Learn to cook three traditional Icelandic dishes including skyr cheesecake, lamb soup (kjötsúpa), and plokkfiskur (fish stew) with a professional Icelandic chef. Class includes sit-down meal with wine pairing.
The Icelandic Kitchen Cooking Class is a three-hour hands-on class held in a kitchen space in central Reykjavik, Iceland, with hotel pickup available for participants staying nearby. A professional Icelandic chef leads a small group through three traditional dishes: skyr cheesecake, made with Iceland's thick cultured dairy product; kjötsúpa, a hearty lamb soup built on root vegetables long available in Iceland's short growing season; and plokkfiskur, a fish stew made from cod or haddock, potatoes, and a white sauce, historically a way to use leftover fish and potatoes economically. The class balances one sweet dish against two savoury ones, giving a fuller picture of everyday Icelandic home cooking rather than restaurant-style plating.
The $120 per-person price includes all ingredients and instruction for the three dishes, plus a sit-down meal of what participants cook, paired with wine. Hotel pickup from central Reykjavik is included in the price, and the address is otherwise a kitchen venue in the city centre. The class runs in English with a hands-on format, meaning participants prepare the dishes themselves under the chef's guidance rather than only observing a demonstration. Group sizes are kept small enough for individual attention at each cooking station. Vegetarian substitutions can typically be arranged in place of the lamb soup and fish stew with advance notice, since the skyr cheesecake dessert is naturally vegetarian; those with dairy or fish allergies should mention this when booking, as two of the three dishes are built around those ingredients.
| Price | $120 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Address | Central Reykjavik, pickup from hotel |
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Central Reykjavik, pickup from hotel
Highlights
- Hands-on preparation of three traditional Icelandic dishes
- Skyr cheesecake, kjötsúpa lamb soup, and plokkfiskur fish stew
- Sit-down meal with wine pairing after cooking
- Small-group format with individual attention at each station
- Hotel pickup included from central Reykjavik
Tips for visiting
- Mention dairy or fish allergies when booking, since two of the three dishes are built around those ingredients
- Wear clothing you don't mind getting a little flour or fish stew on
- Arrive on an empty stomach, since the class ends with a full sit-down meal of everything cooked
- Ask the chef about substitutions for the lamb soup if a vegetarian version is needed
- Book a few days ahead, as small-group classes have limited spots per session
When to visit
Available year-round; afternoon sessions are common, making the class a good midday activity between outdoor excursions.
Accessibility
The kitchen venue's specific accessibility features are confirmed at booking; travellers with mobility needs should ask about kitchen layout and seating in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is prior cooking experience required?
No, the class is designed for all skill levels, with the chef guiding participants through each step of the three dishes.
Can vegetarians take this class?
The skyr cheesecake dessert is vegetarian, and substitutions for the lamb soup and fish stew can often be arranged with advance notice.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from central Reykjavik hotels is included in the $120 price.
Does the class include a meal?
Yes, participants sit down to eat the three dishes they prepared, paired with wine.