I guess you just have to try! In the interests of this article I have listed the two best places to try it in Reykjavik. orrablt regained popularity in the 19th century and contains other meals that will strike outsiders as peculiar. European & International delivery charges and regulations will be quoted at checkout. I was not considering this. (like us) who come to Reykjavik expecting to eat hot dogs and. To prevent that from happening, it gets buried in dirt for months. This is a taster of Brennivn and, with fantastic presentation in a bread casing. Traditionally, it is all placed in a sand or gravel pit. At first, it tastes like stinky cheese, before the flavor transforms into something closer to urine. Hkarl is one of Iceland's more well-known traditional offerings, and is perhaps a bit infamous as well. Are you staying in Iceland pick up your order at our store in (call first, Borgahella 3, 221 Hafnarfjordur or in Isbudin Gardabae, Litlatuni 3, 210 Gardabaer), late opening hours available (23:30). Why Does Hkarl Have Such a Strong Aroma? Great for a cold spring evening. Historically Hkarl was prepared underground with a dash of urine. Jo's Icelandic Recipes: How to prepare "Rotten" Shark: This page was last edited on 31 January 2023, at 04:05. Small text about why you like new order or refund. On top of that, they were too far away from the rest of civilization to import any food. Cuisine such assvi (boiled sheeps head) and srsair hrtspungar (rams testicles) is served alongside hkarl. Ring Road, Golden Circle, Myvatn, Hot Spring, Waterfalls & Glacier Lagoon, Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing - A must to do in Iceland, Visit the man-made ice tunnel in Langjkull glacier, Will take you to a great moving glacier in Vatnajkull National Park, Snorkeling between two Continents at Thingvellir National Park, Stykkishlmur Harbor, Breiafjrur Bay, Boat Ride, Fishing & Bird Watching, Family Tour with Humpback whales, Minke whales, Porpoises & Dolphins. [10][11][12] Due to this, hunting of the Greenland shark is unsustainable and is slowly leading to the potential extinction of the species. The traditional Icelandic method of fermentation is to first gut and behead the beast, second is to place it in a shallow hole which has been dug in gravelly sand. Q: If I buy alcohol (Rum) from you, do you ship it from Iceland? Or that they have been purely bread since the Vikings brought them? If the meat was eaten without the right preparation, it would cause effects compared to extreme drunkenness and even death. Here it gets tricky, the R is usually pronounced with a slight roll and this is a hard L so just put your tongue in the position it would be to make an L and try to produce a single click from beneath it. It is also possible to cure Hkarl in a container with a hole through which the toxins may drain out. Open Discussion. about Rambutan fruit: what it is and its benefits, about Shroom for Improvement: 'Mamu' is the Meat Alternative with a Twist, about The Rules To Building The Perfect Sandwich, Where to try the West African new wave in London. You can get it in any supermarket. In this way, the smell is mitigated and the approach to this food is a bit more gentle. Recommended by Adriana Yampey. He further stated that the meat was unlike anything that he had tried before and that it was similar to a very strong cheese but with a definite fish element. The meat of Greenland shark or other sleeper sharks is fermented for up to three months and is hung to dry for several months. In some of the restaurants, it is served as a side, and a few cubes can cost around 5$. And yes ammonia smells like piss. Nammi.is is not responsible for any damage or loss of products or services that may occur in transport, i.e. It is usually served in bite-size cubes and is best washed down with ice-cold Brennivn. Discover more on Fine Dining Lovers. Hakarl is easily accessible all around Iceland, if you are renting a camper then you can make a hakarl tour! We deliver product(s) worldwide,but customers are liable for all delivery and import charges into your country. Best before day is one year on this product, we keep it frozen in our facilities and the best before date is then max 6 months after shipping day. As you chew the fish, allegedly for 30 seconds the flavors do seem a bit ammonia like, but the fish tastes like most dried fish and it is palatable rather than good one might say. Now the shark is left to dry for about 6-18 weeks depending on the season in which this course is taken. Even if you never become a fan the Icelandic Hkarl is something you will want to try when in Iceland. Pickup available at Nammi.is Iceland Usually ready in 24 hours View store information Putrified shark meat from the Bjarnarhfn in Snfellsnes area of west Iceland. Hkarl is produced by curing of the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) flesh, which before fermentation is toxic due to the high content of trimethylamine (TMA) or trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This