Learning a new language can be quite the adventure, especially when it comes to discovering the culinary lexicon that can transform your dining experiences abroad! Icelandic cuisine is unique and flavorful, offering a rich vocabulary that is sure to enhance your appreciation for food while expanding your linguistic skills. Here, we explore a variety of culinary and food-related words in Icelandic to help you navigate menus, food markets, and recipes like a local!

Eldhús – Kitchen
This is the place where the magic of cooking happens. The term “eldhús” literally translates to “fire house”, since historically, kitchens were places with a fire that was used for cooking.
Gestgjafinn bauð mig inn í eldhúsið til að sýna mér hvernig hann eldaði réttinn.

Matur – Food
A general term for food, “matur” is used to describe anything edible. It can refer to a meal or food in general.
Ég er svo svangur, ég get ekki beðið eftir því að fá matur.

Matseðill – Menu
At a restaurant, the “matseðill” is what you’ll want to look at to choose your meal. It lists all the dishes available.
Getur þú fært mér matseðilinn, vinsamlegast?

Borða – To eat
This is the verb you need when it’s time to enjoy a meal. “Borða” is used similarly to how we use “to eat” in English.
Við ætlum að borða úti í kvöld.

Drykkur – Drink
Whether it’s a glass of water, a cup of coffee or a pint of beer, “drykkur” refers to any kind of beverage.
Hvaða drykk viltu hafa með matnum?

Kaffi – Coffee
An essential in many people’s daily routine, “kaffi” is the Icelandic word for coffee.
Geturðu gefið mér kaffi með rjóma?

Brauð – Bread
An important element in many cultures, including Icelandic, “brauð” is simply bread in any shape or form.
Ég keypti ferskt brauð í bakaríinu í morgun.

Ostur – Cheese
From snacks to sandwich fillings or a sophisticated cheese platter, “ostur” refers to the diverse world of cheese.
Á Íslandi framleiðum við margar tegundir af ostri.

Kjöt – Meat
This term is used to describe any form of meat, whether it’s lamb, beef, chicken, or fish.
Hvaða tegund af kjöti viljið þið hafa í kvöldmat?

Sjávarréttir – Seafood
Given Iceland’s proximity to the ocean, “sjávarréttir” are a staple of Icelandic cuisine, referring to fish and shellfish dishes.
Sjávarréttir eru ferskir og góðir á veitingastaðnum við höfnina.

Súpa – Soup
“Súpa” can offer warmth and comfort, especially during the cold Icelandic winters. It can range from a hearty meat stew to a delicate vegetable puree.
Ætlar þú að fá þér súpu til að byrja með?

Eftirréttur – Dessert
The sweet treat at the end of a meal, “eftirréttur” is something many look forward to indulge in.
Hvað er í boði fyrir eftirrétt?

Kokkur – Chef
The person responsible for creating the culinary delights, “kokkur” is the Icelandic word for a chef.
Kokkurinn á þessum stað er þekktur fyrir nýstárlegar uppskriftir.

Upplifun – Experience
When discussing the entire dining or culinary event, “upplifun” encapsulates the experience had while enjoying a meal.
Að borða á veitingastaðnum var ógleymanleg upplifun.

Each of these words provides a window into the world of Icelandic food culture and helps you to communicate and appreciate the local cuisine when visiting Iceland. Remember, practicing these words will not only add to your Icelandic vocabulary but will also enrich your culinary adventures in this beautiful country. Verði þér að góðu, or enjoy your meal!