Fonix
Reykjavik's enduring Sichuan Chinese restaurant, run by the same family since 2012, offering authentic regional dishes alongside familiar takeaway favourites.
For over a decade, Fonix has been quietly serving some of the most authentic Chinese food in Iceland from its unassuming location in suburban Reykjavik. Founded in 2012 by spouses Simon Xianqing Quan and Wenli Wang, it has evolved from a straightforward Chinese takeaway into something more interesting: a restaurant where genuine Sichuan cuisine sits alongside the familiar favourites.
The Sichuan Side
The specials menu at Fonix is where things get exciting. Sichuan cuisine is defined by its use of the mala flavour -- a combination of chilli heat and the tingling numbness of Sichuan peppercorn that is unlike anything in Icelandic or European cooking. The sizzling plates, mapo tofu, and dan dan noodles on the specials list are closer to what you would find in Chengdu than in most Western Chinese restaurants.
These dishes are not toned down for Icelandic palates. The heat is real, the peppercorn numbing is present, and the flavours are bold and complex. If you enjoy spicy food, this is a revelation. If you prefer milder fare, the regular menu has you covered.
The Regular Menu
The standard takeaway menu covers the familiar ground -- sweet and sour, kung pao, fried rice, spring rolls -- and does so competently. Nothing on this side of the menu will surprise you, but it is well executed and satisfying. The portions are generous and the prices are fair.
The Setting
Fonix is not in the centre of Reykjavik, and it makes no attempt at restaurant glamour. The Bildshofdi location is in a commercial area, with a functional interior that prioritises the food over the ambience. Many customers order takeaway, but eating in is perfectly pleasant.
Why It Matters
Reykjavik's culinary diversity has expanded enormously in recent years, and restaurants like Fonix are a vital part of that story. It represents the Chinese-Icelandic community's contribution to the city's food culture, and it does so with skill, authenticity, and a quiet confidence that has kept it thriving for over thirteen years. For anyone craving proper Chinese food in Iceland, Fonix is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of Chinese food does Fonix serve?
- Fonix serves a mixture of Sichuan-style regional Chinese dishes and familiar Chinese takeaway favourites. The Sichuan specials, featuring numbing peppercorn and chilli, are the most interesting items on the menu.
- Is Fonix authentic?
- Yes, the restaurant is run by Chinese-Icelandic spouses who bring genuine knowledge of Sichuan cuisine. The specials menu features dishes that are closer to what you would find in Chengdu than in a typical Western Chinese restaurant.
- Where is Fonix located?
- The main location is at Bildshofdi 12 in the 110 area of Reykjavik. There is also a branch in Hafnarfjordur at Dalshraun 13. Both are outside the tourist centre.
- Is there a lunch special?
- Yes, Monday to Friday the restaurant offers a lunch service from 11:00 to 14:00, which typically includes set meal deals at lower prices than the evening menu.
- Does Fonix do takeaway?
- Yes, takeaway is available and popular. Phone orders are accepted for collection.
- How are the Sichuan dishes?
- The Sichuan specials are the highlight -- dishes featuring mala (numbing-spicy) flavour, sizzling plates, and bold seasoning that sets Fonix apart from standard Chinese takeaway operations in Iceland.
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