Someone has surely dared you to try out hákarl, our famous “rotten shark,” but this malodorous delicacy is one that you’ll only come to appreciate with time (and lots of alcohol). Don’t spend a fortune testing it in a fancy restaurant—come to Kolaportið where you can try it for free, or even buy a tub. Other local samples may include hangikjöt and dried fish. You’ll also find a variety of Thai ingredients, pastries, farm-fresh lamb and homemade sausages for sale.

2013: Icelandic food at Kaffi Loki
2012: Icelandic Home-Style Food at Mamma Steina
2011: The svið at Fljótt og Gott, BSÍ
2010: Moby Dick on a Stick at Sægreifinn
2009: Bæjarins Beztu

Photo by Gulli