Reykjavík Grapevine - 19.07.2019, Blaðsíða 26

Reykjavík Grapevine - 19.07.2019, Blaðsíða 26
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK Best Indian Winner: Austur-Indíafjélagið Hverfisgata 56 A tried and tested local favourite, Austur-Indíafélagið has single- handedly steered an entire gen- eration to embrace spices and curries. Their small curated menu reflects regional Indian cuisine and their no-nonsense attitude toward “uncompro- mising authenticity” 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 fam- ily style. The tandoori kulchas are perfect to mop up both cur- ries and kebabs. Finish the meal off with some steamed rice and garlic-laced dal that alone war- rants 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 vege- tables 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 branches, but the mothership is the Lækjargata location, where you can sit in a calm environ- ment and blast your face off with a rich, decadent, tasty vindaloo or a spot-on madras. Follow them on Instagram for Tuesday specials. 26The Reykjavík Grapevine Issue 12— 2019Best of Reykjavík Soak The Blues Away Seven countryside spas Words: John Rogers Photos: Art Bicnick, Timothée Lambrecq & John Rogers You’ve probably heard about the borderline-magical healing pow- ers of Iceland’s swimming pools. Unlike the heavily-chlorinated urban puddles of many mainland European countries and the US, Icelandic pools run on a constant, plentiful supply of geothermal wa- ter, heated by the earth itself. And while even the most humble mu- nicipal pool in Iceland is worth a relaxing half-hour visit, these are some modern rural spas where you’ll want to spend a whole afternoon. Blue Lagoon Grindavík The original mothership of fancy bathing spots, the Blue Lagoon has handled the teeming crowds who flock there all year round by enlarging the swimming area and limiting the amount of peo- ple who can enter at any one time. This has restored the health-spa atmosphere that made it a firm favourite in the first place. Sink into the pearlescent white, sil- ica-rich water—which has first been used to produce clean en- ergy by the neighbouring geo- thermal power plant—and you’ll feel like a new person, inside and out. Be sure to book ahead. Krauma Borgarfjörður A newcomer with a stark black design, Krauma exploits the most powerful hot spring in all of Europe, Deildartunguh- ver. There are several hot pots of varying temperatures—all offering great views over the picturesque valley in which the pool is situated—as well as a searing steam room. Take a robed-up selfie in the relaxation lounge and watch your Insta- comments explode with envy. Sjávarsmiðjan Reykhólar One of the more humble setups on the list, the Sjávarsmiðjan spa is basically a handful of outdoor hotpots in the lower-Westfjords village of Reykhólar. What makes it special, though, is the use of seaweed. There’s a processing plant just outside the village, creating a nutritious seaweed powder that’s used in all kinds of cosmetics. At Sjávarsmið- jan, they ladle it decadently into the water to replenish your skin and soul as you look out to- wards Snæfellsnes to the south. Mývatn Nature Baths Lake Mývatn The ‘Blue Lagoon of the North’ is a much quieter proposition than its southerly counterpart. Bask in the main pool, swim- ming around to find the tem- perature that suits you; pop into the sauna to steam yourself, and then cool off on the deck. It’s the perfect end to a day spent explor- ing the wonders of Lake Mývatn’s shoreline, or as the final stop of your Diamond Circle road trip. GeoSea Húsavík On a grassy hilltop at the edge of Húsavík you’ll find this state- of-the-art bathing facility. A relative newcomer to the scene, GeoSea takes advantage of a borehole that mixes salty seawa- ter with a geothermal outpour, enabling you bask in a natural- ly-heated saline pool. The at- tractively-designed pool has an undulating edge and a stunning view over the Skjálfandi Bay. Bjórböðin Árskógssandur While the concept of bathing in beer might sound like some kind of Viking-themed fantasy, every- one from the Grapevine who’s visited Eyjafjörður’s Beer Spa has come back singing its praises. The young beer in the bath has beneficial effects for the skin— and there’s a pump to pour your- self a fully-developed brew right next to the tub, plus an outdoor hot pot to relax in afterwards. Vök Baths Urriðavatn This newcomer spa in East Ice- land just opened, and we’ve been drooling over the early photos of the “floating pools”—that is, hot pots that hover in waters of Lake Urriðavatn. With a cold mist tun- nel, a pool bar, and more, we’ll be checking this one out as soon as we can. Myvatn, Nature Baths is a relatively peaceful spa in north Iceland
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