Eat Soup in Iceland
And revisit Nora Ephron
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Nora Ephron's 'Critics in the World of the Rising Souffle (Or is it the Rising Meringue?)'
Trying something new: I loved this catty essay so much I just read it to you.
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Follow the Fish Soup Around Iceland
Famous for its frigid, blustery days and its seafaring history, Iceland has a year-round soup season, and seafood and fish soup (fiskisúpa) is a staple. Found on menus across the country, it’s a steaming and satisfying mix of onions, vegetables, light curry powder mix, tomato, and heavy cream combined with seafood ranging from cod to langoustine. Many recipes are passed down and perfected through the generations. Venture off the Ring Road and do a food crawl of the best fish soup in Iceland.
Húsið, Ísafjörður: This remote Westfjords restaurant and club makes a seafood soup so rich and creamy that no other broth will ever measure up. Served in a silver bowl with a ladle, it’s enough for two, but a word to the wise: don’t share. Large pieces of fish and shrimp, a hint of garlic and a dollop of heavy cream make this one of the most beloved versions in the country.
Gisli, Eirikur, Helgi Kaffihûs, Dalvík: Known for its annual Great Fish Festival, it comes as no surprise that Dalvík has one of the country’s best fiskisúpa. A highlight for travelers passing through north Iceland, this village cafe serves their daily-made soup with homemade beer bread and butter. A lighter, less creamy stock than typical, this soup opts for a plethora of vegetables with small bits of fish. And you get a free refill.
Slippurinn, Vestmannaeyjabær: Off the coast of south Iceland, the island of Vestmannaeyjabær is home to one of the country’s best restaurants. This cozy, family joint artfully creates local, seasonal dishes, including their shellfish soup. The aromatic bowl of scallops and fish in a langoustine broth topped with parsley oil is worth the boat trip.
The Soup Company, Vík: This south Iceland town's volcanic black sand beaches have long attracted tourists. Attached to the only place in the world where you can see lava indoors (the Icelandic Lava Show) is The Soup Company. Its first menu item was Hurry Curry Fish soup, filled with shrimp and Icelandic cod, plus Thai spices.
Old Iceland, Reykjavík: If you can’t venture away from the capital, this popular Reykjavík restaurant makes a shellfish soup that instantly warms you from the whipping winds. Made with local fish, white wine, dill oil, and heavy cream, it’s a hearty starter and a delightful taste of Iceland. 🇮🇸
More Food Reading:
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This newsletter is edited by Katherine Spiers, host of the podcast Smart Mouth.
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