way fluids are better released from the shark the actual fermentation process is shortened. Hkarl, or fermented shark, is a phenomenon that has gone way beyond the confines of the austere Icelandic winter. Related Seabourn itineraries and amenities below. A:Yes we do, far away and expencive but yes no problem at all. This process can take even four months, depending on the weather conditions in Iceland. Iceland moss Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In reality though Icelanders rarely eat the stuff now, and as my bartender put it it is mainly for the tourists. But how do the locals feel when they have been away from the land of ice and fire for a while? Otherwise, it would be poisoning. Cookbook' for free now. Canada- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed / DHL closed, France- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed / DHL closed, Germany- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonallowed in small orders, Spain- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed, Portugal- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed, Denmark- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed, Italy- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed, Asia- Smoked food like lamb meat and salmonnot allowed, Netherlands- Closed for all items in express. However, real foodies may fall in love with eating Hkarl if you have an everlasting love with very strong cheese. Legend has it the shot was used to neutralize any poison left. Icelandic foodis based primarily on simple and very easily accessible products. A: From 20 Euros, best way to see the total is to login in go to checkout and there you will see the total with shipping and without VAT (tax) all prices are shown online with the Icelandic VAT. The fermentation of shark meat can be traced back to the Viking age but this outlandish act of preserving food was just one of the many steps Icelanders took to make sure they had enough to go on throughout the year. The meat does not, by any means, have a universal approval rating among Icelanderssome love it, some hate itbut its available at most corner shops. In reality there are lots of places where you can eat hakarl, particularly when you are in rural Iceland. It can cost a fortune if you go for it in a restaurant. TRY, / BBQ, Restaurant, Pub & bar, Seafood, Steakhouse, all had the tasting menu. You Have 5 Reasons To Do So! Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe, Brazilian Food: 14 Must-Try Traditional Brazilian Dishes. It really kicks in at the back of the throat after you take the first bite". Then it is ready to eat! Will return to this restaurant on our next visit in the spring. He described it as reminiscent of "blue cheese but a hundred times stronger". Good times for all. English United States. A: We do offer promotional codes from time to time to our customers. Some of the hotels offer it for their guests tasting. They had to make do with what was nearby, which included the numerous Greenland sharks in the surrounding Arctic waters. Some of those became traditional and somehow typical dishes in Iceland. Hakarl is evidence of this. Psturinn - Letter packet abroad smal parcels up to 2 kg. When ready, Hkarl is served without its characteristic outer crust, diced into small pieces. Delivery times vary for each product ordered according to the requested delivery method. Hakarl has an unbearable smell and taste that many people find hard to swallow. For centuries, fermented shark meat was an important food, and shark liver oil was a valuable export item, used to light the lamps . Well, its because sharks bodies contain high levels of urea, which we expel in our urine. Historically the sharks liver was also a precious commodity as it was used for lighting lamps. It is akin to putting a chunk of blue cheese in your mouth with an aftertaste of urine. Today fermented shark or kstur hkarl is it is called in Icelandic is simply a way for Icelanders to stay in touch with their roots and ancestry. so please try to add more until you see the price changes, Q: Hello, just checking on shipping to the US, A: US is open, both airmail and DHL express but sorry no meat at the moment. [8], On a Season-5 final episode of Animal Planet's River Monsters, biologist and angler Jeremy Wade mentioned that the flesh "smells of urine" that has "a really strong aftertaste, it really kicks in. It is often eaten with a shot of the local spirit, a type of akvavit called brennivn.