Street Food In Reykjavik: Discover The Flavours Of Iceland

Exploring street food in Reykjavik is a legitimate and thrilling way to experience the city’s incredible range of culinary delights. From the traditional Icelandic hot dog to the more modern vegan alternative, food stalls and trucks across the streets of Reykjavik offer an amazing variety of fresh food products for every palate. While street food can be super convenient, the flavour is still exceptional, making it a quintessential cultural experience while in Reykjavik. Every charming corner of the city has myriad food trucks, local food markets, and iconic street stalls that showcase and celebrate the best of Reykjavik and its flavours.

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10 Best Street Foods In Reykjavik

Street food in Reykjavik’ offers a unique blend of fresh Icelandic flavours, from seafood to traditional snacks, each bite showcases the best of Icelandic cuisine.

1. Icelandic Hot Dog (Pylsa)

Pancho (Argentine hot dog) with grilled sausage and toppings in a soft bun on a plate.

Photo: Horacio Cambeiro / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Icelandic Hot Dog, or Pylsa consists mostly of a mix of lamb, pork, and beef and is claimed to be very delicious. The Pylsa is generally served in a soft steamed bun and topped with a mixture of traditional toppings of crispy fried onions, raw onions, ketchup, mustard, and a special sauce called “remoulade.” The Pylsa can also serve as a quick and tasty snack while you are exploring the city. One of the great places to grab a Pylsa in Reykjavik is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a very famous hot dog stand.

Locations: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavik

2. Lamb Kebab Wrap

Lamb Gyros served with fresh vegetables and savoury sauce wrapped in pita bread.

Photo: insatiablemunch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The lamb kebab wrap is considered one of the famous street foods in Reykjavik, reminding the taste buds of the quality Icelandic lamb. The kebab, famous for its tenderness and flavour, is roasted, garnished with fresh vegetables, and served in a soft flatbread with a dash of zesty sauce. The lamb’s distinctiveness comes from grazing on rich Icelandic pastures, giving it that special kick, unlike any other kebab in the world. Served with crispy fries or a side salad, it serves as a wonderful bite on the go while you stroll through the vibrant streets of Reykjavik.

Locations: Mandi, Ingólfstorg Square, Reykjavik

3. Fish And Chips

The plate of fish and chips with peas, a lemon wedge, and white sace on the side.

Photo: Grendelkhan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Fish and chips are one of the favourite foods in Reykjavik that fills the bellies of locals and tourists alike. The dish consists of a crispy batter-coated, golden-fried cod or haddock freshly caught in Iceland, served with thick-cut fries. Paired with thick-cut fries, it is a simple yet mouthwatering affair that embodies Iceland’s coastal food culture. Many street food vendors in Reykjavik offer this classic dish, picking up a few drops of sourness, such as tartar or vinegar.

Locations: Reykjavik Fish, Tryggvagata 8, 101 Reykjavik

4. Icelandic Meat Soup (Kjötsúpa)

Delicious meat soup with tender meat, vegetables, a rich, flavorful broth and a spoon.

Photo: Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Icelandic Meat Soup (Kjötsúpa) is a beloved traditional dish often found as a hearty street food in Reykjavik. It is soothingly made of thinly sliced lamb, carrots, potatoes, and rutabaga, which is a must-have dish on brisk Icelandic winter days. Slowly yet perfectly cooked meats form a very rich and flavoured broth that warms your body. Like many other Icelandic dishes, Kjötsúpa is often served with a side of bread, making it a very filling dish not so limited to providing an experience of Iceland’s rural cooking traditions.

Locations: Icelandic Street Food, Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavik

5. Lobster Roll

View of a Lobster roll with tender lobster served in a soft bun, topped with fresh garnishes.

Photo: Carl Lender / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Among Reykjavik’s street food brings the taste of Icelandic coastal cuisine to your palate. The rolls are made with succulent, fresh lobster meat tossed in a light, creamy dressing. It is usually dressed with a mild creamy sauce before being offered in a lightly buttered hot dog bun, which lets the sweetness of the lobster shine through. Often garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, it is such a nice combination of flavours. Street food vendors have their Lobster Rolls served with crispy fries as part of the whole meal.

Locations: Seabaron (Sægreifinn), Geirsgata 8, Old Harbour

6. Plokkfiskur Croquettes

A glimpse of golden, crispy fish croquettes with a crunchy exterior and tender fish filling.

