Few travel destinations spark as much curiosity about food as Iceland — especially if you don’t eat meat. The island’s rugged landscape and strong fishing traditions might suggest a meat‑heavy menu, but the reality is more accommodating than many travelers expect.

4 related posts

Restaurants with vegetarian options in Vik (per top guide): Soup Company, Smiðjan Brugghús ·
Icelandic dairy product often eaten by vegetarians: Skyr ·
Typical vegetarian sandwich found in gas stations: Egg and cheese sandwich

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Reykjavík has multiple dedicated vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining options (The Vegan Atlas)
  • Gas stations across Iceland sell egg salad and cheese sandwiches (Veggies Abroad)
  • Supermarkets like Bónus and Krónan stock vegetarian staples (Guide to Iceland)

2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of vegetarian restaurants outside Reykjavík and Akureyri (Veggies Abroad)
  • How many fully vegetarian hotels exist across the country? (The Vegan Atlas)
  • Precise number of Hindu vegetarians living in Iceland (The Vegan Atlas)

3Timeline signal
  • Since 2010, vegetarian options have expanded significantly, especially in Reykjavík (The Floral Vegan)
  • Plant‑based menus now appear in rural towns like Vík and Hveragerði (Curious Travel Bug)

4What’s next
  • Iceland’s tourism board is expected to release a dedicated vegetarian guide by 2026 (Veggies Abroad)
  • More gas station chains are adding plant‑based sandwich options (Guide to Iceland)

Six facts that define the vegetarian landscape in Iceland, from supermarket brands to popular dishes.

Category Details Source
Common vegetarian snack Skyr (dairy, protein‑rich) The Vegan Atlas
Typical gas station option Egg salad sandwich, cheese sandwich Veggies Abroad
Popular vegetarian restaurant chain Soup Company (Vík) Curious Travel Bug
Supermarket with largest vegetarian selection Krónan (Reykjavík and larger towns) Guide to Iceland
Best place for Indian vegetarian Indian restaurants in Reykjavík (e.g., Nings) The Vegan Atlas
Hotel breakfast adaptation Bread, peanut butter, jam, plant milk, porridge The Floral Vegan

The implication: even without a dedicated vegetarian infrastructure, Iceland’s supermarkets and gas stations provide a reliable fallback. The table shows that most needs can be met with a little local knowledge.

Is Iceland good for vegetarians?

Is it easy to eat vegetarian in Iceland?

  • Yes — most restaurants in tourist areas offer at least one vegetarian dish. Reykjavík has dedicated spots like Garðurinn, Chickpea, and Mama (The Vegan Atlas).
  • Even small towns such as Vík and Hveragerði have vegetarian‑friendly eateries like Soup Company and Ölverk Pizza & Brewery (Curious Travel Bug).
  • Hotels commonly provide breakfast buffets that can be adapted with plant milk, cereals, fruit, and bread (The Floral Vegan).

Can vegetarians eat in Iceland?

Absolutely — but it requires a bit of flexibility. A 2026 vegetarian/vegan travel guide states that Reykjavík and Akureyri are among the easiest places in Iceland for plant‑based eating (Veggies Abroad). Gas stations across the country sell simple sandwiches (egg salad, cheese) and skyr cups, making road trips manageable.

Are there any vegetarian food options in Iceland?

  • Dedicated vegetarian restaurants: Garðurinn (soup of the day) and Chickpea (wraps, bowls) in Reykjavík (The Vegan Atlas).
  • Vegan pizza at Pizza Popolare and Flatey (The Vegan Atlas).
  • Supermarket aisles: Bónus, Krónan, and Netto carry bread, cheese, yoghurt, fruits, and sometimes frozen vegetarian burgers (Guide to Iceland).
Bottom line: Vegetarians can eat well in Iceland if they plan ahead. Frequent travelers to Reykjavík should rely on dedicated restaurants. Road trippers need to stock up at supermarkets and accept gas‑station basics.

Does Iceland sell vegetarian food?

Do Iceland do Quorn?

Yes — Iceland Foods stores (the UK chain) sell Quorn products, but that chain is not present in the country of Iceland. However, Icelandic supermarkets such as Bónus and Krónan stock their own meat‑free ranges, including Quorn‑like products (Veggies Abroad).

Best vegetarian grocery finds in Iceland

  • Skyr (high‑protein dairy snack)
  • Egg salad and cheese sandwiches at gas stations
  • Fresh bread, peanut butter, jam at Bónus
  • Frozen vegetarian burgers at Krónan (Guide to Iceland)

Supermarket vegetarian sections

Larger stores like Krónan and Bónus have dedicated “vegan/vegetarian” shelves. A 2023 travel guide noted that even small markets in rural areas carry basic vegetarian staples (Veggies Abroad).

The upshot

Travelers who pack a few essentials — like peanut butter and reusable cutlery — can make any Icelandic supermarket work. Gas stations fill the gap for quick lunch stops.

Is Indian food available in Iceland?

Indian vegetarian food in Iceland

Yes — Reykjavík has several Indian restaurants, including Nings, Indian Mango, and Shalimar, all offering vegetarian curries and rice dishes (Curious Travel Bug).

Indian restaurants in Reykjavík

  • Nings: known for its vegetable korma and dal makhani.
  • Indian Mango: offers a vegetarian thali.
  • Shalimar: serves chickpea curry and lentil soup.

Most Indian restaurants in Reykjavík are flexible with dietary preferences. They use fresh vegetables imported weekly (The Vegan Atlas).

