In a "dog eat dog" world the "wurst" is yet to come in Iceland

Who would have ever believed that the most popular food in Iceland is a good old fashioned hot dog  (Photo: Pixabay) 

ICELAND — Every country has its cultural quirks that are often surprising to visitors. In Europe, for example, especially France and Belgium, the preferred sauce for French fries is mayonnaise as opposed to ketchup.

While most Americans may turn up their noses at first, it's actually quite tasty as well as a great ice-breaker and source of conversation when you return home. 

Finns love to tango
(Photo: Zabara Alexander --

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Argentina is famous for the Tango, but, did you know that it is also the most popular dance in Finland? And it only takes "two" to do it.

When it comes to odd food choices, Scandinavia is not a place for sissies. "Lutefisk" is a traditional dish in both Norway and Sweden, but you really have to wonder who dreamed up the idea in the first place.

Lutefisk is made from aged stockfish (air-dried whitefish) or dried/salted whitefish (that's the polite description). The dish has a gelatinous texture and the translated name literally means "lye fish," with lye being the key ingredient. 

Fermented shark with rye bread is a favorite dish
(Photo: wakeupreykjavic.com)

Nordic countries also enjoy reindeer as a dietary staple while moose is another favorite´

Which bring us to Iceland, where natives celebrate a mid-winter festival known as porablót from mid-January to mid-February each year. According to legend, the  historical context is from the Orkneyinga saga, where porri ("Frost") is an early Finnish king, the son of Snaer ("Snow") who offered an annual sacrifice to porri at mid-winter.

Sheephead 

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So far, so good, but the tests for outsiders are the traditional food options during the Porrablót festival which include; Dried Fish Jerky​, Fermented Rotten Shark, Sheep Head and Rams testicles.

Now you know why the festival only occurs once each year.

In a recent story in the online version of Conde Nast Traveler, fermented shark, otherwise known as  hákarl, was described by the famous international "foodie", Anthony Bourdain as "the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing" he's ever eaten.

According to Conde Nast, "most locals don't eat much of the pungent delicacy anymore. They also no longer eat many sheep’s heads (except on traditional holidays). What they do eat are dishes like grilled lamb, lobster (and) fresh (emphasis added) fish."

Ahhh, but here's the kicker. What they really love most are hot dogs. Yep, Icelanders love hot dogs so much that today they are practically the national cuisine. 

Iceland has been a hot destination for several years
(Photo: Pixabay)

In recent years, Iceland has become one of the darling destinations of the fickle travel and tourism industry, so the hot dog connection is certainly a plus for attracting less-than-adventurous American culinarians.

Just as full-bodied fried clams can be found in virtually every nook and cranny of New England, hot dogs have attained the same reverence in Iceland.

Conde Nast Traveler adds  that "The most popular place to get one is in Reykjavik at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (which translates to “best hot dogs in town”).

Icelander's tastes have changed over the years
(Photo: guide to Iceland)

Note that, as with many dishes in other lands, the flavor of an Icelandic frank has a different taste than its American counterpart. That doesn't mean it's bad. It just means there's a difference and, like those French fries with mayonnaise, the taste is something to be considered. As is the preparation and accoutrements.

First, the dogs  are made primarily from Icelandic lamb, along with a bit of pork and beef. Since sheep outnumber humans in Iceland nearly two to one, they’re a plentiful food source.

One thing many hot dog connoisseurs enjoy most is the little pop that occurs when they bite into a wurst. There's something magical in that momentary snap that says the anticipation has been worth the wait. Since Iceland's "red hots" have a natural casing, the joy of that pop is automatic.

An Icelandic hot dog looks much like its American
counterpart, but there are still some differences

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 Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license)

Unlike the US where traditional toppings may include mustard (spicy or yellow according to taste), ketchup, cheese, slaw, chili, onions and relish, as you might expect "all the way" in Iceland is different. Toppings feature raw white onions and crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard called pylsusinnep, and remoulade, a sauce made with mayo, capers, mustard, and herbs.

Of course individual preferences are always honored, but to eat like a local order “one with everything.” Just ask for “ein með öllu.”

Scandinavia has always been pricey, and with Iceland's recently "discovered" popularity everything is expensive...except, of course, those delightful dogs. They could save you a lot of money and keep your appetite in check since they are the least expensive food in the country.

Reindeer is still a favorite food
in Scandinavia  (Photo: Pixabay)

The usual serving style is a small cardboard boat or waxed paper. With all the extras, a bib and additional napkins are a good idea to preserve your clothing.

Conde Nast recommends paying with cash and ordering quickly since there are always lines. If you hesitate too long, the "wiener Nazi" is going to give you the full Monty. After all, this is not Burger King.

Lines are a relative length since they are always there. At Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, evenings and weekends have the longest queues.

Two other Conde Nast suggestions are do not tip. Tipping at a hot dog stand is unnecessary, and order two hot dogs because you will want another and, what the heck, they're cheap.

The Northern Lights are a highlight of a trip to Iceland

 (Photo: Cameron Pickett -- licensed under the Creative Commons 
Attribution 3.0 Unported license)

If you would like to experience Iceland for yourself, the Magellan Travel Club is offering a tour in March of 2020 that includes the Northern Lights. Considering Iceland's expensive reputation, it's a price that is hard to beat.

To paraphrase Charles Dickens, throw in a few Icelandic hot dogs and it will be "the best of times, and the 'wurst' of times."