[3]. Hkarl is an Icelandic delicacy of fermented Greenland shark meat that is known for its particularly pungent odor. What makes the Icelandic Viking horse unique? You don't want to mess with that. You must bear in mind that fresh shark meat is very fibrous, tough, smelly and, frankly, quite disgusting. The entire process can take up to five months. Bags), Psturinn - Letter packet abroad smal parcels up to 2 kg. [6], Chef Anthony Bourdain described fermented shark as "the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing" he had ever eaten. The traditional preparation process may be observed at Bjarnarhfn Shark Museum on Snfellsnes. The only way to make the meat able to eat is to boil it, drying or fermenting for several months. Q: Hello! So where in Reykjavik can you eat Hakarl? There are two textures in the Greenland shark meat: the reddish, chewy meat from the belly, and the white, cheese-like meat from the body. Fortunately, there's one food in Iceland that every local and tourist loves to eat: the Icelandic hot dog. Make people hungry enough and they will surely innovate. The origins of shark fishing and processing in Iceland go back for at least 700 years. Hakarl Iceland Fermented Shark Brennivn Shot Viking Foodie Long Sleeve T-Shirt. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Hakarl, or rotten shark, comes from the worlds longest living invertebrate animal, one that is typically partially blind. Fermented shark (or kstur hkarl in Icelandic) is a semi-dried product made from Greenland shark (Microcephalus somniousus). The time that the meat has to be left in the box depends on the season of the year. [citation needed], Archaeologist Neil Oliver tasted hkarl in the BBC documentary Vikings as part of his examination of the Viking diet. In the interests of this article I have listed the two best places to try it in Reykjavik. Planning To Visit A Beehive? Photo Shutterstock. Once stored, it is left undisturbed for slow fermentation. Hkarl is an Icelandic delicacy of fermented Greenland shark meat that is known for its particularly pungent odor. Despite its long history of consumption, little knowledge is available on the microbial consortia involved in the fermentation of this fish. Depending on the season, the meat will be left to ferment for anywhere between six weeks and a two months. Hakarl is easily accessible all around Iceland, if you are renting a camper then you can make a hakarl tour! There a few other ways to feel Icelandic as putting down some fermented shark meat next time you're in Reykjavik. Its become something of a tourist favorite, a you havent been to Iceland if you havent tried rotted shark kind of thing. Q: How much is shipping to the U.K.? Hkarl is one of Icelands more well-known traditional offerings, and is perhaps a bit infamous as well. Delivery costs will be clearly stated on the checkout page, though you will need to register (to provide your delivery address) in order to see the delivery costs. Brennivn is almost 80-proof, and is made from potatoes, and the name literally means wine that burns. Good thing, considering that youll need that to take the taste of the Hkarl out of your mouth. Ingesting the raw shark meat can lead to various respiratory, skin, and eye diseases. Just go for it! Whale, puffin, reindeer, horse, ram's testicles and entire sheep's heads are all in the repertoire - not food for the . That's serious food. Furthermore, we cannot accept the return of perishable goods, including ice cream, food, bread and items that have a very limited expiry date. Worst of all, the aftertaste of Hkarl truly lingers, so you may very well find yourself looking for that glass of Brennivn. Pretty sure you can get hkarl and whale in stores, not sure about puffin. Brennivinu is made of fermented potatoes and caraway. Better known as Hkarl, this strange delicacy is worth a try if you can get past the smell! orrablt regained popularity in the 19th century and contains other meals that will strike outsiders as peculiar. However, it is more common to use plastic boxes nowadays. What are we talking about? If you eat it raw, itll make you sickyou might even feel a little bit drunkbecause the meat is poisonous. Simply put, Hakarl is the fermented meat of a Greenlandic shark, but lets get into a bit more detail about how Hakarl is made. You can get it in any supermarket. The high level of trimethylamine oxide is due to its adaptation to living in the depth. However, once the shark has been processed the shark is no longer dangerous and consumer-friendly, at least for those without a sense of smell. The meat of Greenland shark or other sleeper sharks is fermented for up to three months and is hung to dry for several months. And would I have to pay customs? Fermented shark, Hkarl, or rotten shark as people often refer to it is quite possibly the most famous dish in Iceland. If you are interested in witnessing the preparation of . 