Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Reykjavik, Iceland
★★★
Price
€
Worth a detour
No
Best for
Classic Icelandic streetfood stop
Visited
January 2023
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is probably Reykjavík’s most famous hot dog stand. It may not serve the best hot dog you will ever eat, but the Icelandic lamb-based sausage, long history and no-frills experience make it absolutely worth trying once.
Why I recommend it
This is one of those places where the experience matters just as much as the food. The hot dog itself is good, but what makes it interesting is that it is not quite your everyday version. Icelandic pylsur are traditionally made with lamb alongside pork and beef, which gives them a slightly different flavour and makes them feel distinctly Icelandic. Add the tiny stand, the queue, the fact that it has been serving Reykjavík since 1937 and the simple ritual of eating one outside in the middle of the city, and it becomes much more memorable than the hot dog alone.
What to do
Order one “eina með öllu” aka one with everything. That is the classic way to try it, with all the traditional toppings. Don’t overthink it. This is exactly the kind of place where you should just order the standard and see what all the fuss is about. And if you are hungry, order two. One disappears very quickly.
Good to know
There are several Bæjarins Beztu locations now, but I would specifically go to the original stand at Tryggvagata if you can. That is the one dating back to 1937 and it adds a lot to the experience. Also, don’t let the queue put you off. It usually moves quickly and this is meant to be a fast, uncomplicated stop rather than a sit-down meal.
Photos