Laufabrauð

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Translated as leaf bread, this classic flatbread is a Christmas staple in Iceland that was first mentioned in writing in 1736. It is prepared with a basic dough that incorporates flour, butter, sugar, milk, and is typically enriched with caraway. The dough is rolled into a thin, round sheet, which is then decorated with leaf-like, geometric patterns before it is shortly fried. In the past, the decorations were incised by hand, using a small pocket knife but nowadays it is mostly done with the help of a small brass iron. Laufabrauð is usually enjoyed alongside potatoes, peas, cabbage, and hangikjöt - Icelandic smoked lamb. Although it is believed to have originated in the north, the bread is prepared and enjoyed throughout the country.