Afghan Style
A modest Afghan and Persian restaurant in Reykjavik's suburbs that brought Central Asian flavours to Iceland before permanently closing its doors.
Afghan Style was one of those restaurants that most tourists never found, and that was precisely the point. Located in Breidholt, a residential suburb that rarely features in any travel guide, this small Afghan restaurant offered something genuinely different in a city where fish and lamb dominate every menu.
What It Was
The restaurant occupied an unpretentious space in a suburban shopping area -- strip lighting, simple tables, and zero attempt at interior design. None of that mattered. What mattered was the food: generous portions of slow-cooked lamb, fragrant rice dishes, and handmade dumplings that tasted like they had been prepared by someone's grandmother, because they very likely had been.
The Food
The mantu -- Afghan dumplings filled with seasoned lamb and topped with yoghurt and a lentil sauce -- were the standout dish. Rich, comforting, and entirely unlike anything else available in Reykjavik, they alone justified the bus ride to Breidholt. The bolani, crispy pan-fried flatbread stuffed with potato or leek, made a perfect starter, while the lamb kebabs were smoky, well-seasoned, and came with enough rice to feed two.
The menu was not large, but everything on it was made with care. Prices were remarkably low by Reykjavik standards, making Afghan Style a genuine bargain in a city where a casual meal can easily cost ISK 5,000 per person.
Closure
Sadly, Afghan Style has permanently closed. The restaurant served the Breidholt community for several years before shutting its doors, joining a long list of small, independent restaurants that struggled with Iceland's high operating costs. Its absence leaves a gap in Reykjavik's culinary landscape.
Legacy
Afghan Style represented something important: the growing diversity of Reykjavik's food scene. Iceland's immigrant communities have brought flavours from around the world, and restaurants like this one showed that the capital's dining culture extends well beyond New Nordic tasting menus and tourist-oriented seafood spots. While the restaurant itself is gone, the demand it served remains, and Reykjavik is richer for the communities that continue to share their food traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Afghan Style still open?
- Unfortunately, Afghan Style has permanently closed. The restaurant operated for several years in the Breidholt suburb of Reykjavik but is no longer serving customers. This page is maintained for historical reference.
- What kind of food did Afghan Style serve?
- Afghan Style served traditional Afghan and Persian dishes including kebabs, mantu (Afghan dumplings), bolani (stuffed flatbread), and various rice dishes with lamb and chicken. The food was halal.
- Where was Afghan Style located?
- The restaurant was located at Langirimi 21 in the 112 postal code area of Reykjavik, in the Breidholt neighbourhood, well outside the tourist centre.
- Are there other Middle Eastern restaurants in Reykjavik?
- Yes. Reykjavik has several Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants in the city centre, including Sumac, Meze, and various kebab shops. The scene has grown considerably in recent years.
- Was Afghan Style expensive?
- No, it was one of the more affordable dining options in Reykjavik, with main dishes typically costing ISK 2,000-3,500. For Iceland, this represented genuine value for money.
- Did Afghan Style offer takeaway?
- Yes, takeaway was available and was popular with locals in the surrounding neighbourhood. Many regulars ordered by phone for collection.
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