As expected, the cuisine of Iceland is based above all on different types of fish. But there are two meats in particular that are served in some restaurants on the island and deserve a separate comment: whale and puffin.
The consumption of whale or puffin meat will surely be considered almost like barbarism by many people. However, let me first point out in the 21st century, this custom is no longer so deeply rooted in the Icelandic population. And on the other hand, whoever has visited the island will understand why hunting these animals was one of the few food options. Mother Nature has given Iceland incredible corners, but she also shows her rawest and wildest side there: hostile temperatures in winter, winds capable of tearing car doors off, volcanic and arid soils where vegetation hardly grows, etc.
Whale meat as protein source for the islanders
Whale meat was formerly one of the not so many possibilities of food for the islanders, which is why it must be understood first of all that its consumption was linked to subsistence.
Fortunately, times have changed and today it is estimated that only 2% of the population consumes it. In fact, I have not seen this meat for sale in any supermarket. Whale hunting is still going on and is mostly for tourist demand, although the last licenses are expected to expire in the upcoming years.
Whale meat is similar in appearance to beef, with a somewhat more intense color and is more fibrous. The taste, however, is closer to fish. Nutritionally it provides a significant amount of protein, vitamins, iron, calcium, and especially iodine. Apart from Iceland, the only countries where it is still consumed are Norway, the Faroe Islands and Japan.
The puffin, a colorful bird for of charm… and flavor
The puffin is a bird that lives most of the year in the ocean and only returns to land in spring in order to breed. This species is highly appreciated by wildlife photographers, due to its grace, physiognomy and very particular colors. That is why its consumption is for some so surprising and shocking.
In Iceland you can find the largest puffin colony in the world, and it is the only country where hunting it is legal. It is indeed an ancient custom, since their bones have been found in archaeological excavations of the forst Viking settlements.
Its meat is red, so I expected to find a taste similar to duck or goose. Big mistake, since we are not talking about a farm poultry! The puffin feeds only on fish, which is why its meat has a slight and very pleasant fishy taste. Or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say that it is more like a seafood. That was precisely the definition given to me by a local: while langoustine and shrimp are available in Iceland, the puffin would be its true star seafood.
Where to try whale and puffin meat in Reykjavík:
Sægreifinn: Geirsgata 4a, 101 Reykjavík.
Þrír Frakkar: Baldursgata 14, 101 Reykjavík.
Hereford: Laugavegur 53b, 101 Reykjavík.
Íslenski barinn: Ingólfsstræti 1a, 101 Reykjavík.