Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is a small hot dog stand in central Reykjavik and is touted by many as the best hot dog in Europe. Huffington Post went so far as to name Baejarins Beztu as the best hot dog in the world. As a New Yorker, I live in the land of the ubiquitous hot dog stand. As such, Baejarins Beztu was on my must-do list in Reykjavik.
Notable patrons of Baejarins Beztu include Bill Clinton, whose photograph hangs on the back wall.
Did Baejarins Beztu live up to the hype? I’m not sure, but I do remember these franks being quite delectable. We ordered ours with the works.
Prior to traveling to Iceland, I was told I must order the lobstersoup at the Seabaron. It wasn’t high on my Icelandic priority list, but when we passed this tiny restaurant on a cold and rainy day, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to sample an Icelandic staple.
Seabaron’s fisherman theme was quaint and inviting.
On the menu at Seabaron were several types of Icelandic seafood. Also on the menu was minke whale. Iceland is one of the few countries with a commercial whaling industry. Iceland began commercial whaling again in 2006 after a two-decade ban. It is now a staple on many Icelandic menus.
Seabaron is best known for its lobstersoup. Served in thick ceramic mugs, sipping the lobstersoup on a cold and rainy day in Reykjavik provided the same comfort I felt when my mom would serve my brothers and me hot chocolate during cold and snowy New England winters.
Islenski Barinn, Icelandic for “Icelandic Bar,” is located on Austurvollur Square in the heart of Reykjavik and serves up traditional Icelandic dishes.
Traditional Icelandic dinner: meat soup, minke whale, goose, puffin and lamb carpaccio. Oh, and in the small mason jar is a cube of fermented shark. Fermented shark (literally, “rotten shark”) is an Icelandic delicacy. Sure, it stinks like ammonia. But, as you know, I will try anything at least once. Fermented shark is served in small cubes followed by a shot of Brennevin, also known as Back Death, Iceland’s signature liquor. I was finally able to sample the minke whale, which, I’m sorry to report, was delicious. Another somewhat controversial dish was the Puffin, an adorable bird resembling Toucan Sam.
We returned to Islenski Barinn the following night. Dinner started off with lamb patay and a mason jar of Icelandic cheeses.
Reindeer burger: mouth-watering.
Who can resist a midnight trip to the waffle truck? Not us.
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