Street Food in Reykjavik, Iceland

When I arrived, I was aware they offer a limited street food in Reykjavik, Iceland. Due to long winters and frequent rain, it makes it difficult to grow many things in the country, and a lot of their food is imported. The weather during many months of the year also limits the popularity of selling food out on the street.

There are exceptions, however, and many small restaurants provide limited counter space and to-go options for eating outside when the weather permits. After talking to some locals and doing a little more research, it was clear that one true option for street food in Reykjavik stood out. My new friends and I grabbed a map and headed downtown.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – Tryggvatagata, 101 Reykjavík

Translating to “The Best Hot Dog in Town”, this simple stand lives up to its name. Often shortened to Bæjarins Beztu, this delicious hot dog made with a free-range lamb sausage is served “the works” style with a mayo-based relish sauce, ketchup, sweet mustard, raw onions and crispy fried onions, on a fluffy white bun.

This hot dog is fantastic. The lamb sausage is complemented by the acidity of the onions, sweetness of the local mustard and the richness of the mayo-relish. The fried onions bring it all together with some additional flavor and crunchy texture. Ask for some extra on top like I did here. You won’t regret it.

At around $3, these sausages are also one of the best deals in Reykjavik. I ate here several times. You’ll be hard pressed to find a comparatively tasty and inexpensive option anywhere else nearby. For an extra $1.50, you can have a soda as well.

Take a look at the map posted below with all of the Reykjavik street food options, as this location doesn’t have an official address and can be a little tricky to find.

All six of their locations can be found here.

Ramen Momo – Tryggvagata 16, Reykjavik 101

If you enjoy a nice bowl of ramen, you’re also in luck. Also near downtown, with a view of the harbor, you will find a little spot called Ramen Momo. For about $11 they do a choice of beef, chicken or pork ramen. Pork is my favorite so that’s what I ordered.

The broth was packed with flavor, the pork and egg were savory, and the seaweed, carrots and other toppings added that nice saltiness and crunch. I added a little chili oil for some spicy kick and was impressed with the overall quality. It was perfect for a chilly day.

The portion was large enough that several people asked for take-away boxes but I managed to finish mine. Service from the restaurant’s one employee was quick and polite. There’s an option to take the food to go if you prefer, but due to the weather, I sat at one of the ten or so spaces at the counter.

They do not currently have a menu or website available online at this time.

Mandi – Veltusund 3B, Reykjavik 101

If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, Mandi is your best bet in Reykjavik. They have standard kebabs and meat plate options but I most enjoyed the Arias, which is a sort of gyro-quesadilla hybrid with marinated lamb, spices, cheese and a yogurt sauce, served with salad for about $10.

There are two other kebab shops next to Mandi, if you would like to give them a try as well. Each shop offers a dine-in option or you can enjoy this Reykjavik street food to go, when the weather permits.

Delicious Meat Soup, Where Are You?

I read and heard a lot about the local meat (lamb) soup. Sadly, I was unable to find one I enjoyed. I tried it at one of the only other street carts in the city, as well as a mid-priced restaurant. At both places, the broth tasted canned, the lamb was still chewy and it lacked overall seasoning and flavor. That said, I hope to find out where to order a good version of this dish before I head back to this wonderful country again.

Reykjavik Street Food Locations

>> Find more of my favorite street food from across Europe and Asia here >>

Recap

In all, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur lives up to its name as the best street food in Reykjavik. From a price perspective, no other street food vendor or take-away restaurant even comes close. As far as flavor, their lamb hot dogs taste great and the unique flavor really sets them apart. There’s a reason why many people and publications have called these the best hot dogs in Europe!

Skál! (Cheers in Icelandic)

– Cam

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