While the name may illicit images of a commercial disinfectant or stomach antacid, Graflax is actually akin to sushi – with an Icelandic spin, of course. This traditional Nordic dish is made of raw salmon that has been cured in a mixture of salt, sugar and dill. Often served as an appetiser with a dense bread and a sauce called hovmästarsås – made of mustard and dill – graflax has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, especially in Reykjavik, where visitors often demand local Icelandic delicacies from local restaurants. One of the best versions of Graflax you’ll find in Iceland is served at Hotel Framnes, in the small western town of Grundarfjörður, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – pair it with a crisp Viking Pale Ale to begin your meal. The salmon here has been fished from local waters, and couldn’t arrive on your plate any fresher.
