylsuvagninn Laugardal.
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Vogler. No edits made.
4. Buy During Non-Peak Hours
If you want to skip the long lines as much as possible, your best option is to buy during non-peak hours.
Some stores can get crowded during lunch hours. Likewise, dinnertime, around 6 to 8 PM, attracts many customers, so expect the queue to be longer.
Off-peak hours to order are mid-afternoon and late at night, so you should consider stopping by during these periods.
How to Make Icelandic Hot Dogs
There are many different ways to prepare or cook an Icelandic hot dog. Although the preparation is not entirely different from how you cook other sausages, the pylsur still has a distinctive touch.
You can find fresh ones in any grocery store or even at gas stations—look out for the popular "SS Pylsur" brand, marked as Vinarpylsur and easily recognized by their yellow and red packaging.
The popular ways to cook the hot dog are boiling or grilling for around five minutes. The key is to cook the hot dog until it's firm to the touch and gives you that iconic "snap" when biting into it.
If you cook it for too long, the sausage casing (or "skin") can rupture, which can turn the hot dog inside out. If that happens, just pull them out and turn off the water and flame. Regardless of the method, overcooking should be avoided to retain the juicy and savory taste of the snack.
Boiling water is the most common method of cooking the Icelandic hot dog. After boiling the water, remove it from the fire or stove before placing and simmering the hot dog. This boiling the hot dog technique ensures you're not overcooking the food while retaining its original flavors.
You may even experiment with using different spices or adding beers or ale to the water, but that's for more advanced hot dog eaters. Conversely, grilling is the best option if you prefer your hot dog with more crispiness on the outer layer.
History of Pylsur
Hot dogs for sale in 2008. Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Helgi Halldórsson.
Pylsur may not be officially the national dish of Iceland, but many people consider it a hallmark of the country's cuisine. On top of being inexpensive and delicious, its colorful history makes it essential to the culture of Iceland even today.
Sausages of varying kinds have been popular in Iceland for a long time, and the Icelandic "bjuga" sausage has been eaten in Iceland since the Viking era.
However, putting sausage on a piece of bread with condiments and calling it a hot dog is something that has its origins in the early 20th century and came to Iceland via Denmark.
Because there was a lack of pig farming in Iceland during that time, but a lot of sheep, they started experimenting with using lamb meat in hot dogs with good results.
To start with, the hot dogs were served not on bread, but in a piece of paper. But in 1948, when restrictions on wheat production ceased, they started serving hot dogs in hot dog buns.
Iceland has produced local hot dogs and sausages since the early 1900s, with Slaturfelag Sudurlands leading the way. Usually referred to as SS, Slaturfelag Sudurlands is the country's largest meat processing plant and remains the biggest pylsa producer today, with an 80% market share.
However, it wasn't until 1937 that hot dogs found their footing in the local food culture. Baejarins Beztu Pylsur opened that year and became the country's first hot dog stand. Since then, numerous hot dog stands have popped up in Reykjavik and other towns in Iceland.
Famous Personalities Who Have Tried the Hot Dog in Iceland
Even global personalities are not exempt from the popularity of Iceland's hot dogs. There have been many celebrities who made it into the national news after sampling a pylsa.
The most prominent is former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who sampled the snack in 2004. Clinton visited the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur and tried the hot dog with mustard as the only condiment. Subsequently, this combination order became known as "The Clinton."
After Clinton's visit, the popularity of the Baejarins hot dog stand gained significantly outside Iceland. It's also part of some Icelandic tours and gets featured in countless blogs and magazines. Reykjavik food walking tours often include a stop at one of the hot dog stands.
Over the years, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Gordon Ramsay, James Hetfield of Metallica, Charlie Sheen, and author John Green have also tried this delicious snack and had some good things to say about its taste.
In fact, John Green included a review of it in his best-selling book The Anthropocene Reviewed in 2021, showering it with poetic praise.
FAQ About Icelandic Hot Dogs
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the famous Icelandic hot dog.
What Sauce Is on Icelandic Hot Dogs?
Icelandic hot dogs are typically topped with a mix of sauces, including sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep), remoulade (a mayonnaise-based sauce with capers and herbs), and ketchup made from apples.
Is the National Dish of Iceland a Hot Dog?
No. While the Icelandic hot dog is extremely popular, the national dish of Iceland is often considered to be hakarl (fermented shark). However, hot dogs are one of the most beloved and widely eaten foods in the country.
Can You Buy Icelandic Hot Dogs Outside of Iceland?
While some specialty stores and online retailers may sell Icelandic hot dogs, they are best enjoyed fresh in Iceland, where you can experience the authentic flavor and traditional toppings.
Do Icelandic Hot Dogs Taste Different From American Hot Dogs?
Yes, Icelandic hot dogs have a slightly richer and more natural taste due to their high lamb content and lack of artificial preservatives, unlike many American hot dogs that rely more on pork and beef.
Hot Dogs and Beyond: Explore Iceland’s Unique Food Scene
Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Comdor. No edits made.
Icelandic hot dogs are a must-try for any visitor, offering a delicious and affordable taste of local flavors. Whether you grab one from a famous stand like Baejarins Beztu Pylsur or a gas station on a road trip or cook your own from a supermarket, you’ll quickly see why they’re a national favorite.
For those eager to explore Iceland’s culinary scene beyond hot dogs, consider joining a 3-hour traditional Icelandic food tour in Reykjavik or a 2-hour Akureyri city walk with food tastings.
If you’re looking for an adventure, a northern lights and food tour offers incredible sights and delicious cuisine. No matter how you choose to enjoy Icelandic food, every bite tells a story of the country’s rich culture and history. So, don’t miss the chance to taste your way through Iceland!
What's your favorite feature of pylsur? Will you try them on your next visit to Iceland? What was your first impression of the Icelandic hot dog? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
