Banh Mi

The relationship between Iceland and Vietnam is not one you would immediately draw on a map, but Banh Mi makes a compelling case for it. Serving authentic Vietnamese street food in central Reykjavik, this stall proves that pho and banh mi travel remarkably well — even to 64 degrees north.

The Pho

A bowl of pho is only as good as its broth, and the broth at Banh Mi is the real thing. Deep, aromatic, and built with the patience that proper Vietnamese technique demands — star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and hours of simmering. The result is a soup that warms from the inside out, which in Reykjavik is not a metaphor but a practical necessity.

The beef pho is the standard order and the one to start with. The noodles are properly cooked, the herbs are fresh, and the chilli oil on the side lets you calibrate the heat to your preference. On a grey January afternoon in Iceland, this bowl of soup might be the best thing that happens to you all day.

The Banh Mi

The namesake sandwiches are well-executed. The baguette has the right crunch — that particular Vietnamese bakery texture that is light and crispy rather than dense — and the fillings are generous. The classic with pate, pork, pickled daikon, and coriander is the one to order if you are having just one.

The Setting

The location at Tryggvagata puts Banh Mi in the heart of Reykjavik's harbour area. The space is modest — this is street food, not fine dining — and the emphasis is squarely on the food. The food hall format at Hlemmur Matholl provides communal seating and a buzzy atmosphere, while the Tryggvagata location offers a more straightforward counter-service experience.

Why It Works

Vietnamese food is built for cold climates, even if Vietnam itself is not one. The soups are warming, the flavours are bold, and the format is quick and satisfying. In a Reykjavik food scene that can sometimes feel dominated by seafood and lamb, Banh Mi offers a welcome change of pace without sacrificing quality.

Practical Tips

Prices are moderate — ISK 2,000 to 4,000 for most items — making it one of the better value options in central Reykjavik. Delivery via Wolt is available if the weather is particularly unwelcoming. The early weekday opening at 08:00 means breakfast pho is theoretically possible, and if you have never tried it, a bowl of hot noodle soup at eight in the morning on a dark Icelandic winter day is more logical than it sounds.