Reykjavík Grapevine - aug. 2019, Side 10

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
10 BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Dining
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Best Indian
Austur-Indíafjélagið
Hverfisgata 56
A tried and tested local favourite, Austur-Indíafélagið has sin-
gle-handedly steered an entire generation to embrace spices and
curries. Their small curated menu reflects regional Indian cuisine
and their no-nonsense attitude toward “uncompromising authentic-
ity” brings a freshness most on display with dishes like the Adraki
Chaamp—bone-in lamb grilled to smoky perfection, transporting
one to the streets of India. Instead of ordering an entire curry, do like
the Indians do and dine-in family style. The tandoori kulchas are per-
fect to mop up both curries and kebabs. Finish the meal off with some
steamed rice and garlic-laced dal that alone warrants repeat visits.
Runners Up
Shalimar
Austurstræti 4
Shalimar’s daily rotation of weekday
thalis still have our hearts skipping a
beat. A grilled-to-perfection tandoori
chicken, alongside an assortment of
vegetables and meat, naan and rice is a
meal fit for a queen, and all her minions.
Our panellist shares that “what most
don’t know, is that their kheer—a slow
cooked rice pudding like dessert—is an
undiscovered gem.”
Hraðlestin
Lækjargata 8
This small local chain has a few branch-
es, but the mothership is the Lækjar-
gata location, where you can sit in a
calm environment and blast your face
off with a rich, decadent, tasty vindaloo
or a spot-on madras. Follow them on
Instagram for Tuesday specials.
Previous Winners
2016-8: Austur-Indíafjélagið
2014-5: Gandhi
2013: Austurlandahraðlestin
Best Chinese
Fönix
Bíldshöfði 12
Don’t be fooled by the industrial
location—Fönix is a no-nonsense family
joint that caters to blue collar workers,
as well as homesick Chinese expats. The
owners are a couple from the Sichuan
province, and rightfully play to their
strengths—the Mapo Tofu, available as
a vegan dish or with pork, is a study in
extracting big flavours from few ingre-
dients. Ignore the deep-fried shrimp
and discover the joys of the steamed
dumpling—each one is a treasure
chest of flavour and texture. Vegans
aren’t ignored here and the place is
fantastic for groups big and small.
Runners Up
Tian
Grensásvegur 21
While we hear whispers of a secret
menu at Tian—the Chinese diners being
treated to the real thing, while non-Chi-
nese diners get chop suey—Tian’s
toned-down renditions of Western
favourites fare well above the average.
The Kung Pao chicken is deservedly
popular—but try and get something
from that enticing hidden menu.
Jia Yao
Ármúli 5
Jia Yao rounds off our Chinese restau-
rant trio. Ármuli has been a tough
neighbourhood to crack, but this Pan-
Asian lunch buffet is hearty and well-
priced, and there’s an à la carte menu.
The raw ambience can be a turn-off, but
don’t let that stop you from trying some
authentic Chinese fare.
Previous Winners
2018: Fönix
Best Thai
Ban Thai
Laugavegur 130
Pad Thai may have been what imprinted
Thai cuisine in the minds of most in the
Western world, but Ban Thai continues
to surprise, delight and coax even the
most reluctant palate to embrace the
breadth of Thai cuisine. Northern fiery
curries or creamier Southern offerings,
with a smattering of street-fare, Ban
Thai is the quintessential Thai restau-
rant in town. A die-hard loyalist recom-
mends getting the “green thai curry
with roti, which is a meal in itself, even
though it is listed under appetisers.”
Runners Up
Krua Thai
Skólavörðustígur 21
The little Thai restaurant recently
moved to Skólavörðustígur and they’ve
never been better. Their deeply fla-
voured curries are “redolent with fresh
galangal, chillies and spices to warm
cold days,” said the panel. If you’re in a
rush, stop for a nourishing bowl of soup
at the bar.
Mai Thai
Laugavegur 118
With quick service and a part-store-
part-restaurant vibe, Mai Thai is popular
for both lunch or takeaway. The menu
changes every day, but ask for the fiery
Laab—stir-fried minced chicken salad
chock full of sliced shallots, mint, cori-
ander and obsession-worthy toasted
rice powder. Spicy, crunchy and fresh.
Previous Winners
2014-8: Ban Thai
2013: Yummi Yummi