The Reykjavík Veggie Burger Wars

One of the most regular food-related conversations we have in the office is: “Where is Reykjavík’s best veggie burger?” For some reason, these little sandwiches of soy product or mashed-up vegetables inflame people’s opinions immensely. Is there enough salad to make the burger moist, or too much, making it sloppy? Is the patty a convincing meat imitation—and, should it be? Are those mushed-up vegetable ones ambrosia from heaven, or are they more like eating a baby food sarnie? Can you eat it with your hands? And does it matter?

Here’s a quick guide to some of our favourite veggie burgers stops in downtown Reykjavík.

Prikið, Bankastræti 12
This downtown staple recently stepped up their game by offering all of their vast combination of burger toppings as a veggie option. The patty itself seems to vary according to which chef is on duty—if you’re lucky, it’ll be of the crispy-round-the-edges variety. We recommend the blue cheese option.

Block Burger, Skólavörðustígur 8
As far as soy-based veggie burgers go, Block Burger has it nailed. It’s a small, tasty, simple meat imitation modelled heavily on Shake Shack, and served with goopy orange cheese and super-crispy fries. They have sour cranberry Fizzy Lizzy to drink. We like.

Hamborgarabúllan, Geirsgata/Bankastræti
Búllan has downtown locations, occupying a special place in Icelanders’ hearts for offering the most solid, basic, does-what-it-says-on-tin veggie burger in town. Hangover gold.

Laundromat, Austurstræti 9
Reliable and filling, the Laundromat version (pictured) is a savoury, breaded vegetable patty served with tasty red onion and lots of cheese. The fries are more like British chips, and you get plenty of them.

Roadhouse, Snorrabraut 56
This burger palace has an unusual veggie offering—a juicy, tasty slice of smoked celeriac. Possibly the most underrated burger on the list.

Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, Melhagi 20-22
Extra points for being vegan, but this one is made from shredded beet that looks disconcertingly like rare steak. It’s divisive—some love it, some less so. We say: it’s definitely worth trying.

Do you agree? Or did we miss your favourite place out? Let us know via letters@grapevine.is.