Reykjavík Grapevine - jun. 2021, Síða 14

Post-Pandemic Relevance
Sourdough and ‘Tiger King’ are still cool, right?
Words: Alina Maurer, Brittnee Kiner & Hannah Jane Cohen Photos: Art Bicnick
COVID-19 might have killed our desire for hand-
shakes, video chats and bats, but that doesn’t
mean the optimists at the Grapevine won’t find
a silver lining in it. Yes, while the pandemic did
hit our local economy hard, there were still many
exciting arrivals to the city over the past year.
Here, our writers Alina, Brittnee and Hannah
Jane—the official Grapevine welcome wagon—
pick their favourites.
Sæta húsi!
Laugavegur 6
If you’ve been drooling over that luscious
Thai-rolled ice cream on Instagram, we have
good news! Sæta húsi! opened up shop in
the heart of Reykjavík in May and is ready to
serve deliciously fresh rolled ice cream, mixed
with all sorts of candy and fruit. Our souls
are ready for more treats – especially if it’s
ice cream! AM
Maika’i
Hafnartorg, Kolagata 1
Want to feel like you’re in the tropics while
absorbing the rare Icelandic sunshine? Stop
by Maika’i near the Old Harbour for an Açaí
bowl, covered in the toppings of your summer
dreams. You can also grab a bowl at Smáralind
on a rainy day while still taking a trip to the
southern hemisphere. BK
La Poblana
Laugavegur 2
Taking up the former residence of Sushibar-
inn, La Poblana is the brainchild of Carlos
Guaernos and has quickly garnered a reputa-
tion ‘round town as the place for world-class
tacos. There’s long been a dearth of Mexican
food in this city, but finally you can stuff your-
self with all the carnitas you desire. We thank
you, 2021. Our waistlines and wallets do not.
HJC
Vegan World Peace
A!alstræti 2
What sounds like a call for eco justice is ac-
tually an urban chíc plant-based Vietnam-
ese restaurant. Creative, unusual and exotic
dishes convince even the ardent meat lover.
Everything, including the peking duck and
crispy prawns, is vegan. Not only impressive
to one's taste buds but also candy for the eyes.
AM
Chickpea
Hallveigarstígur 1
Craving falafel that transports you to a place
of simultaneous warmth and freshness?
Check out Chickpea, a street-style restaurant
that can satisfy all taste buds, introducing an
unparalleled twist on the otherwise ordinary
falafel. Their vibrant pitas, wraps and bowls
are layered with various greens and flavorful
aiolis, paying homage to nature and all that
it deserves. BK
Mutt Gallery
Laugavegur 48
Mutt Gallery goes hard. Their first three ex-
hibitions featured a powerhouse lineup of
Úlfur Karlsson, Shu Yi and Grapevine favou-
rite Almar Atlason and, if that’s anything to
go by, we really can’t wait to see what they
do next. That said, we are also waiting with
bated breath to see what they do with their
urinals. HJC
Chikin
Ingólfsstræti 2
This ain’t your mama's KFC. No, Chikin—
Reykjavík’s first dedicated hot chicken and
bao joint—manages to be at once both totally
sophisticated foodie cuisine and also food
that’ll definitely fill the hole in your soul you
usually quench with a spicy Twister (and then
hate yourself for). So grab some chicken with
pickled daikon, shiitake mushrooms, miso
mayo and lots of other delicacies. And then
love yourself. HJC
14The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 06— 2021Best of Reykjavík
The one most important thing our society needs: Vegan... World Peace!
“What sounds like a call
for battle is an urban
chíc, Vietnamese and
plant-based restaurant.”
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