When we wrote that we were traveling to Iceland and staying in Reykjavik, our socials lit up with people telling us that we needed to try the hot dogs.
Hot dogs?
Until that second, I never associated Iceland with hot dogs. We’re from New York and if you say hot dogs to us, we’re immediately going to think about Nathan’s and Coney Island. A nice hot dog with some mustard, sauerkraut, or relish (unless you’re one of those strange people who like them with ketchup).
We couldn’t help to see what all the buzz was about hot dogs in Iceland. If we were going to try them, we had to go full tourist and seek out the most famous hot dog cart, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which in English means “The Best Hot Dog in Town.” While the cart founded in 1937 has launched a chain with several locations, we had to go to the original location.
It’s not hard to find. Just look for the line of people.
We hit an early evening lull but no fear if the line is long. They only serve hot dogs and sodas, so the line moves fast.
What people say makes the hot dogs so good and different is that the major ingredient is Icelandic lamb mixed with pork and beef. If you’re to get an authentic dog, that includes the somewhat unusual toppings. If you’re going to try one, you might as well go all the way.
The local dog is topped with:
- Icelandic Mustard
- Remolaði sauce
- Fried Onions
- Raw Onions
- Iceland Style Ketchup (with apples instead of sugar to sweeten the flavor)
Interesting set of condiments to Americans but when in Iceland, do as the locals do (you can’t sreally ee it well in the photo but all the “stuff” is under each hot dog).
We already had picked up some sodas at a convenience store along the way so we passed on the fountain Coke served, missing out on the Instagrammable hot dog and soda photo.
So how were they?
Good. Filling. Interesting. Yes to all of those.
Life-changing? Nope.
I’d still prefer a NY hot dog over the Iceland version any day. That’s except for the few days of my life that I’m in Iceland and then I’ll gladly eat a mostly lamb hot dog with mustard, ketchup and onions.
To each their own and if an Icelandic hot dog was the best thing you’ve ever tasted, Your Mileage May Vary.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
Cover Image by BHarner30 from Pixabay
