The Backstory
During a visit to Iceland, Anthony Bourdain once said that fermented shark (hákarl) was “the single worst, most disgusting and terrible–tasting thing” he’d ever eaten. And with other pungent dishes like boiled sheep’s head, cured ram’s testicles and whale blubber pickled in sour milk, it’s fair to say traditional Icelandic food has a reputation for challenging flavours. The truth is most Icelanders don’t eat these grisly delicacies more than once a year. What they do eat is skyr (a yogurt–like cultured milk product), grilled lamb, fresh seafood and hot dogs – lots of hot dogs. Sure, they look just like other Frankfurter–style dogs, but their distinct combination of pork, beef, and mostly lamb – plus toppings found only in Iceland – means they have a flavour all their own.
How to Order
Icelanders will typically order “ein með öllu,” which translates roughly to “one with everything.”
