Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur translates to Best Hot Dog in Town – which is the name of a Hot Dog Stand in downtown Reykjavik. I have eaten there and many other Hot Dog locations, more than one might have in three visits to Iceland. These hot dogs are available in the equivalent of our Cumberland Farms, warm, fresh, and ready to eat right next to the register.
There was a chance I was going back this year, but the timing was not working out, so the plans were scrapped. A couple of weeks back, I was watching ‘The Fight Attendant’ on HBO with my wife. Part of Season 2 was shot in Iceland. While my wife paid attention to the show – I zoned out. The next thing I knew, I was on a website where I could order Icelandic food and deliver it to my house, nammi.is. Less than a week later, nicely packed on ice, a 10-pack of Pylsur, a container of Hot Dog Mustard, and Remoladi were at my house. It was like Christmas, and DHL was Santa.
Researching how to cook them authentically was easy, and it all worked out quite well. Warmed bun, the sauces, my wife made the fried crispy onions just as they do in Iceland – perfection. I even shared some with the family. Now why Icelandic Hot Dogs? Made from Lamb, Pork, and Beef. They are not like American Hot Dogs – and I love Hot Dogs – and I know we say hot dogs are ‘All American,’ but these are superior, at least to me (and for the most part, anyone I have ever talked to that has tried them). They taste fresh. You do not taste sodium and whatever else you usually taste – just meat. An article on a site called Magazine – Iceland Hot Dogs – Everything You Wanted to Know says it best:
“What sets Icelandic hot dogs apart is that they are made mostly from Icelandic lamb, along with pork and beef. And, this isn’t just any lamb, pork, or beef. This is organic, free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free – pick your positive metaphor – Icelandic lamb, pork, and beef. The sheep in Iceland literally roam the countryside until the fall eating berries and leaves. Pigs and cows in Iceland live on small loving farms in one of the cleanest, most pristine environments on Earth. And, the hot dogs are made with natural casings so they have the pop when you bit into them!“
So to wrap up this story, they are gone. My family and I ate them all over the weekend -more me than them. I can only share so much. I am unsure if I helped my missing Iceland or made it worse. I would never admit, though I could not honestly deny, that I may have teared up at that first bite. My Son’s review was, “Holy F*#k, that’s a good hot dog.” No offense to any of my favorite restaurants, but for a few days, the Rice Household was host to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – The best Hot Dogs in Town, maybe the state, perhaps the country?
tr/trp
