Reykjavik: Food Tour with Icelandic Classics & Shark Tasting

Summary

Sample real Icelandic food in Reykjavik from harbor to Hallgrimskirkja with local stories and a taste of fermented shark

You’ll walk Reykjavik’s streets tasting shellfish soup by the harbor, lamb hot dogs from a legendary stall, and even brave fermented shark near Hallgrimskirkja church. Expect laughs with your guide, local stories at every stop, and an Icelandic drink to finish. You might surprise yourself with what you’re willing to try.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I hesitated when our guide, Einar, grinned at the mention of fermented shark. But that was near the end. We kicked off in Reykjavik’s old harbor, where the air smelled faintly briny and someone nearby was baking bread (or maybe that was wishful thinking). The shellfish soup came first — hot, a little sweet from the sea, and honestly way better than I expected for something served on a windy street corner. Einar told us about his grandmother’s secret recipe for fish stew, then shrugged like he’d already said too much.

We wandered through the flea market next (only open weekends — I almost missed that detail), squeezing past locals haggling over wool sweaters and licorice candy. There was this one stall selling dried fish snacks; I tried to look casual but probably made a face. The main keyword here is Reykjavik food tour, but what really stuck with me was how people just… eat these things without blinking. At some point I lost track of time — we were laughing about trying to pronounce “skyr” properly (Li laughed hardest when I gave up).

The original lamb hot dog stand from 1937 was up next. There’s something about eating outside in the cold that makes everything taste sharper. Lamb soup followed — rich and peppery — and then a stop at this tiny delicacy shop where the owner handed out weirdly addictive candy made with seaweed. By then my stomach was full but curiosity kept me going.

Last stop: Dass restaurant by Hallgrimskirkja church, all concrete angles against gray sky. That’s where Einar finally slid over the fermented shark (hakarl). He watched us like a proud older brother daring his siblings to jump into freezing water. It smelled… well, like old cheese left in a fishing boat. I tried it anyway (peer pressure works at any age). We toasted with Black Death snaps and someone joked we’d earned honorary Icelandic status now. I still think about that taste sometimes — not fondly, exactly, but it’s part of the story now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavik traditional food tasting tour

• Meet at Ingolfur Square
• Try Icelandic shellfish soup at harbor
• Stroll Reykjavik Flea Market (weekends only)
• Eat original Icelandic lamb hot dog
• Sample Icelandic lamb soup and traditional foods
• Visit local delicacy store for snacks and candy
• Taste fermented shark and drinks at Restaurant Dass

Top questions

Where does the Reykjavik food tour start?

The tour begins at Ingolfur Square in central Reykjavik.

Is fermented shark included on this food tour?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to try fermented shark (hakarl) at the final stop.

Are there vegetarian or allergy-friendly options?

The guides do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies if notified in advance.

How long is the Reykjavik food tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several stops over a few hours walking through central Reykjavik.

Is lunch included on this tour?

You’ll enjoy multiple tastings including soup, hot dogs, snacks, and more—enough for a meal.

Does this tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for Iceland!

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at Ingolfur Square.

Are drinks included on this food tour?

A celebratory Icelandic drink is included at the final stop—alcoholic or non-alcoholic options available.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings—shellfish soup by the harbor, traditional lamb hot dog from an iconic stand, lamb soup and unique snacks—plus entry to each venue along the route. A professional guide leads you between stops on foot through central Reykjavik before ending at Dass restaurant near Hallgrimskirkja church for fermented shark tasting and an Icelandic drink of your choice before saying goodbye.