Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which translates roughly as the best hot dogs in town, is Iceland's most famous hot dog stand and something of a national institution. The original stand on Tryggvagata, close to the harbour and Harpa, has been serving since 1937, and the queue in front of it is one of the most familiar sights in central Reykjavik, at almost any time of day or night.

The hot dogs are traditional Icelandic ones made with lamb, which gives them a distinctive flavour compared with pork or beef sausages elsewhere. Many people order theirs with everything, but you can choose your own toppings when you order. The stand also has a famous story: in 2004, the former US president Bill Clinton was offered a hot dog here and, being on a diet, asked for his with only mustard. Since then, a hot dog with just mustard has been known as a Clinton.

The stand is about as close to a budget meal as Reykjavik gets, and it is quick, as most people eat standing nearby or on the move. It suits everyone from families and backpackers to late-night revellers, and it is a good choice when you want something warm between sights without sitting down to an expensive meal.

The Tryggvagata stand keeps long hours: from 09:00 to 01:00 from Sunday to Wednesday, until 02:00 on Thursday, and until 06:00 on Friday and Saturday nights, when it feeds the crowds leaving the city's bars. The brand has grown to ten locations in the Reykjavik area, including Austurstræti, Laugavegur and several shopping centres, as well as sites on the Reykjanes peninsula, at Keflavík Airport and in Hella, so you can also grab one on your way to or from a flight.

Pay by card or phone at the counter, as cards are accepted almost everywhere in Iceland. In winter, do as the locals do and eat quickly while the hot dog is still warm.

Tryggvagata runs along the edge of the old town by the harbour, a short walk from Ingólfstorg, Hafnarhús art museum and Harpa. Combine a hot dog with a walk along the harbour or to the Sun Voyager for one of the cheapest and most enjoyable hours in the city.