Kvöldmatinn

Kvöldmatinn is the Icelandic term for the evening meal, the meal eaten in the evening in Icelandic households. The word kvöld means evening and matur means meal, with the definite article inn forming the definite noun kvöldmatinn, “the evening meal.” It is a common daily reference in Icelandic, used in homes, media, and culinary writing.

Traditionally, the largest daily meal in Iceland has often been eaten around midday, while kvöldmatinn tended to be lighter or smaller. In modern life, patterns vary by family, region, and season. Kvöldmatinn is usually consumed in the early to mid-evening, though exact times range from about 6 to 8 pm or later depending on work, daylight, and routine.

Typical kvöldmatinn includes a main protein such as meat or fish, served with potatoes and vegetables, or a substantial soup or stew. Dishes are generally hearty and warming, reflecting Icelandic cooking practices and seasonal ingredients. Leftovers and inexpensive ingredients are commonly used to prepare the meal.

In contemporary Iceland, kvöldmatinn can range from simple, quick meals to more elaborate dishes shared as a family dinner. Changing work patterns, urban living, and international food trends have broadened what counts as kvöldmatinn, leading to greater variation in timing, course structure, and menu across households.