BK Kjuklingur

BK Kjuklingur occupies an interesting niche in Reykjavik's fast food landscape: chicken that is actually grilled rather than merely described as grilled, served alongside a menu so eclectic it includes both nachos and burgers without any apparent concern for culinary consistency. It works because it does not pretend to be anything other than what it is — a cheap, cheerful local joint where the chicken is genuinely good.

The Chicken

The core offering is marinated grilled chicken, prepared with house-made marinades and cooked over a proper grill. The result is juicy, well-flavoured, and noticeably healthier than the deep-fried alternative — which, for the record, is also available for those who have made peace with their arteries. The grilled option is the better choice, and it is what the regulars order.

Alongside the chicken, the menu spirals outward to include burgers, sandwiches, fries, nachos, salads, and a handful of Mexican-influenced items that seem to have arrived by accident and decided to stay. The nachos are surprisingly good. The salads are more than an afterthought. The burgers are competent if unremarkable.

The Setting

This is a no-frills fast food restaurant on Grensasvegur, east of the city centre near the Kringlan shopping area. The interior is clean and functional — order at the counter, sit down, eat your chicken. There is nothing designed for Instagram, which is rather refreshing.

Most customers are locals who have discovered that the chicken here is better and cheaper than the alternatives. Tourist footfall is low, partly because of the location and partly because no guidebook has ever thought to include a chicken shop on Grensasvegur in its recommendations.

Practical Tips

Getting there. Grensasvegur 5 is about a 10-minute drive or bus ride from central Reykjavik, near Kringlan shopping mall. Not a walking destination from downtown.

Delivery. Available via Wolt if you would rather have the chicken come to you. The food travels well.

Best for. A cheap, filling meal that does not require the pilgrimage to downtown. Particularly useful if you are staying in accommodation east of the city centre.

Healthy option. By Icelandic fast food standards, the grilled chicken plates with salad are a genuinely healthier choice. Not health food, but a meaningful step up from the usual fare.

BK Kjuklingur is not on any tourist radar, and it probably never will be. But if you find yourself in the Grensasvegur area and want chicken that is well made, well priced, and honestly grilled, it delivers on all three counts.