Many people associate street food with warm and bustling cities, with plenty of food trucks from where you can sample all types of cuisine. Reykjavik may not be the first city you think of when pondering great street food scenes, but you’re likely to be surprised.
Many people associate street food with warm and bustling cities, with plenty of food trucks from where you can sample all types of cuisine. Reykjavik may not be the first city you think of when pondering great street food scenes, but you’re likely to be surprised. In fact, Iceland’s capital city is a great place to sample all types of street food - and the bonus is that street food is the perfect way to dine in Iceland on a budget without having to compromise on delicious, quality food.
In recent years, Reykjavik has produced a booming food culture not only in the warmer seasons but many trucks and stands are open all throughout the year.
Where to find street food in Reykjavik
With street food growing in popularity over the years, it’s only natural that Reykjavik would see the development of more food markets and halls within the city. If you’re planning a visit to Reykjavik and tasting some quality street food is at the top of your list, make sure to visit these venues.
Grandi Mathöll
Based in the old harbour district of Reykjavik, Grandi Mathöll is a food hall thriving in a remodelled fish factory and boasts 8 street food stands. The cuisine on offer ranges from international delights to local Icelandic traditional cuisine. From pizzas to burgers and Asian delights, you can learn more about the different foods on offer on their website.
Hlemmur Mathöll
The Hlemmur Food Hall was the first fixed food hall to open in the city of Reykjavik. It is based in a former bus station in the centre of the city, making it a hub for food and culture in Reykjavik. Visits to Hlemmur Mathöll will find tasty dishes from 10 different vendors, ranging from baked goods to sandwiches, tacos and more. Discover all the vendors by visiting their website.
Best street food in Reykjavik
Though the food markets are thriving in Reykjavik, you’ll also find other unmissable food trucks and stands dotted across the city. So, you know where to find the food markets, but which street food stands should you definitely make sure to visit in Reykjavik?
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur - Believe it or not, Icelanders love hotdogs. Located across the street from the iconic Harpa Concert Hall is the most famous hot dog stand in all of Iceland, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. Founded in 1937, this modest little hot dog vendor has served plenty of celebrities over the years, including Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian, even being featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations television show. What makes the hotdogs here special? They’re lamb-based with pork and beef and served with crunchy onions and a special remoulade sauce, in addition to more typical sauces like ketchup and mustard.
Skjaldbakan - Translating to The Roman Turtle, this top pizza spot is located within Grandi Mathöll. The pizzas served here are fresh and produced from locally sourced ingredients. They even offer a keto base for those looking to enjoy a pizza on the healthier side. Choose from a wonderful array of topping combinations when you visit.
Fjárhúsið - Also located within Grandi Mathöll is this fantastic traditional Icelandic food stand. Fjárhúsið, or “The Sheephouse”, serves traditional Icelandic lamb meat, other smoked meats and fresh local produce - from farm to table. This is the ideal street food stand to experience locally sourced and traditional Icelandic cuisine.
The Bao Bun Truck - Located outside Skúli Craft Rar (a well-stocked and very popular Reykjavik craft beer bar) you’ll find Bao Bun. This food truck specialises in Chinese steamed buns with unique fillings that you’re unlikely to find in your typical Chinese restaurant, like pulled pork or mushroom.
FUEGO Taqueria - Within the Hlemmur Food Hall you’ll find Fuego, offering Californian style tacos. Though the stand has only been open less than two years, it has quickly become known for the best tacos in Reykjavik, and the fish tacos are not to be missed!
Jómfrúin - Another hot spot in Hlemmur Food Hall, Jómfrúin is the most famous smørrebrød restaurant in Iceland. Smørrebrød is a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich originating in Denmark. Their stand in the food hall offers a variety of fresh and delicious sandwiches, perfect for enjoying for lunch or a snack.
Icelandic Street Food - This restaurant’s name is slightly misleading, as it’s not a food stand or truck. However, Icelandic Street Food specialises in creating traditional Icelandic dishes in fast-food style. Choose from mouth-watering fish or lamb stews and soups that are perfect for warming you up after exploring Reykjavik on a chilly day.