From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Thai/Chinese

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There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavik. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavik is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.

Best Thai/Chinese: Joint Winners

Ban Thai

Laugavegur 130

Despite new Thai restaurants in town, Ban Thai rules the roost. Don’t be fooled by their extensive menu—these guys mean business. It’s a whirlwind tour of regional Thai cuisine, including creamy coconut curries from the South and fiery “jungle” dishes from the North. Our advice is to skip the starters and go for the green curry with strips of crunchy bamboo, or the spicy pad krapow, redolent with fresh basil and birdseye chillies. Wash it all down with an ice-cold Tsinga beer.

Fönix

Höfði

It is hard to get good Chinese food in Reykjavik, but amidst limited choices, Fönix offers a surprisingly good range of staples, and some Sichuanese fare as well. The mapo tofu is loaded with cubes of silky tofu and a smattering of dochi, and is available in a vegan version too. For those working around Hofði, the lunch buffet is okay, but we recommend going for the works. The wonton soup and a side of steamed dumplings won’t break the bank.

Runner-Up

Mai Thai Bistro

Laugavegur 118

For affordable, quick and satisfying Thai fare, Mai Thai is a safe bet. The curry pastes may not be made from scratch, but the food is fresh, the service swift and the flavours perfect for the nippy weather in Reykjavik. The menu changes every day, and there’s a grocery store for hard-to-find home cooking ingredients.

Previous Winners

2014-7: Ban Thai

2013: Yummi Yummi

Other Dining Categories

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.

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