Pylsa
Regional
Lamb, beef, and pork hot dog served with raw and fried onions, remoulade, and Icelandic mustard in a steamed bun; Iceland's unofficial national dish.
History
Pylsa (or “pylsur,” plural) is Iceland’s national hot dog, beloved for its unique blend of lamb, pork, and beef—giving it a slightly gamey, rich flavor unlike any other. The most famous version is the “eina með öllu” (one with everything), which includes crispy fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep), ketchup, and remoulade, all tucked into a warm, slightly steamed bun. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a Reykjavik stand operating since 1937, is the epicenter of pylsa culture and has served everyone from locals to Bill Clinton. The inclusion of lamb reflects Iceland’s agricultural history and love of sheep farming. More than just street food, pylsa is part of the national identity—a must-eat for anyone visiting the island.
Make it at home
A home-friendly version of this hot dog style.
About this recipe
The classic “one with everything” combines a lamb-based sausage, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, remoulade, raw onion and crispy fried onion. Beer in the poaching water is optional.
We haven’t kitchen-tested this version. Portions and timing are a guide for home cooking; follow any specific package directions in the recipe.
Last checked: .
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 6 Icelandic pylsur (lamb, pork and beef blend)
- 6 soft white hot dog buns
- 6 tablespoons finely diced raw white onion
- 6 tablespoons crispy fried onions
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 tablespoons pylsusinnep (Icelandic sweet brown mustard)
- 4 tablespoons Icelandic remoulade
- Water for poaching (optional: half water, half lager)
Instructions
- Gently poach the sausages in barely simmering water (or water and lager) until hot through. Warm or steam the buns.
- In each bun, put a layer of crispy fried onion and raw onion, plus a line of ketchup.
- Lay the sausage on top. Finish with a zigzag of pylsusinnep and a stripe of remoulade along its length.
Local favorites
Where to Try It
Every restaurant below is in this style's home turf – the place it comes from – and its own menu or website confirms it serves the style today.
(this isn't a "near you" list)
Sources and further reading
- Barry Popik, citing The Wurst of Lucky Peach and Bæjarins Beztu ordering: https://barrypopik.com/blog/cronion-crispy-crunchy-onion
- Adventures.is, Icelanders and their hot dogs: https://adventures.is/blog/icelanders-and-their-hot-dogs/
- Icelandic Store, hot dog kit (assembly order): https://icelandicstore.is/products/icelandic-hot-dog-kit
- The Food Dictator, The Icelandic Hot Dog (quantities): https://www.thefooddictator.com/the-icelandic-hot-dog-pylsur/
- Tasting Table, Icelandic hot dogs explained: https://www.tastingtable.com/1587840/icelandic-hot-dog-explained/
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