Simply google 'Icelandic hotdog' and you will find oodles of writings on the subject. So I had to know what makes these hotdogs so special.
To begin with, these are mostly lamb-based hotdogs. The Iceland countryside is filled with roaming sheep that graze on berries and leaves. In fact, sheep outnumber people in Iceland nearly two to one, making them a good food source that is organic, grass-fed, free-range and hormone free. But that's not all. These hotdogs are made with a natural casing giving them a delicious 'pop' when you bite into them.
The Icelandic hotdog comes with different condiments than the traditional U.S. hotdog. Order the dog like an Icelandic does and it will be served in a steamed bun and topped with raw white onions as well as crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard and a sauce made with mayo, capers, mustard and herbs. Order a "Clinton" hotdog at the famous Reykjavik stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (which translates to 'best hotdogs in town'), will get you a hotdog with only mustard—the same way the former president enjoyed his when he visited the stand in 2004.
Icelanders are nuts about their hot dogs, and once you try one, you will see why. And in a country known for being expensive, they are a low cost way to try a local specialty.
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