Frozen Indian vegetarian meals

Supermarkets like Krónan and Bónus also sell frozen Indian vegetarian meals — paneer tikka, vegetable samosas, and lentil dal — in their frozen sections (Guide to Iceland).

Bottom line: Indian vegetarian food in Iceland is available both in restaurants and as supermarket convenience items. The catch: it’s mostly concentrated in Reykjavík; outside the capital, frozen options are the safest bet.

Which is the number one vegetarian country in the world?

Which country is most vegetarian friendly?

India is widely considered the most vegetarian‑friendly country, with roughly 30–40% of the population following a vegetarian diet (Worldometer). Israel and Thailand also rank high due to their strong plant‑based culinary traditions.

How does Iceland compare to the top vegetarian country?

Iceland’s vegetarian scene is still emerging. Unlike India, where the entire food infrastructure caters to vegetarians, Iceland requires more effort — but the gap is closing. A 2026 travel guide rates Iceland as “moderately easy” for vegetarians, far behind India but ahead of many other Nordic countries (Veggies Abroad).

Three countries, three approaches: how each economy supports a vegetarian lifestyle.

Country Vegetarian population share Restaurant availability Supermarket ease
India 30–40% (Worldometer) Extensive, every cuisine High – dedicated sections everywhere
Israel ~13% (BBC) Many vegan‑friendly restaurants High – hummus, falafel staples
Iceland <5% (estimated) Good in cities, limited in rural Moderate – basics available, but limited variety

The pattern: Iceland’s infrastructure is still catching up, but for a traveler it works well enough. The trade‑off: you trade convenience for spectacular scenery.

Are there any Hindus in Iceland?

Small Hindu community in Iceland

Yes — Iceland is home to a small Hindu community, primarily composed of immigrants from India and Sri Lanka. According to the most recent census data, fewer than 1,500 Hindus reside in Iceland (Statistics Iceland).

Cultural vegetarianism among Icelandic Hindus

Many Icelandic Hindus follow lacto‑vegetarian diets, especially during religious festivals. This has a modest influence on Reykjavík’s food scene: several Indian grocery stores stock paneer, lentils, and spices for home cooking (The Vegan Atlas).

Hindu festivals and vegetarian food

During Diwali and Holi, the Hindu temple in Reykjavík holds vegetarian feasts open to the public. These events are among the few opportunities to experience authentic vegetarian Indian cooking in a community setting (Veggies Abroad).

Why this matters

The presence of a Hindu community means that authentic vegetarian ingredients and dishes are available — but almost exclusively in Reykjavík. Travelers seeking Indian flavors should plan a stop in the capital.

Confirmed facts

  • Iceland has vegetarian options in most restaurants and supermarkets (The Vegan Atlas)
  • Icelandic supermarkets sell Quorn‑style products (Veggies Abroad)
  • Gas stations carry egg salad and cheese sandwiches (Guide to Iceland)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of Hindu vegetarians in Iceland
  • How many fully vegetarian restaurants exist outside Reykjavík and Akureyri
  • Whether gas station chains will expand their vegetarian ranges in the near future

“Even small village restaurants have a vegetarian (usually vegan) options. We lived on grocery store fare and gas station sandwiches.”

— Reddit user visiting Iceland, reported in a 2023 Veggies Abroad roundup

“Even in rural areas, small markets and gas stations can offer surprising plant‑based options.”

— Veggies Abroad travel guide, 2025/2026 edition

The reality of eating vegetarian in Iceland is less about restriction and more about adaptability. For a traveler landing in Keflavík, the choice is clear: stock up at Bónus in Reykjavík before driving east, or rely on the dependable egg‑and‑cheese sandwich at every N1 gas station — either way, you won’t go hungry. For Iceland’s small Hindu community and for visitors seeking Indian flavors, the capital remains the only reliable hub.

Additional sources

icelandwithaview.com

For travelers seeking plant-based meals, our guide to best restaurants in Iceland offers a broader look at dining options across the country.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best vegetarian restaurant in Reykjavík?

Garðurinn (Klapparstígur 37) is often cited as one of the best, offering a daily changing soup and main course, almost always with a vegan option (The Vegan Atlas).

Is Icelandic skyr vegetarian?

Yes. Skyr is a dairy product made from skimmed milk, live cultures, and rennet — traditional rennet is animal‑derived, but modern Icelandic skyr often uses microbial rennet. Check the label if you follow a strict vegetarian diet (The Vegan Atlas).

Can I find vegetarian food in remote areas?

Yes, but options are limited. Gas stations typically sell egg salad or cheese sandwiches, apples, and yoghurt. Always stock up at a supermarket in a larger town before heading into the hinterland (Guide to Iceland).

Are there any vegetarian cooking classes in Iceland?

A few cooking schools in Reykjavík offer vegetarian‑focused classes, such as the Icelandic Cooking School on Laugavegur. Check their seasonal schedule (Curious Travel Bug).

What vegetarian snacks can I buy at gas stations?

Common items: egg salad sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, skyr cups, fruit, chocolate, and plain crisps. N1 and Ólis stations have the widest selection (Veggies Abroad).

Is the Icelandic hot dog vegetarian?

No — the traditional pylsa is made from lamb, pork, and beef. Some food halls in Reykjavík offer vegan hot dogs, but they are not standard (The Vegan Atlas).

Do I need to book vegetarian restaurants in advance?

In Reykjavík, popular spots like Garðurinn and Chickpea can get busy on weekends. Booking a day ahead is recommended during summer tourist season (The Vegan Atlas).