For a true food enthusiast, the allure of street food is undeniable. It’s a vibrant tapestry of flavors, cultures, and culinary innovation, often found in bustling markets and unassuming corners of a city. The concentration of passionate chefs and eateries, each specializing in a particular dish, the tantalizing aromas mingling in the air, and the lively, informal atmosphere that draws people from all walks of life – these are the hallmarks of a great street food scene. And let’s not forget the often budget-friendly prices, a definite perk for any traveler!
Reykjavik, Iceland’s dynamic capital, might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of street food. However, beneath the surface of this Nordic gem lies a burgeoning and exciting street food culture waiting to be explored. Let’s delve into the best spots to uncover Icelandic street food in Reykjavik, from classic favorites to modern culinary interpretations.
Reykjavik’s Evolving Street Food Scene
Krás food market in Fógetagarðurinn in central Reykjavik
Image: A bustling outdoor food market scene in Reykjavik, Iceland, showcasing various food stalls and people enjoying the atmosphere, capturing the essence of the Krás food market.
Historically, Reykjavik’s street food scene was rather limited. Iceland’s famously unpredictable and often harsh weather, especially during the long winter months, presented significant challenges for outdoor food vendors. For a long time, street food was mostly confined to late-night offerings on weekends – think quick, greasy bites or sweet Belgian waffles to satisfy revelers heading home.
However, the culinary landscape of Reykjavik has transformed dramatically in recent years. Inspired by global trends and a growing appetite for diverse food experiences, Reykjavik has witnessed the rise of exciting street food markets, particularly during the warmer summer months and even popping up as festive additions during the Christmas season.
While summer remains the peak season for street food in Reykjavik, as locals and tourists alike embrace outdoor dining in the milder weather, the city’s street food culture is becoming increasingly vibrant and year-round. The pioneering Krás food market, which operated on weekends during summer from 2014-2016, paved the way for this exciting evolution, demonstrating the demand and potential for street food in Reykjavik, even though it is no longer operating.
Hlemmur Mathöll: Reykjavik’s First Permanent Food Hall
Hlemmur Food Hall has delicious street food!
Image: Interior view of Hlemmur Food Hall in Reykjavik, showcasing diverse food stalls, seating areas, and a lively atmosphere with people enjoying various cuisines.
Hlemmur Mathöll, Reykjavik’s first permanent indoor food hall, marked a significant milestone when it opened its doors in August 2017. Located in a repurposed former bus station in the city center, Hlemmur Mathöll has become a central hub for food lovers. This bustling indoor market offers a diverse array of culinary delights, catering to every taste and craving.
Inside Hlemmur Mathöll, you can find everything from fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal bread, and specialty coffee, to international street food flavors. Indulge in savory Mexican dishes, fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, the daily catch prepared to perfection, or elegant charcuterie boards paired with fine wines and craft cocktails.
Its central location, still serving as a major bus terminal, makes Hlemmur Mathöll a convenient and welcoming spot to warm up and grab a delicious bite while exploring Reykjavik or waiting for a bus to the city’s outskirts. It’s a perfect introduction to the diverse and evolving Icelandic street food scene.
Grandi Mathöll: A Foodie Destination by the Harbor
The newly opened Grandi Mathöll Food Hall in Reykjavík
Image: Exterior shot of Grandi Mathöll in Reykjavik, highlighting its modern architecture and location in the vibrant Grandi district, with views of the harbor area.
Building on the success of Hlemmur Mathöll, Grandi Mathöll opened its doors in June 2018, further solidifying Reykjavik’s street food credentials. Located in the trendy Grandi district, this indoor food hall shares a similar concept to Hlemmur, offering a variety of street food vendors within a vibrant, communal space.
Grandi Mathöll boasts an exciting selection of culinary options. Kore serves up Korean cuisine with a Californian twist, while Fusion Fish and Chips offers a modern take on the classic British dish. Lax specializes in fresh salmon dishes and sparkling wine, and Fjárhúsið (The Sheep Cote) showcases Icelandic lamb steaks. For those seeking comfort food, The Gastro Truck provides satisfying hamburgers and chicken strips, and Rabbar Barinn offers both groceries and ready-made soups and sandwiches.
Lax street food at Grandi Mathöll in Reykjavík
Image: Close-up of the Lax food stall at Grandi Mathöll in Reykjavik, featuring fresh salmon dishes and bubbly drinks, highlighting their seafood and Prosecco offerings.
Kore is a particular highlight for Korean food lovers, offering unique dishes like deep-fried spicy chicken tacos, addressing a previous gap in Reykjavik’s culinary scene. Next door, Lax focuses on seafood and Prosecco, serving dishes like gin-marinated salmon and ceviche, alongside a selection of beers and sparkling wines on tap. Their sparkling wine cocktails, such as Aperol Spritz, are also a must-try.
