Hi Noodle
Reykjavik's best ramen — Hi Noodle serves steaming bowls of tonkotsu, dan dan, and vegan ramen from a tiny counter-seating shop on Frakkastigur that punches well above its weight.
Hi Noodle is a tiny place that does one thing remarkably well: ramen. With a Google rating of 4.7 and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, this counter-seating noodle shop on Frakkastigur has earned a reputation that far exceeds its physical footprint.
The Ramen
The tonkotsu is the star — a rich, cloudy pork broth that has been simmered for hours, served with springy noodles, chashu pork, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh garnishes. It is warming, deeply flavoured, and exactly what you want after walking through Reykjavik's horizontal rain.
The dan dan ramen brings serious heat — a spicy, nutty broth that builds in intensity as you eat. The shoyu option is lighter and cleaner for those who prefer it. And the vegan ramen is not the token vegetable-broth-with-noodles that many places offer; it is a properly developed bowl with its own character.
All broths are made in-house. The noodles have the right texture. The toppings are thoughtfully chosen rather than thrown on as an afterthought.
The Space
Hi Noodle is small. Very small. Most seats are along a bench facing the open kitchen, which means you watch your ramen being assembled in front of you. This is not a place for a leisurely three-course dinner — it is a place to eat a bowl of excellent noodles, appreciate the craft, and make room for the next person.
During peak lunch and dinner hours, a short wait is common. The turnover is quick, so it rarely takes long.
Why It Stands Out
Reykjavik has Noodle Station for quick, affordable noodle soup, and it serves that market well. Hi Noodle occupies a different space — the ramen is more complex, the flavours more layered, the experience more intentional. It costs slightly more, but the difference in quality is noticeable.
For anyone who takes ramen seriously, or who simply wants one of the best-value meals in central Reykjavik, Hi Noodle is essential.
Practical Tips
Walk in only — no reservations. The restaurant is on Frakkastigur, a short street connecting Laugavegur and Hverfisgata. Cash and cards accepted. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. Lunch service tends to be calmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of noodles does Hi Noodle serve?
- Ramen is the focus — tonkotsu (pork broth), dan dan (spicy), shoyu, and a vegan option. Each bowl comes with well-chosen toppings.
- Is Hi Noodle good for vegans?
- Yes. The vegan ramen is a fully developed dish, not an afterthought. It receives strong reviews in its own right.
- How much does a bowl of ramen cost?
- Around ISK 2,200-2,800 per bowl. Good value for central Reykjavik.
- Do I need a reservation?
- No reservations. Walk in and take a seat at the counter. The space is small, so there may be a short wait during peak hours.
- Where is Hi Noodle?
- At Frakkastigur 9, a short side street connecting Laugavegur and Hverfisgata in central Reykjavik.
- How does it compare to Noodle Station?
- Different styles. Noodle Station serves simpler Vietnamese-style noodle soup. Hi Noodle focuses on Japanese ramen with richer, more complex broths.
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