• Added: 11th of December 2007
• Area: Reykjavik
• Category: Restaurants

Reykjavik 101
(354) 5610039

Kalli said
Thai for the Hungry Traveller
So, you're finally in Iceland and you've just discovered they charge you €7 for a pint of industrial lager in any run of the mill cafe. The wind is probably driving the rain up your nostrils and all the €7 beers have left you near-destitute and too hungover to cook, which is terribly expensive anyway and probably inconvenient for a traveller.

Luckily, there are a few options in Reykjavík for a good, yet decently priced, meal. Krua Thai is one option and conveniently sited just a very short walk from the city centre. In fact, there are several interesting and reasonably priced eateries clustered in the same area as Krua Thai. Walking from Reykjavík's centre you'll come upon this small Thai place first, however.

I haven't eaten in Thai restaurants all across the world but I've certainly tried to keep up with where I can fuel my curry addiction in the Reykjavík area. In as cheap a manner as possible, of course, and for the last couple of years Krua Thai has been the default answer. I'm sure you'll find as good or maybe better Thai food around here but you'll probably end up paying more.

Courses like fried rice and noodles, both with meat should you want it, start at around €10 and there aren't many things listed on the menu for more than €15 or so. Just grab a jug of cool tap water for your table and you're good to go. Both wine and beer are offered but at pretty much regular Icelandic prices.

The atmosphere is homely, for the most part, and clean. Krua Thai doesn't really score on atmosphere but then it's not a detractor either. You might, and I hesitate to say this, call it quaint but that would have to be on your responsibility.

Although I've never been there for lunch it's worth mentioning that they offer a four course lunch special, with coffee, for less than €8. I'd guess the place tends to be crowded at that time but during dinnertime a bit of patience will probably get you a seat. Then there's always the option of takeaway and service is usually brisk.

It might sound silly to recommend a Thai restaurant in Iceland but it makes a lot more sense than eating at international chains. Besides, you're not going to be eating spoiled shark or at upscale restaurants all the time?

• Added: 22nd of November 2007
• Area: Reykjavik
• Category: Take Aways

Reykjavik 101
51118181

Kalli said
Not Just A Burger Joint
Usually known as Hamborgarabúllan, or Búllan for short, Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar is indeed not just a burger joint. No, it is THE burger joint to go to and, indeed, the name translates as Tomas' Burger Joint. Just check out the street sign outside pointing it out as "Burgerjoint".

I find myself eating there every week and the big burgers are consistently fabulous and the fries about as good as they get. It's not really cheap, but by Icelandic standards the prices are quite reasonable and as a bonus the place is charming, if tiny, and the service good. It's not McDonald's "cheerful" (The big McD incidentally are not far off in price in Iceland) but rather friendly in a more genuine manner.

If you don't like burgers you can get steaks or a pork sandwich and for those less carnivorous there's a veggie burger. I, however, can't vouch for those. Contrary to my practices in other eateries I go straight for the "offer of the century" with a big burger, fries and a small soda - every single time. The refill for the soda is free, by the way.

Such a meal will cost you 950 Icelandic kronur or a bit over €10. You'll probably find a cheaper burger in Iceland but it won't be as good. If you're hungry and not sure what you want you can start walking and opt out of the burgers on the way; next to Búllan you'll find a quaint, and very good, seafood joint and a short walk closer to the city center is a nice Thai place with very reasonable prices.

But when the grill is going at Búllan you'll smell the burgers in the air and I find them hard to resist.