Grandi Mathöll also features a rotating pop-up stall, showcasing up-and-coming chefs and the latest trends in Icelandic cuisine, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Adding to the lively atmosphere, the food hall hosts entertainment events like stand-up comedy and concerts.
Located in the revitalized Grandi district, right by Reykjavik’s harbor, Grandi Mathöll offers not only delicious food but also a unique ambiance. Monitors display ship arrival and departure times, and you can enjoy harbor views towards the iconic Harpa Concert Hall, making it a truly immersive Reykjavik experience. The surrounding streets of Grandi are also brimming with foodie hotspots, including the Kumiko Japanese teahouse, Búrið cheese shop, Valdís ice cream parlor, Kjötkompaní butcher shop, Bryggjan brewery, and two of Reykjavik’s best pizza restaurants, all within easy walking distance.
Box Street Food in Skeifan: A Summer Pop-Up
The summer of 2018 saw not only the arrival of Grandi Mathöll but also the emergence of Box Street Food, a pop-up market in the Skeifan area, just outside Reykjavik’s city center. Capitalizing on the excitement of the World Cup, Box Street Food featured a giant screen for match viewing, alongside live music and a festive atmosphere.
Open from Thursday to Sunday during the summer months, Box Street Food offered a diverse range of cuisines, from Filipino and Indian/Mexican to classic Icelandic dishes. Vegan options, pizzas, and waffles were also available, along with a beer booth to quench thirsts. Despite facing challenging weather conditions during its opening summer, Box Reykjavík Street Food aimed to become a recurring summer destination.
Hjartargarður Square: Street Food in the Heart of the City
Hjartargarður Square, located on the bustling Laugavegur shopping street, has transformed over the years. Once a haven for street artists, the square has evolved into a paved public space, striving to find its new identity. Shopkeepers and hotel owners in the area have worked to revitalize the square, hosting Christmas markets and summer events, including big-screen World Cup viewings.
The Canopy Hotel, which flanks two sides of the square, embraces local culture by incorporating former street art into its design and showcasing music posters from the former Faktorý nightclub. The hotel is also home to Geiri Smart, a renowned restaurant offering fine dining, brunch, and cocktails.
Juicy street food burger from Geiri Smart in Reykjavík
Image: A mouthwatering close-up of a juicy street food burger from Geiri Smart in Reykjavik, showcasing the burger’s ingredients and appealing presentation.
During the summer months, Geiri Smart extends its culinary offerings to the square with a street food section. Their Rib Eye burger, featuring Tindur cheese and a signature truffle remoulade, is considered by many to be one of the best burgers in Reykjavik. The parmesan-dusted chips that accompany it are equally delicious. Hjartargarður Square offers a convenient and central location to sample high-quality Icelandic street food while enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Classic Icelandic Street Food: Hot Dogs and More
No exploration of Icelandic street food is complete without mentioning the iconic Icelandic hot dog. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a hot dog stand in central Reykjavik, is a legendary institution and the city’s oldest street food vendor. The classic Icelandic hot dog is typically topped with ketchup, sweet Icelandic mustard, remoulade (a mayonnaise-based sauce with onions), raw onions, and crispy fried onions. Ordering “eina með öllu” (“one with everything”) will get you the full experience, but you can also customize your toppings. Icelandic hot dogs are also one of the most affordable street food options in Reykjavik.
While most Icelandic hot dog stands offer similar toppings, variations exist, particularly at gas stations, where you might find bacon-wrapped hot dogs or potato salad as a topping.
Icelandic Street Food, a small restaurant in the city center, provides a taste of traditional Icelandic comfort food. Their menu features classic dishes like hearty meat soup, flavorful fish soup, and traditional fish stew. The welcoming owners often offer complimentary samples of fermented shark and shots of brennivín, a traditional Icelandic spirit. For dessert, don’t miss the homemade “Happy Marriage Cake,” a family recipe.
For a taste of Icelandic lamb with a Moroccan twist, Lamb Street Food, located in the Grandi area, is a must-visit. Their focus is on flavorful lamb kebabs, accompanied by fresh salads, dates, apples, and a variety of sauces like mango chili and yogurt. Their salad bar offers a diverse selection of options, including quinoa, seasoned potatoes, carrot salad, mozzarella, and falafel.
While not traditionally Icelandic, fish and chips have become increasingly popular in Reykjavik. Various food trucks and vendors now offer this beloved dish, showcasing fresh Icelandic seafood.
Reykjavik’s street food scene has truly blossomed in recent years, offering a delightful and diverse culinary adventure. With a growing variety of options, from traditional Icelandic fare to international flavors, and with more exciting developments on the horizon, Reykjavik is fast becoming a must-visit destination for street food lovers.
