Neglect fermented shark. In Iceland, the standard sizzling canine has gone from quick meals to culinary treasure. I caught up with Intrepid chief Larus Astvaldsson to search out out why.
It’s inconceivable to seize the ethereal essence of Iceland. From rolling hills and black-sand seashores to glacial lakes and steaming springs, this Nordic nation is aware of no equal with regards to nature. However regardless of Iceland’s bounty of pure magnificence, Larus Astvaldsson – an Intrepid chief residing in Reykjavik – says that there are two important issues that individuals now journey to Iceland for. ‘The primary,’ he says, ‘is the Northern Lights. And the second is sizzling canines.’
Sure, sizzling canines. Though the historical past of the Icelandic sizzling canine might be traced again to 1908, it wasn’t till 1986 – when Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev travelled to Iceland for the Reykjavik Summit – that it made its international debut. This proved to be a historic assembly; nuclear disaster was prevented, the Chilly Conflict would quickly finish and Iceland’s scrumptious canines loved their first, however under no circumstances remaining, second within the highlight.
After I’ve travelled many days abroad and are available again house, the very first thing I prefer to have is a sizzling canine.
The following political powerhouse to shine a lightweight on the new canine was Invoice Clinton. A 2004 go to noticed the previous US President dine on sizzling canines 3 times, along with his controversial order (mustard solely) now immortalised by sizzling canine hawkers as The Clinton. Kim Kardashian (ketchup solely) got here by way of twelve years later and although there’s no such order as The Kardashian, her patronage proved that sizzling canines have by no means been, effectively, hotter.
‘The factor that makes Icelandic sizzling canines so particular is the mix of meat that’s used,’ explains Larus. There are three meat sources: beef, lamb and pork. And although it’s uncommon, he thinks, to search out lamb in a sizzling canine, it’s under no circumstances shocking given Iceland is house to extra sheep than individuals.
Icelanders additionally serve their sizzling canines in a particular method – Invoice and Kim, take notice. ‘There are two kinds of onions,’ says Larus. ‘Crispy and recent. We then have three kinds of sauces: mustard, remoulade [similar to tartare] and ketchup, which is made with apples in addition to tomato. We name this a sizzling canine with all the things – ein með öllu – which is what I all the time suggest. It’s the native method.’
There are, after all, other ways to canine. ‘They’re often served boiled, but additionally grilled,’ says Larus. ‘I like these unique ones very a lot, however I additionally like them deep fried.’ He’s a giant fan of 1 explicit stand, on Iceland’s west coast, the place sizzling canines are served deep-fried with melted cheese and spices. But it surely’s at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, in Reykjavik, the place Intrepid travellers on the brand new Six Days in Iceland journey can eat within the footsteps of Clinton and Kardashian.
This family-run stand, which interprets as “the city’s greatest sizzling canines”, has been serving up boiled beauties since 1937 and greater than lives as much as its title. It’s open late all through the week, although on Friday and Saturday you may get your repair till six within the morning.
‘It’s within the coronary heart of the town, so individuals go there throughout work or after partying,’ Larus explains. He mentions his brother-in-law, who will take his spouse out to dinner at one in every of Reykjavik’s most interesting eating places then cease by the new canine stand for a remaining snack earlier than mattress. ‘They’re not the healthiest meals,’ Larus admits, ‘however they’re very, excellent.’
For Larus, nevertheless, the Icelandic sizzling canine is greater than an inexpensive, satisfying snack to be wolfed down on lunch break or after just a few drinks. ‘After I’ve travelled many days abroad and are available again house, the very first thing I prefer to have is a sizzling canine,’ he says. ‘It’s a very nice welcome deal with.’ And one of the best time to get pleasure from them? ‘Rain, hail or shine,’ he laughs.
Uncover this expertise on Intrepid’s Six Days in Iceland and discover out what else is new for 2025 with The Items.
