Vanlife Cooking Tips

handy blogs

Cooking in your van

Hassle-free meals to make you the best chef on the road

To prepare you for your Icelandic adventure, we’ve come up with some easy but yummy meal ideas that will keep you fueled for your Icelandic adventure—without spending hours in the van kitchen.

Whether you’re parked by a geyser, alongside a glacier, or overlooking the dramatic coastlines, having a few go-to meals in your van can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and, dare we say, delicious!

First things first, picking up groceries before you hit the road! After picking up your van, head over to Kronan Supermarket, Keflavik to get the essentials. When we say essentials, it’s best to stick to 1-2 days worth of groceries as the fridge and storage areas can be fairly small. There will be supermarkets all along the route, and our guides will tell you when it’s best to stop off.

One-Pan Wonders

In a van, space and time are limited, so one-pan meals are your best friend. These dishes are simple, require minimal clean-up, and are adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Icelandic-Inspired Veggie & Salmon Skillet

Ingredients:

Fresh or canned salmon (Iceland’s seafood is world-renowned, so this is a must-try)
Potatoes
Onions, bell peppers, zucchini (your choice of veggies)
Olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (dill works great with salmon)

Instructions:

Dice the potatoes and veggies.
Heat some oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Toss in the potatoes and sauté until they begin to soften.
Add the veggies, cooking until tender.
Top with salmon (fresh or canned), and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the salmon is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill.

Curry in a Hurry

Cozy comfort in your home on wheels! Don’t forget to make extra so you can have it in a wrap the next day.

Coconut Milk Curry with Icelandic Lamb or Tofu

Ingredients:

Chicken breast (or tofu for a vegan option)
A can of coconut milk
Curry paste (red, yellow, or green depending on your taste)
Vegetables (sweet potatoes, bell peppers, spinach)
Rice (instant or regular)

Instructions:

Cook rice in a pot.
While the rice is cooking, sauté diced chicken (or tofu) in a bit of oil until browned.
Add the curry paste and cook for another minute.
Pour in the coconut milk, add your chopped veggies, and simmer until everything is tender and the flavours meld together.
Serve the curry over rice and enjoy the warmth and spice.

Breakfast on the Go

Start your day right. Hafragrautur is a traditional Icelandic breakfast, and it’s as easy as it is comforting. Plus, it provides a solid base of energy for your day of exploration.

Icelandic Porridge (Hafragrautur)

Ingredients:

Rolled oats
Water or milk (plant-based or dairy)
Berries (fresh or frozen)
Honey or brown sugar

Instructions:

Combine oats and water (or milk) in a pot, and bring to a simmer.
Stir occasionally until the oats absorb the liquid and become creamy.
Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey or sugar for sweetness.

We’ll also have our Vanlife grill set up at each campsite so you can join the crew in the circle, making some delicious dinners BBQ style!