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Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Iceland Food and Drink Month: Singapore is no stranger to global cuisineโwalk down any street, and youโll find a smorgasbord of flavours from every corner of the world. But when I heard that Iceland Food and Drink Month was coming to town, I had to do a double take. Iceland? In Singapore? Do you mean the land of volcanoes, Bjรถrk, and epic landscapes is now blessing us with its cuisine in tropical Red Dot?
Yes, my friends, for one whole month, Singapore is about to become the coolest (literally) food destination thanks to the arrival of Icelandโs culinary traditions. So wear your cosiest sweater, grab a Viking helmet for good measure, and get ready to chow down and guzzle some serious Nordic goodness. And no, itโs not just about fish (thank God for thatโฆ say I).
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Wait... What Exactly Do Icelanders Eat?
First, letโs clear the air for those who think Icelandic cuisine is nothing but fermented shark and ice cubes. Yes, Icelanders do eat fermented shark, and yes, itโs called hรกkarl, but donโt worry, theyโre not serving it at every meal. Icelandic food is much more diverse, and during Iceland Food and Drink Month, youโll have the chance to taste Icelandโs finestโwithout any hรกkarl scares.
Letโs start with the superstar of Icelandic dining: lamb. Icelandic lamb is free-range, grass-fed, and honestly, they live better than some humans I know. The meat is tender, and flavorful, and itโs no wonder they take great pride in their lamb dishes. Youโll find everything from lamb stews to grilled lamb chops, and trust me, the flavours will warm your heart faster than a Nordic fireplace.
And of course, thereโs seafood (please excuse me for not cheeringโฆ). Iceland is an island, after all, surrounded by some of the purest waters in the world. Expect fresh, delicate fish like Arctic char, Atlantic cod, and haddock. Oh, and donโt forget the langoustineโIcelandic langoustine has been described as lobsterโs sweeter, more delicate cousin. Itโs basically seafood royalty.
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Event Highlights: From Arctic Delights to Viking Feasts
The Iceland Food and Drink Month promises to be more than just a dining experienceโitโs full-on fun. Here are some of the must-attend events that will give you a taste of Iceland without having to brave a blizzard:
Viking BBQ Nights: Who says BBQs are just for the summer? Icelanders apparently grill in all seasons, and now you can tooโwithout the freezing temperatures. Viking BBQ Nights will feature Icelandic lamb, fish, and more cooked over an open flame, just like the Vikings used to do (minus the longboats and axes). Itโs all happening at selected restaurants across Singapore, and rumour has it there will be plenty of Icelandic beer to wash it all down.
The Great Icelandic Seafood Buffet at Iceland Food and Drink Month: Youโve probably never seen so much fresh seafood in one place unless youโve been to Icelandโs fish markets. Dive into platters of grilled Arctic char, poached cod, and delicate langoustinesโserved alongside traditional Icelandic rye bread and butter. Donโt worry, the bread isnโt as dry as a volcano, itโs rich, sweet, and perfect for mopping up all those delicious sauces.
Skyr Tasting Workshop: Move over, Greek yoghurtโskyr is the cool (pun intended) new kid on the block. This thick, creamy Icelandic dairy product has been a staple in Icelandic diets for over a thousand years, and now itโs having a moment in Singapore. This tasting workshop is a chance to try skyr with various toppings like berries, honey, and even smoked fish (yes, you read that right).
Whatโs That Youโre Drinking at Iceland Food and Drink Month? Icelandโs Beverage Game
Now, what would a food festival be without some drinks? Iceland Food and Drink Month wouldnโt be complete without introducing Singaporeans to the pride of Icelandic beverages, starting with Brennivรญn. Dubbed โThe Black Deathโ (but donโt panic!), Brennivรญn is a traditional Icelandic schnapps made from fermented potato mash and flavoured with caraway. Itโs not for the faint of heart, but after a shot or two, youโll be saying skรกl! (cheers!) with the best of them.
And letโs not forget Icelandโs thriving beer scene. Icelandโs crisp, clean waters make for some of the purest and most refreshing brews in the world. Be on the lookout for popular Icelandic beers like Einstรถk and Kaldi, as theyโll be flowing freely throughout the event. Perfect for washing down that lamb chop or steaming bowl of seafood stew.
No Vikings were hurt during the writing of this blogโฆ
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Next-Level Icelandic Desserts: Sweet, But Not Too Sweet
Iceland might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of desserts, but boy, do they know how to end a meal on a high note. During Iceland Food and Drink Month, prepare your taste buds for some surprising (and delicious) sweet treats.
First up is kleina, an Icelandic doughnut that is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and just sweet enough to satisfy without leaving you in a sugar coma. Then thereโs rรบgbrauรฐโa dense, dark rye bread thatโs typically served with a thick layer of butter and smoked fish but also pairs surprisingly well with sweet toppings like jam or cheese. Think of it as Icelandโs take on a dessert that could also double as breakfast (or a midnight snack).
And, of course, thereโs skyr, which we talked about earlier. Icelanders will argue that skyr isnโt really a dessertโmore of a dairy productโbut when you drizzle it with honey and top it with fresh berries, it transforms into the kind of healthy yet delicious treat that makes you feel virtuous about eating dessert. Go ahead, have seconds at Iceland Food and Drink Month. You deserve it.
Fun Facts About Icelandic Food (That You Can Impress Your Friends With)
Lambs with the Best Views: Icelandic lambs roam freely in the wild, eating grass, herbs, and berries in the pristine countryside. Itโs no wonder their meat is so tenderโthey basically live at a luxury resort!
Geothermal Bread Baking: Some Icelandic bread, like rรบgbrauรฐ, is baked using geothermal heat. Yes, that means itโs literally baked in the ground, thanks to Icelandโs volcanic activity. Talk about using natureโs oven.
Skyr Isnโt Yoghurt: Skyr may look and taste like yoghurt, but technically, itโs classified as cheese. Icelanders have been eating it since Viking times, and itโs now gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to yoghurt.
Worldโs Cleanest Fish at Iceland Food and Drink Month: Icelandic fish are caught in some of the cleanest waters in the world, and Icelanders take pride in their sustainable fishing practices. When you bite into that perfectly grilled Arctic char, just rememberโitโs as fresh as it gets.
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Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Chill with Iceland in Singapore
Iceland Food and Drink Month isnโt just another food festivalโitโs an immersive experience that brings a slice of Nordic life to Singapore. When else are you going to get the chance to drink Brennivรญn, feast on lamb chops, and eat volcano-baked bread without leaving the tropics?
So grab your Viking helmet, brush up on your Icelandic phrases (start with takk fyrirโthank you), and get ready to explore the land of fire and iceโright here in Singapore.
Skรกl! and enjoy the feast at Iceland Food and Drink Month!
