What is remoulade?
Remoulade is a cold, mayonnaise-based sauce mixed with finely chopped pickles, mustard and herbs or spices. In Iceland it’s one of the five things served with a hot dog “with everything”.
What’s in remoulade?
Recipes vary, but mayonnaise is the base. Finely chopped pickles or relish go in, along with some mustard and herbs or spices. The French original uses capers and fresh herbs. The Scandinavian version, the one Icelanders grew up with, is smoother and slightly sweet, and turmeric or curry powder gives it a yellow tint.
Remoulade vs tartar sauce
Close cousins. Both are mayonnaise with chopped pickles. Tartar sauce tends to be chunkier and more sour, often with capers and onion, and it’s what you get with fish. Scandinavian remoulade is finer, sweeter and milder.
Why is it in Icelandic hot dogs?
Iceland borrowed a lot from Danish food culture, and remoulade came along with it. A hot dog “with everything” (eina með öllu) is served with:
- ketchup
- sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep)
- remoulade
- raw onion
- crispy fried onion
The full story is in our guide to the Icelandic hot dog.
Can you buy it in Iceland?
Yes. Every supermarket sells remoulade in squeeze bottles, right next to the hot dog mustard. It makes a cheap souvenir. Pack it in your checked bag, as liquid rules apply to hand luggage.
Is remoulade vegan?
Usually not, because mayonnaise contains egg. Some shops carry egg-free versions, but egg-free doesn’t automatically mean vegan, so check the full ingredients.
Quick answers
What does remoulade taste like?
Creamy and mild, with some tang from the pickles and mustard. The Scandinavian version used in Iceland is slightly sweet.
Is remoulade the same as tartar sauce?
Not quite. Both are mayonnaise with chopped pickles, but tartar sauce is chunkier and more sour, while Scandinavian remoulade is smoother and sweeter.
What sauces go on an Icelandic hot dog?
One with everything is served with ketchup, sweet brown mustard and remoulade, plus raw and crispy fried onion.
Sources
Written by Elfar Tjörfi Steinason. We checked the facts in this article against these sources on 19 October 2026:
