Hradlestin

If you have spent any time eating in Reykjavik, you will have noticed two things: the food is generally good, and the prices are generally alarming. Hradlestin — "The Fast Train" — solves the second problem without compromising the first. This family-run chain of Indian restaurants has been serving Reykjavik since 2003, and its counter-service format delivers genuinely satisfying meals at prices that feel like a favour.

The Food

The spices are imported directly from India and blended on the premises by professional Indian chefs. That single detail tells you more about Hradlestin than any marketing could. The curries have depth, the chicken tikka has proper tandoor flavour, and the naan bread arrives soft and warm. The thali platters are excellent value — a generous assortment of dishes that lets you sample across the menu.

Hradlestin also ventures into fusion territory, with items like chicken tikka pizza that sound questionable but work surprisingly well. The purists may flinch, but the results are tasty. For the more traditional palate, the lamb rogan josh and butter chicken are reliable choices that would hold their own in any Indian restaurant in Europe.

Vegetarians and vegans are particularly well served. Multiple options are available all day, and they are not afterthoughts — they are full dishes with the same care and spicing as the meat offerings.

The Format

This is counter service, not table service. You queue, order, pay, and either wait for your number or take a seat. The interior has a relaxed Bollywood-inspired decor that makes waiting pleasant rather than clinical. The "Fast Train" name is apt — food arrives quickly, and the whole experience is designed for efficiency without feeling rushed.

Multiple Locations

The downtown location on Hverfisgata is the most central and convenient for tourists. The Kringlan mall branch is useful if you are shopping, and the Kopavogur location serves the suburbs. All three maintain the same menu and quality.

Practical Tips

Best for. Budget-conscious travellers, vegetarians, anyone craving a flavour profile that is not smoked lamb or fermented shark. Also an excellent late-lunch option when the downtown tourist restaurants are at their most crowded and expensive.

Lunchtime value. The lunch period offers the best combination of fresh food and quick service. Arrive between 12:00 and 13:00 for the widest selection.

Takeaway. Perfectly set up for it. If you are staying in a guesthouse or want to eat in your hotel room, Hradlestin's takeaway containers travel well.

In a city where a bowl of soup can cost ISK 2,500, Hradlestin's combination of authentic flavours, generous portions, and friendly prices makes it one of the smartest dining choices in Reykjavik. The fast train runs on time.