Iceland: Sheep

Sheep are the lifeblood of many Icelandic small-time farmers. You can eat their meat off the bone, as lambs, in a stew, or many more ways.

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Svið (svid or svith): A traditional dish. The sheep’s head is cut in half. The chef removes the brain, burns off the wool, then boils the head whole. I’ve heard it can also be cured in acid. Svið is another Icelandic dish (I.e. Harkal) that comes from a time where any possible food might be salvaged.

Hangikjöt: A (more normal) smoked lamb dish. Slices of smoked mutton, it’s often a Christmas dish served with potatoes, creamy sauce, and canned peas.

Kjötsúpa: Another popular favorite, often labeled as goulash in English. The dish is a soup with bits of lamb and hearty vegetables. Perfect to ward off the chill of cold weather.

Where to eat these lamb and mutton dishes: Many of Iceland's best restaurants are in Reykjavik - try Fjárhúsið, Fjallkonan, Kaffi Loki, and Lamb Street Food. Some more around the island include: Ion Adventure Hotel, Ingólfsskáli. Or check out the list of Icelandic approved mutton restaurants around the island.

Cheese, Sky, Ice Cream, & Other Dairy: Iceland loves their dairy products. I mentioned skyr here. The cheese, ice cream, and more can be found in gas stations and grocery stores around the island. My favorite ice cream shops were: Ísbúð Vesturbæjar and Paradis in Reykjavik.