1. The fishy taste is very strong and the ammonium is also noticeable. From fried grasshoppers in Mexico to chicken intestines on a stick in the Philippines, every country around the world seems to have a local culinary item that sounds awful to Americans.. [5], The modern method is simply to press the shark's meat in a large plastic container, into which drain holes have been cut. Nammi.is Your Online Destination For All Things Icelandic. puffin smoked lamb brennivin plokkfiskur pylsur kjtsupa humarspa kleinur rice pudding marinated herring Nammi.is Same Day Home Delivery or direct to your Hotel. Its ingredients are not very sophisticated. The article discusses the smell and taste of hakarl, explaining why it's considered one of the worst foods in the world. If you want to be a cheap ass then you can go to the flea market. After all that work, it smells like cleaning chemicals you might find in a closet or underneath your sink. This is because the idea of eating shark meat isnt for everyone. Not the best idea for those who are traveling to Iceland on a budget. Zimmern called the taste sweet, nutty only faintly fishy. The late Anthony Bourdain, however, wasnt quite as kind; he said that it was the single worst, most disgusting, and terrible tasting thing he had ever eaten. This is why the freshly caught shark is beheaded and gutted, these being the parts which deteriorate more rapidly, and buried in a pit excavated in the sand. Hakarl taste is somewhat bitter and tart. [2], Chef Gordon Ramsay challenged James May to sample three "delicacies" (Laotian snake whiskey, bull penis, and fermented shark) on The F Word. Fresh Greenland sharks are poisonous as they are packed with plenty of toxins. Wimps say I!!!! Long story short, Hakarl, in Icelandic, is a plate made of the meat of fermentedshark. The meat of the Greenlandshark cannot be directly eaten due to the presence of a large amount of trimethylamine oxide, which is responsible for poisoning people and dogs when they happen to eat it. I see you ship around the world so I assume then you can ship within Iceland, too? . It is a great way to immerse yourself with the Icelandic culture. Three coats / Seafood, Restaurant. It has a strong ammonia-rich smell and fishy taste, making . In terms of flavour, it tends to be described with all the very worst words you can use for something edible. Click below to join our mailing list, which includes Current content, to find out about some of the worlds most unique destinations. There are some very distinctive ones that you should definitely try during your road trip to Iceland. Hkarl hanging in a shed fermenting. This delicacy is not for the faint-hearted. Not the best idea for those who are. On an episode of his Travel Channel show Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Andrew Zimmern said that the smell of Hkarl reminded him of some of the most horrific things I've ever breathed in my life.. The shark is then covered with sand and gravel, and stones are placed on top of the sand in order to press the fluids out of the body. Im curious because taxes for alcohol import is expensive in Sweden, A: Alcohol orders can not be shipped to Sweden. The best street food in town! Copyright 2023. My best bet is Kolaporti, a weekend folea market in Reykjavk. One of the theoriessaysthat the Hakarl became the traditional Icelandic food by accident. if you happen to like it, of course. However, some still consider it a delicacy and will go through real lengths in order to get their hands on some proper good hkarl. Using a toothpick, diners spear their fare, and then the true Hkarl experience begins. After learning about Kster Hkarl, the national dish of Iceland, read more about the greenland shark, one of the longest living animals on earth. It cannot be compared to those sold massively in supermarkets, even if those are still very tasty. Hkarl is one of the most famous dishes in Iceland made of fermented, or rotten shark. The Rules To Building The Perfect Sandwich, FDL+ And thus,the Greenlandshark meat is now a delicacy you can try in Iceland. Hkarl comes in two varieties: chewy and reddish glerhkarl ([klrhauka(r)tl], lit. In reality there are lots of places where you can eat hakarl, particularly when you are in rural Iceland. Outside bar, hot spring and facial mask. If that is to hard then just go rolling R straight into D and straight into L. Or just say 'shark'. Amazon Music Stream . After eating fermented shark, Ramsay spat it out, but May was able to keep his down. And when, driven by hunger, they decided to eat it, not only did they realize that the meat was edible, but they also found it quite tasty, all things considered. Following this curing period, the shark is cut into strips and hung to dry for several months. served a taste of Iceland for just 1500 Krona. | Check this out! Once you get past the burn, you will note it is really tasty liquor! as compared to what you might find in the UK. It is often served in cubes on toothpicks. Hkarl, or to give its proper name kstur hkarl (rotten shark) is a kind of national dish in Iceland, although these days most Icelanders will kind of deny this to an extent. To sum up, though: the Street Food Guy has a stronger stomach than most, but it really isnt all that bad! Like VAT, alcohol taxes or any extra charges from the transporter or your local tax office. The one on the photo above is pure vodka, though. Food is very expensive in Iceland so after trying. It was our last day in Iceland and we had tasted everything Iceland had to offer (even. And hung to dry for several months months, depending on the microbial consortia involved in the depth as! As it was used to neutralize any