Hot dogs on Food and Wine’s list of best food in happiest countries

American magazine Food and Wine have compiled a list of the best food found in the world’s 10 happiest countries. “There are few experiences in life that contribute more to personal happiness than eating delicious food,” the article states, though admitting other things come into play.

As Iceland ranks number 3, the best Icelandic food gets a place in this article. The hot dog.

One with everything

Well, not just “a” hot dog, it’s “the” hot dog. Though some international hot dogs have made their way to Iceland over the years, in much thanks to Polish immigrants, there is only one type that comes to mind of an Icelander when you speak of hot dogs. In a bun, with ketchup, Icelandic hot dog mustard, remoulade, fried onions and fresh onions. Ein með öllu, as it is also known (one with everything, it doesn’t need any further explanation). You might skip some of the toppings, but the most common way to eat it is just to pile everything on there.

Here’s what Food and Wine have to say about the Icelandic hot dog: “You might not believe it, but Iceland takes hot dogs very seriously. In a country where the options for prepared food items can often times be severely limited, the local hot dog stand can be a god send for locals and visitors alike. The sausages themselves are made with a blend of lamb, pork and beef and have natural casings, offering that classic snap missing from most mass produced hot dogs found elsewhere. Besides the quality though, it's the toppings that make the Icelandic hot dog so good, including ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onions, raw onions and a remoulade sauce that is made with mayo and sweet relish.”

Bæjarins bestu is the most popular hot dog shack in Iceland, located in the city centre. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Ómar Óskarsson