Fodurvagninn
A beloved Reykjavik food truck serving outstanding fish and chips from a no-frills van, proving that the best food does not always need walls.
The name translates as "The Food Wagon," and that is exactly what it is -- a food truck parked in the suburbs of Reykjavik, run by a man who knows his way around a deep fryer and a piece of fresh Icelandic fish. Fodurvagninn has no website worth mentioning, no marketing strategy, and no interior design. What it has is excellent fish and chips at prices that would make downtown restaurants blush.
The Fish
Everything starts with the fish. Fresh Icelandic haddock or cod -- the specifics depend on the day's catch -- is coated in a light batter and fried to a proper golden crunch. The fish inside is white, flaky, and moist, with a sweetness that tells you it has not been sitting around. The chips are hot, crispy, and salted just right.
It is a simple operation, and simplicity is the entire point. When your ingredients are this good, the best thing you can do is not mess them up, and Fodurvagninn executes with the confident restraint of someone who has done this thousands of times.
The Experience
This is outdoor eating at its most elemental. You order at the window of the van, wait a few minutes, and receive your food in a cardboard container. There are some benches nearby for those who want to sit, but many people eat standing up or take their food away. There are no menus to study, no wine lists to deliberate over, and no waiters to flag down. It is food in its most direct form.
The Value
At ISK 1,500-2,000 for a portion of fish and chips, Fodurvagninn represents extraordinary value by Reykjavik standards. The same quality of fish at a sit-down restaurant would cost twice as much or more. For budget travellers, this is the kind of local knowledge that transforms a trip.
Finding It
The truck is typically parked on Fylkisvegur in the 110 area, which is a residential suburb east of the city centre. It is not a tourist area, which is part of why the prices stay low and the quality stays high. Getting there requires a bus ride or short drive, but for those who make the effort, the reward is one of the best cheap meals in Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Fodurvagninn?
- Fodurvagninn (meaning 'The Food Wagon') is a food truck in Reykjavik that specialises in fish and chips. It is owner-operated and has developed a loyal following for its quality and value.
- What does Fodurvagninn serve?
- The menu is focused on fish and chips, typically using fresh Icelandic haddock or cod. Some additional options like fish soup may be available.
- Where is Fodurvagninn located?
- The food truck is usually located on Fylkisvegur in the 110 area of Reykjavik. As with any food truck, the location may occasionally vary.
- How much does fish and chips cost?
- Fish and chips at Fodurvagninn costs around ISK 1,500-2,000, making it one of the cheapest ways to eat fresh fish in Reykjavik.
- Is there seating?
- Some outdoor seating is available near the truck, but many customers take their food away. There are no indoor facilities.
- Is Fodurvagninn open in winter?
- Hours may be reduced during winter months, and weather can affect operations. Summer is the best time to visit, though the truck operates when possible year-round.
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