Photo: ChristianCelestial / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Plokkfiskur Croquettes offer a scrumptious and innovative twist on the traditional Icelandic Plokkfiskur, a robust fish stew. These croquettes mix freshly flaked fish (usually cod or haddock) with mashed potatoes, onions, and a rich béchamel sauce, then roll it all into bite-sized balls, coat it in breadcrumbs, and fry it until golden brown. The croquettes provide a crunchy-smooth exterior with creamy warmth inside that accents the savoury notes of fish and potatoes. Plokkfiskur Croquettes are beloved street food in Reykjavik, served with dollops of mayonnaise or lemon.

Locations: Reykjavik Street Food Truck, rotating locations

7. Skyr Smoothie

Healthy blueberry smoothie garnished with fresh mint and blueberries, a street food in Reykjavik.

Photo: FitTasteTic / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Skyr Smoothie is made from the popular, iconic Skyr yoghurt in Iceland. Skyr smoothie presents creamy and thick smoothies with very high protein and probiotic content. The smoothie is typically blended with fresh fruit, such as berries, bananas, or mangoes, resulting in a tasty balance of fruits that is both healthy and fulfilling. The sour tang of the Skyr yoghurt is a nice offset to the sweetness of the fresh fruit, making it a nice option for someone who would like to try something that is distinctly Icelandic. Served cold, the smoothie is a perfect snack to enjoy while walking around the beautiful streets of Reykjavik.

Locations: Juice bars in Kringlan Mall and Laugavegur

8. Vegan Pulled Oats Taco

Al Pastor tacos with grilled vegetables, lemon pieces and sauce - a street food in Reykjavik.

Photo: T.Tseng / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Vegan Pulled Oats Taco available in Reykjavik is one of the must-try foods if you are in the mood for the plant-based genre of street food! The dish is made with pulled oats that are very tender and are a versatile vegan protein. The pulled oats are delicately infused with a mixture of smoky spices and herbs to create that perfect flavour profile. The oats are slow-cooked to achieve the pulled pork texture, making it a hearty meal. The pulled oats are then served in a soft and warm taco shell with fresh toppings such as crisp romaine lettuce, tangy salsa, and creamy avocado with a squeeze of lime.

Locations: Veganæs, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavik

9. Icelandic Flatkaka With Smoked Lamb

Roasted lamb with flatbread and chilli served on a platter, a street food in Reykjavik.

Photo: Farhad Ibrahimzade / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

An Icelandic delicacy with truly unique flavour combinations, based very much on natural resources, is Flatkaka with Smoked Lamb. Flatkaka is a soft flat rye bread that is found in almost every Icelandic household. It could be served with numerous toppings; nonetheless, the pairing with smoked lamb is the picture-perfect representation. The lamb is traditionally smoked under the birch, allowing a peculiar smokiness to accentuate its tenderness. The shredded smoked lamb is then generously spread on Flatkaka for a savoury, satisfying bite. The subtle earthiness of the rye bread is a perfect foil for the rich and flavoured lamb, either as a snack or a light meal.

Locations: Local farmers’ markets (e.g., Kolaportið)

10. Cinnamon Bun (Kanilsnúður)

Freshly baked cinnamon bun (Kanilsnúður) with a golden, soft texture and sweet filling.

Photo: Fumikas Sagisavas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kanilsnúður, the highly regarded Icelandic cinnamon bun, is an essential street food to try while in Reykjavik. These soft, sweet baked goods are made with a rich and buttery dough with a spiced cinnamon-sugar swirl in the middle. The dough is rolled out and then sliced before being baked into golden perfection, becoming fluffy and a little sticky. What differentiates this cinnamon bun from any other is the signature, slightly sour glaze that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon bun. Ideally, the Kanilsnúður is eaten while warm with a cup of coffee right out of the oven.

Locations: Brauð & Co, Frakkastígur 16, Reykjavik

Street food in Reykjavik is a perfect blend of Icelandic traditions and international flavours, offering something for everyone. From robust meat dishes to light smoothies, Reykjavik’s street food offers an enjoyable adventure for foodies. Whether you are snacking between site visits or settling into a laid-back evening, food vendors are there to serve you the best. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience the very best of street food .

Cover Photo: Yulia Ilina / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Street Food In Reykjavik: Discover The Unique Flavours Of Iceland