When we think of traditional Icelandic food most people probably think of fish and lamb. Indeed these are the foods that are most popular in Iceland, along with some other basic foods. Typical Icelandic foods are quite simple and include fish and other seafood, lamb and potatoes. Here is an overview of the top 5 Icelandic foods:

1. Hangikjöt  (Smoked Lamb) - Sheep from Iceland are known for their delicious flavor, which is attributed to the way they are farmed.

They are free to roam the wilderness all summer long and graze on plants and herbs in addition to grass, which contributes to the rich, complex flavor of their meat. The lamb meat in this dish is smoked using either birch or dried sheep dung to fuel the fire, which adds a rich flavor to the meat. Smoked lamb is generally served with bechamel sauce, potatoes, green peas and red beats. You can find smoked lamb on the menu at most restaurants in Iceland and it is a common dinner for Icelandic families.

2. Skyr - Skyr is a kind of soft cheese which is made out of gelatinous milk curds. It has a yogurt like texture and is slightly sour in it's plain state. Although it is mostly enjoyed as a dessert mixed with milk, berries and sugar on top, it is also enjoyed as a dipping sauce ("skyr-naisse") and even as a drink ("drykkur"). Skyr is actually considered a super food as it is very high in protein and low in carbs and fat, so it is very nutritious. With that being said, it's not wonder that it is so popular in Iceland.

Skyr can be bought at practically any supermarket or corner store in Iceland.

3. Kjötsúpa  (Meat soup) - This traditional dish is made with lamb cut into small pieces and boiled with potatoes, rice, onions, carrots, turnips and herbs. The bones from the meat are also included. The mixture is left to boil for several hours and is often more flavorful after it sits for a day. Most restaurants in Iceland will have this one the menu and most Icelandic families have their own version of homemade Kjötsúpa.

4. Plysa hot dog - In addition to the usual ingredients of beef and pork, these hot dogs also contain lamb which gives them a deep, distinctive flavor. Hot dogs are very popular in Iceland and can be found at almost any corner stores, restaurant or food stands. There are many Plysa stands around the cities in Iceland, but the most famous one is located in downtown Reykjavik, and is called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which means "The Best Hot Dogs in Town".

5. Minke Whale - Although many people are against eating whale, minke whale is not an endangered species and in Iceland you will find it on lots of restaurant menus in different forms, such as steaks or kebabs, and it is said to taste like a cross between beef and tuna. You can find it at many different restaurants or at the fish market at Fiskmarkaðurinn in Reykjavik.