Reykjavík Grapevine - 02.08.2019, Síða 24

It wasn’t a million years ago that it was
hard to come up with a reliable dinner
recommendation for vegans in Reykjavík.
But with increased demand from interna-
tional tourists, and the help of the wildly
popular Veganuary, veganism is on the
rise. With more demand for tasty and var-
ied vegan fare than ever before, today’s
scene is unrecognisable.
While many places have a sole tacked-
on, obligatory-feeling vegan option,
these are some of our favourite haunts
for a vegan meal—go forth, safe in the
knowledge that you’ll have plenty of tasty
menu items to choose from—or, at the
very least, that the vegan option will be
one to remember.
Aalto Bistro
Sæmundargata 11
As the Nordic House’s eatery, Aalto Bis-
tro is well-situated between gorgeous
preserved wetlands and the University
of Iceland. The menu boasts a vegan
course of the day, in addition to two
charming zucchini dishes. And the
avocado ceviche is a delightful, sum-
mery twist on the Peruvian classic. AR
Café Babalú
Skólavörðustígur 22
A staple for locals and tourists alike,
Babalú offers comfort food for folks on
a budget. Their chilli will fill your belly,
and there’s a carrot cake sure to tempt
you back for repeat visits. Unpreten-
tious and bubbly, tuck yourself into a
booth downstairs or squirrel yourself
away for a quiet tête-à-tête over tea up-
stairs. AR
Emilie and The Cool Kids
Hverfisgata 98
There’s more to vegan treats than raw
cakes and date squares. Just try to
stay on your diet after discovering the
muffins, cinnamon rolls, and scones
at Emilie’s, where vegan offerings are
plentiful and clearly marked. And if
you do, please let us know your secret.
CF
Fine Restaurant
Rauðararstígur 33
Chinese food can be hazardous territory
for vegans, but there’s no risk of unex-
pected ingredients at Fine. The sumptu-
ous vegan dumplings are so juicy pork-
lovers would barely know the difference,
and the vegan noodles are authentic,
spicy and delicious. A real treat. JR
Gló Vegan
Laugavegur 20b
There’s comfort in knowing that an
eatery is 100% vegan. It’s even better
when they serve up some legitimate-
ly tasty bowls, burgers, lasagna, and
more. Glo’s heaping assorted veggie
bowls—we’re suckers for the Indian
Dahl bowl and the Keto Bowl—will tick
a lot of boxes from your Daily Dozen,
and the world famous (or at least it
should be) spinach lasagna will make
you feel warm inside. CF
Hannesarholt
Grundarstígur 10
Historical setting? Check. Peace and
quiet? Check? Vegan brunch fit for roy-
alty? Oh yeah. The restored home of
Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first prime
minister, has found a new life as a non-
profit organisation and quaint eatery.
The vegan brunch is plentiful, with a
flavourful tofu scramble, pancakes,
“vacon,” roasted root vegetables, hum-
mus and more. Finish the meal with
a coffee and the latest Grapevine for a
comfortable start to your day. CF
Hi Noodle
Frakkastígur 9
From the rich umami broth, to the ir-
resistibly slurpable noodles, and plen-
tiful sprouts, peanuts and other top-
pings, Hi Noodle’s vegan ramen is a
treat. Just as enjoyable on a cold and
rainy day as during this uncharacter-
istically summery season. CF
Culture
Reykjavík
ExtraVEGANza
16 cruelty-free options in Iceland’s
vegan-friendly capital

Restaurants
Let us know what
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these selections
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24The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 13— 2019
Emilie and only one cool kid
Words:
Catharine Fulton,
a rawlings,
Hannah Jane
Cohen, John
Rogers
Photos:
Art Bicnick
Joy, Sustainability
& Honesty
Kaupvangur 17 - Egilsstadir
tel: +354-471-2450
Happy Hour
all days 15 - 19
Best selection of Icelandic
Beers in the East
Private rooms & dorms
Homemade cakes & soups,
vegan & friendly food
18. 06 - 01. 09. 2019
C
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D
O
N
EG
A
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&

D
IETER RO
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Open Tue. - Sun. 12:00-18:00
SKAFTFELL Austurvegur 42, Seyðisfjörður
www.skaftfell.is