Words by

Zoë Robert

On the inlet at Hlið lies one of Reykjavík’s best kept dining secrets. In what also has to be the best view from any dining room window in the capital area, homemade authentic Thai cuisine is served at the Home Restaurant and Spa. After running various Asian restaurants and stores, including Reykjavík’s first Asian take away in the late 80s, Bogi and his wife Nok – who is originally from Thailand – opened the Thai restaurant in their home at Hlið in 2004.
For 5,500 ISK, diners are served a Thai Feast consisting of Tom Yum Ka Gung, a delicious coconut citrus soup with mushrooms and black tiger prawns; Massaman Pork Curry and Ginger Chicken served with jasmine rice and salad; and Pad Thai. We were also offered an equally tasty but off-the menu dish consisting of shrimps, tomato and Asian greens in oyster sauce. As you would expect from the price, the food is the freshest and of the highest quality that you’ll find in any Thai restaurant in Reykjavík. There is one catch though – the restaurant only serves groups of six or more.
Although the menu is set, Nok and Bogi are more than happy to accommodate any dietary requirements their diners may have – just let them know in advance. And although they specialise in Thai food, they can also prepare traditional Icelandic cuisine.
For dessert, caramel cake and creme puffs were served with coffee. We were also invited to try some of the exotic fruit sitting on the decorative dishes on the family dining table where we were seated. While Bogi and Nok made us feel right at home with their friendliness and personal service, they normally let guests dine alone. With such delicious offerings and a unique dining experience, you won’t be surprised to hear that they are booked out until mid-September.
But don’t just come here for the food. In a small building next to the home restaurant is the soon to be opened Thai spa. Here you can relax in the outdoor saltwater spa while listening to the waves crashing on the rocks below before inhaling the scents of lemon grass, tamarind and ginger in the detoxing herbal sauna. Thai aromatherapy and herbal massage will also be available.