The 10 Best Asian Restaurants in Reykjavík

Icelandic cuisine is known to be a bit… different. Iceland is the country where people eat half a sheep’s head with its eyeball still in, rotten shark (non-fermented it’s actually poisonous), and ram’s testicles without batting an eye. Maybe you’re a foodie who likes to try everything, but there’s a chance you want to skip this part of Icelandic culture during your stay. Luckily, you can eat food from all over the world in Iceland. In this article, we will tell you about the best Asian restaurants in Reykjavík.

Located on a 10-minute drive from the city centre, you will find one of the best Chinese restaurants in Reykjavík. Known for their amazing dumplings, you can get all kinds of traditional Chinese dishes here. They use simple and fresh ingredients and make everything from scratch. Not convinced yet? Try their all-you-can-eat buffet.

Nings is a very casual and budget-friendly Asian restaurant. Go here for a no-fuss pad thai, chicken satay or fried rice. They serve big portions and their service is quick, so you will not go hungry.

At Ban Thai, they cook with spices and herbs like hot chilies, garlic, ginger, and lemon grass, and combine these with ingredients they fly in from Thailand. They serve delicious traditional Thai food and have been praised by many for their tasty dishes. Ban Thai is a fine dining restaurant, and since they make everything fresh from scratch, you should take your time when dining there.

Núðluskálin serves comfort food in a bowl with fresh cilantro on top. Try out their hearty soup, filled with fresh vegetables, spices, coconut cream and noodles. Expect a fair price, friendly staff and quick service.

Krua Thai is a casual Thai food restaurant on Skólavörðustígur, the street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja church. Their menu is stocked with options, and their portions are generous and satisfying. Good service when eating in, but they also offer great take-away deals.

Bambus offers Chinese cuisine with a modern twist and they proud themselves for being one of the most fashionable eateries in Reykjavík. Located in the middle of Reykjavík’s financial district, Borgartún, they cater to businesspeople in the area. They work with experienced chefs who previously worked in restaurants in Asia and Europe.

Go to Wok On for a quick, healthy lunch on the go. You order in three steps: first you pick the basis (different kinds of fried rice), then you pick toppings and lastly, you choose a sauce. They prepare this in a big wok right before your eyes, and you’re ready to go in no time.

Mai Thai is an Asian supermarket and small restaurant close to food hall Hlemmur. The staff is welcoming and friendly, and some say they prepare the best thai food in Reykjavík. Try the fried rice, pad thai or yellow curry chicken.

Ramen Momo is a cosy ramen bar close to Reykjavík’s old harbour. They produce their own organic noodles and use mostly Icelandic ingredients in their dishes. You can choose between ramen and dumplings, and they have vegetable and meat options. And they are green: they offer a discount if you bring your own container.

Noodle Station is known and cherished for serving quick, tasty meals and going there won’t break the bank. Not only is it reasonably priced, their noodle soup is also warm, filling and flavourful. Perfect for a short stop after a busy day.