Reykjavík Grapevine - aug 2019, Qupperneq 22

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
22
Culiacan
Suðurlandsbraut 4a
& Mathöll Höfða
If you have a big appetite, Culiacan
is the place for you. While some
taco joints skimp on the fillings,
Culiacan does the opposite, creat-
ing monstrous wraps buried under
a heap of fresh tomato, lettuce and
sauces. It isn’t the spiciest taco, and
don’t even try to pick it up—but it’ll
fill your belly, and then some. JR
Tacoson
Mæðragarðurinn
We haven’t eaten at Reykjavík’s
newest taco truck yet: but only
because it’ll open its hatch to the
public on June 1st. However, we
thought we’d give them a shout out,
as their Instagram account—@
tacoson101—shows delicious-look-
ing coriander bread, and a genuine
excitement about Mexican food.
Stay tuned! JR
RIO Reykjavík
Geirsgata 9
The words “broccoli taco” might
elicit thoughts of an overworked
Mom trying to get her kids to eat
vegetables—but they should, in-
stead, remind you of Rio Reykjavík.
Their broccoli taco is, without hy-
perbole, delectable. A melange of
sesame, ginger, apple, garlic and
more, it’s a meal that’ll make you
happy to hop on the vegan band-
wagon. Don’t forget the sweet po-
tato fries. HJC
Burro
Veltusund 1
Burro is a sit-down restaurant
with a Mexican-influenced menu.
There’s a somewhat underworked
guacamole, served in a tiny bowl
(we asked for extra limes, but the
waiter forgot). Their mini-tacos
are about the size of a beermat,
and come in pairs—meaning
you’re paying around 500 ISK per
mouthful. They’re nice enough, but
the poor value for money leaves a
bad taste in your mouth. JR
Chido Mexican Grill
Ægisíða 123
The Chido Mexican Grill is Mexi-
can in name only. The white masa
tortillas and fresh pico de gallo pic-
tured on their website was replaced
on our plate by gummy flour torti-
llas with burrito-sized fillings, old
tomato salsa, and sadness. The jar-
ritos are the only thing I’d go back
for—also the only thing they don’t
cook from scratch in-house. SB
Bastard Brew & Food
Vegamótastígur
With five well-conceived recipes
on offer, Bastard’s tacos are com-
plemented by house-brewed beers
in a convivial pub atmosphere. The
breads are served smokey from the
grill, and each taco has nice touch-
es, from the dark and juicy beef
brisket, to the fresh and tasty tuna,
kale and dill mayo version. They’re
well-priced and satisfying, but
come wholly without spice—take
your own hot sauce. JR
Fuego Taqueria
Hlemmur Mathöll
Fuego Taqueria bills their fare as
authentic LA-style Tex-Mex tacos.
This means eye-catching black
bean taco shells and non-standard
toppings—but fear not, purists,
because Fuego’s tacos explode
with authentic, fresh flavours.
The deep-fried fish and prawn
iterations are juicy and delicious,
and the chicken, mole and vegan
versions don’t disappoint. Slather
on the delicious house-made to-
matillo and chilli sauces for some
extra zing. The best in town. JR
“Slather on the delicious house-made toma-
tillo and chilli sauces for some extra zing.”
DINING GUIDE
The Taco Takeover
Mexican food is en vogue in Reykjavík—
but is it any good?
Words: John Rogers, Hannah Jane Cohen, Shruthi Basappa
Photos: Art Bicnick
Ask any Reykjavík foodie about the restaurant they wish would
open in 101, and you’ll quickly spot a pattern. First place usually
goes to an authentic Korean or Chinese restaurant. Next in line is a
decent Mexican place. Lately, a few new contenders have popped up
to try and fill the taco-shaped gap in Iceland’s culinary life. Howe-
ver, they tend to cater to the spice-averse Icelandic palette. So—are
they any good?
GEIRSGATA 1
101
REYKJAVÍK
TOMMI’S
BURGER
JOINT