What is a hákarl?

Hákarl is made specifically from a Greenland shark that lives in the polar waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. It has thick, spiked scales and can grow as large as 24 feet in length.

What is kæstur hákarl?

Hákarl, or to give its proper name kæstur hákarl (rotten shark) is a kind of national dish in Iceland, although these days most Icelanders will kind of deny this to an extent. How do you make it?

What is hákarl and why do Icelanders love it?

The result is pungent hákarl, which is both loved and hated by Icelanders. The uric acid present in fresh Greenland shark contributes to its ammonia-like smell. Soft, white hákarl from the shark’s body has a cheese-like texture, while reddish meat from the belly is chewier.

What does hákarl taste like?

Soft, white hákarl from the shark’s body has a cheese-like texture, while reddish meat from the belly is chewier. Those who sample it describe the flavor in far-ranging terms, from fishy and mild to strong like blue cheese. Most agree that the lingering aftertaste can be described only as urine.