I do love solving a good old-fashioned mystery, and that is exactly what I have just done! Whilst out exploring Reykjavik, I saw probably the biggest line of people lining up outside a hot-dog stand (without being drunk) that I had ever seen in my life. It was so long in fact, I merely took a few snaps and walked away, intending to perhaps go back later.
![](https://www.streetfoodguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mmexport1592222260003-1024x768.jpg)
I did go back after a while and seeing merely a few people in the queue (all taking photos), I decided I would line up and give it a crack. I asked the guy for his photo (before asking why it was famous), from where he pointed to a picture behind him of Bill Clinton, who apparently has been to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – which as you may have guessed means the best Hot Dogs in Town, although the server insisted in his opinion it was the best in the world.
![](https://www.streetfoodguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mmexport1592222255421-1024x768.jpg)
The story goes that in 2006 The Guardian described it as the best hot-dog stand in Europe, and from there, well, things seemed to have gone bat-shit crazy. Apparently, it has been open since 1937 and according to the website, almost every Icelandic person has eaten there at least once. That sounds like a broad statement, but to be fair Iceland is so small that they have an app to help you make sure you don’t sleep with a relative.
So, what is the menu? The menu is hotdog, so I asked for a hot dog, he replied “do you want the works”, I obviously wanted the works.
“The works” consisted of a Hot Dog with mustard, ketchup, fried and raw onion, and something called remolað which is a local mayonnaise.
Was it the best hot dog I have ever tried? Or indeed the best I have had in Europe? In short, no, no it was not, but it was pretty decent (and also the first thing I had eaten all day).
But, what I really loved about this was the price, around 475 Krona, or $4, which pretty much makes it the cheapest snack in Reykjavik, and perhaps the whole of Iceland.
Definitely worth a try, but go when there isn’t much of a line, or you might be disappointed.
Overall though a good start to my Icelandic Street Food odyssey.