Happyworld

Reykjavik's Asian food scene has grown considerably in recent years, and Happyworld is one of the neighbourhood spots that caters to locals looking for a quick, flavourful meal without venturing into the tourist-heavy city centre. It is the kind of place that survives on repeat custom rather than Tripadvisor reviews, and that is usually a good sign.

What to Expect

Happyworld occupies a modest space in the eastern suburbs of Reykjavik, away from the Laugavegur crowds. The decor is functional rather than atmospheric -- this is a place that puts its energy into the kitchen rather than the interior design. Tables are simply set, orders move quickly, and the emphasis is firmly on getting good food to hungry people without unnecessary ceremony.

The clientele is predominantly local: office workers on lunch breaks, families picking up dinner on the way home, and students stretching their budgets. If you are a tourist and you find yourself here, you have wandered pleasantly off the beaten track.

The Menu

The menu spans a broad range of Asian cuisines, with Chinese and Thai dishes forming the backbone. Stir-fries are wok-tossed with good heat, noodle soups arrive steaming and substantial, and Thai curries hit the right balance of coconut richness and spice. Rice dishes are reliable accompaniments, and the spring rolls provide a crispy, satisfying start.

Like many pan-Asian restaurants, Happyworld does not pretend to be a specialist in any single cuisine. What it offers instead is a well-priced selection of dishes that deliver on flavour and portion size. The stir-fries and curries are the strongest items; the more specialised dishes are competent but less distinguished.

For takeaway and delivery, the food holds up well. The sturdier dishes -- fried rice, noodle stir-fries, and curries with rice -- travel particularly well, making Happyworld a practical choice for eating in your accommodation.

Practical Tips

Medalholt 19 is in the suburbs east of central Reykjavik. If you are staying downtown, this is not a walk-in option -- you will need a bus or car. However, if you are based in the eastern neighbourhoods, staying at a hotel near Laugardalur, or picking up food on the way to or from the airport, Happyworld is conveniently located.

The restaurant is open daily, with slightly shorter hours on weekends. No reservations are needed. The lunch period on weekdays is the busiest time, but service remains quick even when the restaurant is full.

For visitors who have been eating their way through Reykjavik's more expensive restaurants and need a meal that is both affordable and satisfying, Happyworld fills the gap neatly. It will not be the meal you tell people about when you get home, but it will be the meal that reminds you that good, honest food does not have to cost a fortune -- even in Iceland.