The Famous Icelandic Hot Dog

If you have already tried an Icelandic hot dog, you’ll understand why it’s worth writing about.  If you haven’t tried one, here’s why you should.

Cities and states often become synonymous with a particular dish.  Boston is famous for clam chowder, Philadelphia has the Philly cheese steak, and Chicago has deep dish pizza. Some places are famous for many dishes.  Rarely, though, is a country famous for a particular food.  In Iceland, it is most likely the humble, but oh-so-tasty hot dog (in Icelandic: Pylsur).

The Icelandic hot dog is unique in that it is not only made with pork and beef, but also lamb.  Icelandic hot dogs are also made with natural casings, so they have that "pop." There are hot dog stands all around and Icelanders frequent these stands almost daily.  An Icelandic hot dog is meant to be eaten “með öllu“ (with everything).  In the case of an Icelandic hot dog, "everything" includes a freshly steamed bun, raw chopped white onions (not all shops include raw onions), fried onions, ketchup, slightly sweet mustard and remoulade.  Remoulade is a French condiment that is a bit like the English tartar sauce.  It is a mayonnaise based condiment, so it’s creamy and is an excellent addition to the með öllu line-up.  Some people may not like one or more of these condiments but, trust us when we say it is very good. Lastly, if you are traveling up North, a hot dog with everything may also include "cocktail sauce" which is a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. 

One of the most famous hot dog stands is in downtown Reykjavik - pictured here with a certain famous ex-president not far from Harpa Concert Hall and the city Flea Market (kolaportið).  If you are planning a trip to Iceland, we strongly urge you to make your way here and order a tasty, unique Icelandic hot dog, maybe wash it down with another Iceland favorite, locally made Coca-cola!  This hot dog stand is within easy walking distance of Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel.  Enjoy!