Is Iceland vegetarian-friendly?
Traditional Icelandic cooking relies heavily on lamb and fish, so vegetarian dishes are not the first thing that comes to mind. That said, travel guides and local discussion generally describe vegetarian eating as manageable, particularly in Reykjavík, where many restaurants list at least one meat-free option and a few focus on plant-based cooking. Options thin out in small towns and along remote roads, and prices are high by most standards. Restaurants open and close, so check current listings before you travel.
At home, you can cook a satisfying Icelandic-style meal without meat. The tradition has plenty of potatoes, root vegetables, bread and dairy to work with.
Traditional Icelandic foods that are naturally vegetarian
- Skyr: a thick, tangy strained dairy product, eaten plain or with berries and cream. See our Icelandic breakfast recipes for ideas.
- Rúgbrauð and flatkökur: dense rye bread and thin, soft flatbreads, often served with butter. Flatkökur are often served with smoked lamb or cheese, but are meatless themselves.
- Rófustappa: mashed rutabaga, a classic side dish (recipe below).
- Potatoes: boiled, mashed, or caramelised (brúnaðar kartöflur), the sweet browned potatoes served at Christmas. The method is in our Icelandic Christmas food recipes.
- Pönnukökur and kleinur: thin pancakes and fried twisted doughnuts, typically made with flour, eggs, milk and sugar.
- Tomatoes, cucumbers and greens: grown in geothermally heated greenhouses. One well-known greenhouse restaurant, Friðheimar, builds its menu around tomatoes, including soup.
- Rauðkál: sweet and sour red cabbage, a common side at festive meals.
Things to check
Vegetarian is not always the same as meat-free in the kitchen. If you avoid animal products for dietary or religious reasons, ask about:
- Stock: soups and sauces may be made with meat or fish stock.
- Animal fat: some traditional baked or fried items may use lard or tallow. Ask rather than assume.
- Rennet: cheeses and some dairy products can be made with animal rennet. Labels sometimes say so, but not always.
- Hot dogs: the classic pylsur contain meat. Some stands offer a vegan option, but ask.
Vegan eaters will have a harder time with the dairy- and egg-heavy traditional baking, but vegan restaurants and supermarket products exist, especially around the capital. For how plant-based travel compares elsewhere in Europe, see our guides to Czech vegan food and Croatian vegetarian food.
Rófustappa (mashed rutabaga) recipe
Serves 4. About 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 600 g rutabaga (swede), peeled and cubed
- 200 g potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional, for a softer mash)
- 30 g butter
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream, if needed
- Salt and a pinch of white pepper
- Optional: a small pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of sugar
Method:
- Boil the rutabaga (and potatoes, if using) in salted water for about 20 minutes, until very tender.
- Drain well and return to the warm pot for a minute to steam off excess water.
- Mash with the butter. Add milk or cream a spoonful at a time until the texture suits you.
- Season and serve warm. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and milk.
A vegetarian Icelandic plate
For a simple dinner, serve rófustappa with caramelised potatoes, red cabbage and a thick white sauce made from butter, flour and milk. Add a slice of buttered rye bread, and finish with skyr and berries. For a more everyday feel, lean on the cosier dishes in our Icelandic comfort food guide and replace the lamb or fish with extra root vegetables.
Eating out and shopping
- Supermarkets in Iceland carry fresh vegetables, bread, dairy and plant-based products, and self-catering is a common way to manage costs.
- Ask restaurants about the ingredients of any soup or sauce.
- Bakeries are a dependable source of rye bread, sourdough and pastries, though not every item is vegan.
FAQ
What are Icelandic foods? Traditional staples include lamb, fish, dairy products such as skyr, potatoes, rye bread and preserved foods. Vegetarian eaters can build a meal around the dairy, bread and root vegetable parts of the tradition.
Can I find vegetarian food outside Reykjavík? It is generally possible but with fewer options. Plan ahead and carry some groceries.