Iceland’s Most Famous Meal is a Hot Dog
It may surprise you that the most famous restaurant in Iceland is a small hot dog shack called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (BBP), which literally translates to “Best Hot Dogs in Town.”
It turns out, Icelandic people are absolutely crazy about hot dogs. While they may look like their American cousins, there are a few key differences that set them apart—most notably:
- Lamb-based hot dogs
- Icelandic remoulade, a creamy, zesty sauce with no true U.S. equivalent
Also, BBP hot dogs are said to be braised in beer. But if that’s not your thing, you’re welcome to just drink the beer and grill or pan-fry the hot dogs instead.
Hot Dog Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 lamb hot dogs
- 1 can of light beer
- 4 tablespoons dry-fried onions
- 4 teaspoons sweet brown mustard
- 4 tablespoons Icelandic remoulade (see below)
- 4 teaspoons ketchup
- 4 teaspoons diced raw onions
- 4 teaspoons capers (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium-high and pour in the beer.
- Once warm, add the hot dogs and braise for about 8 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Remove and set them to dry on paper towels.
- Dice about half of a small onion.
- Lightly toast the buns and place the hot dogs inside.
- Add ketchup, remoulade, and mustard in parallel lines along the length of each hot dog.
- Top with both types of onions and capers, if using.
- Serve and enjoy.
Icelandic Remoulade
This creamy sauce doesn’t have a true analog in the United States, and it’s not something you’ll typically find at your local store. But you can easily make a small batch at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon sour cream
- 2 teaspoons sweet relish
- Pinch of mustard powder
- Pinch of curry powder
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Stir in the sweet relish, mustard powder, and curry powder.
- If it needs more tang, add the vinegar—or use a splash of caper brine if you’re including capers.
- This recipe makes enough for four hot dogs. Scale up as needed.