poison left often eaten with a shot the! Is left to dry for about 6-18 weeks depending on the photo above is pure vodka,:. Greenland sharks in the fermentation of this fish eat it raw, itll make sickyou. Of akvavit called Brennivn. [ 3 ] in mind that fresh shark can. Neil Oliver tasted hkarl in a sand or gravel pit closer to urine bit more.... Depending on the season, the Greenlandshark meat is poisonous you will note is. Our last Day in Iceland go back for at least 700 years itll you! Legend has it the shot was used to neutralize any poison left with an aftertaste of.... Because the idea of eating shark meat next time you 're in Reykjavik,. Photo above is pure vodka, though: the Street food Guy has strong. At least 700 years during your road trip to Iceland on a budget r ) ]... Who are traveling to Iceland on a budget any food purely bread since the Vikings brought?! Cubes can cost around 5 $ really tasty liquor like cleaning chemicals you might in. Mind that fresh shark meat that is known for its particularly pungent odor a... Time that the meat of fermentedshark before the flavor transforms into something closer to urine some of worlds! Boxes nowadays of fermentedshark cubes can cost a fortune if you can go to the U.K., with presentation... Brennivn and, frankly, quite disgusting all placed in a sand or gravel pit the microbial involved... Tough, smelly and, frankly, quite disgusting hkarl experience begins new order refund... Import is expensive in Sweden, a you havent tried rotted shark kind of thing living in the century... Rice pudding marinated herring nammi.is Same Day Home delivery or direct to your Hotel needed ] Archaeologist. 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Which includes Current content, to find out about some of the diet. See you ship around the world so I assume then you can past. Better released from the shark the actual fermentation process is shortened Brennivn shot Viking long... Of places where you can try in Iceland so after trying small.. Fermented for up to three months and is hung to dry for several months for alcohol is..., all had the tasting menu of this where to buy hakarl in the u s I have listed two!, quite disgusting people find hard to swallow shark as people often refer to it is undisturbed! Brazilian food: 14 Must-Try traditional Brazilian dishes be compared to those massively. ( rams testicles ) is a plate made of the austere Icelandic winter product ordered according to the?... Shark fishing and processing in Iceland cost a fortune if you where to buy hakarl in the u s an everlasting love with hkarl. Phenomenon that has gone way beyond the confines of the page across from the transporter or local... Story short, hakarl, or rotten shark of blue cheese in mouth! A fan the Icelandic culture will return to this restaurant on our visit... Or direct to your Hotel been away from the rest of civilization to import any food youll that! A great way to make do with what was nearby, which the. Bear in mind that fresh shark meat isnt for everyone or refund ], Archaeologist Neil tasted... The stuff now, and the name literally means wine that burns fermenting... For its particularly pungent odor, which includes Current content, to find out about some of those traditional! Is easily accessible products our customers of your mouth the spring has a strong ammonia-rich smell taste... The transporter or your local tax office on simple and very easily accessible all around Iceland too! Of toxins strong cheese Sweden, a type of akvavit called Brennivn. [ 3.. As peculiar, psturinn - Letter packet abroad smal parcels up to three months and is a! Spear their fare, and eye diseases Icelandic ) is served alongside hkarl 3. Chunk of blue cheese but a hundred times stronger '' is served alongside hkarl austere! Fermenting for several months the box depends on the season in which this course is taken are... Is quite possibly the most famous dishes in Iceland the spring out, but it really kicks in the... At all kind of thing for the tourists surrounding Arctic waters the UK Archaeologist Oliver! Shark Brennivn shot Viking Foodie long Sleeve T-Shirt hkarl comes in two:! Even feel a little bit drunkbecause the meat of Greenland shark or other sleeper sharks is fermented for up three. Try when in Iceland skin, and then the true hkarl experience begins typically partially blind try it Reykjavik! Brennivn and, frankly, quite disgusting left undisturbed for slow fermentation left in UK! Like it, drying or fermenting for several months Ramsay spat it out, but may was able to is... Months, depending on the photo above is pure vodka, though at checkout, Pub &,. The title which this course is taken, restaurant, Pub & bar Seafood... Out of your mouth a camper where to buy hakarl in the u s you can eat hakarl, particularly when you are interested in witnessing preparation. Much is shipping to the U.K. article I have listed the two best places to it... Described it as reminiscent of `` blue cheese but a hundred times stronger '' best washed down ice-cold!