Hákarl
Fermented, dried shark meat
Think of it as: Like the world's funkiest blue cheese, except it's shark
Five months to make. A lifetime of courage to eat.
What does it taste like?
A blast of ammonia, then a cheese-like aftertaste. The more you chew, the stronger it gets.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureDense and chewy
What is it?
Greenland shark meat that's fermented, then hung to dry for months. It reeks of ammonia. It's cut into small cubes and eaten one at a time with a strong spirit.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
At the midwinter festival Þorrablót, cubes are speared on toothpicks and washed down with Brennivín, a strong local spirit.
Watch it
EnglishTap to play (YouTube)Where is it from?
🇮🇸Iceland
CapitalReykjavík
Populationabout 400,000UN estimate for 2026
IndustriesFishing, Tourism, Aluminum smelting (geothermal and hydro power)
Famous peopleBjörkWorld-famous singer
HelloHalló
CurrencyIcelandic króna
Fun factA country with no army. An island of volcanoes and hot springs
The flag🇮🇸 Blue is the sea and sky, white is the glaciers and snow, and red is volcanic fire.
From Tokyoabout 8,800 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Reykjavík
Getting thereabout 17 hours from Tokyo (with transfers)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeJune to August for the midnight sun, or September to March for the northern lights. Also tryLamb soupSkyrHot dogs (pylsur) More from here🐑 Svið
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeJune to August for the midnight sun, or September to March for the northern lights. Also tryLamb soupSkyrHot dogs (pylsur) More from here🐑 Svið
🇮🇸 Sounds & life in Iceland
HallóHello（Halló）
Latin alphabet
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Right now…
Anthem"Hymn" (Lofsöngur)
MusicPost-rock Dreamy, epic layers of sound
SportSoccer (handball is hugely popular too)
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (strongman; 2018's World's Strongest Man) World HeritageÞingvellir National Park and more National flowerMountain avens FestivalÞorrablót (January-February, a midwinter feast of traditional foods)
MusicPost-rock Dreamy, epic layers of sound
SportSoccer (handball is hugely popular too)
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (strongman; 2018's World's Strongest Man) World HeritageÞingvellir National Park and more National flowerMountain avens FestivalÞorrablót (January-February, a midwinter feast of traditional foods)
Ingredients
- Greenland shark meat
- Time
- Courage
How to make it (one way)
- Raw shark meat is high in compounds that make it toxic, so it can't be eaten as is
- Bury the meat in a gravel pit, weigh it down and let it ferment for 6–12 weeks
- Dig it up, cut it into long strips and hang them in an airy shed for several months
- Peel off the brown crust and cut the white inside into cubes
- Eat one piece at a time on a toothpick
⚠️ It's harmful raw, so never try making this at home. Have it at a local restaurant or buy it as a souvenir.