Indican

Finding genuinely good Indian food in Iceland is not straightforward. The island's culinary identity revolves so firmly around seafood and lamb that cuisines from warmer climates can feel like afterthoughts. Indican, tucked inside the Borg29 food hall on Borgartun, is a welcome exception -- a small operation that takes Indian home cooking seriously and delivers flavours that would hold their own in far more competitive markets.

The Food

The menu at Indican is not trying to be clever or fusion-minded. These are the dishes you would find in an Indian home kitchen, made with proper technique and honest spicing. The curries have real depth, built from scratch rather than assembled from pre-made pastes. The tandoori dishes carry genuine smokiness, and the biryanis are fragrant and generously portioned.

For lunch, the set meals offer excellent value -- a main dish with rice, naan, and sides at a price that feels almost charitable by Reykjavik standards. The chicken tikka masala and lamb curry are reliable choices, while the vegetable dishes are satisfying enough to make even committed meat-eaters consider going without.

The Setting

Borg29 is a modern food hall in Reykjavik's business district, a short walk from the city centre. The setting is functional rather than atmospheric -- shared seating, clean lines, and the communal buzz of several restaurants operating side by side. What it lacks in intimacy it makes up for in convenience, particularly if you are dining with a group that cannot agree on a cuisine.

Why Visit

In a city where a simple lunch can easily cost ISK 3,000 or more, Indican offers generous portions at prices that feel genuinely fair. The food is consistently good, the spicing is authentic, and the service is friendly and efficient. It will not be the most memorable dining room you visit in Reykjavik, but it may produce one of the most satisfying meals.

Good to Know

The Borgartun area is about a ten-minute walk from Laugavegur. It is slightly off the main tourist trail, which means the clientele is largely local office workers -- always a good sign for a lunch spot. Takeaway is popular and efficient if you prefer to eat on the move.

For anyone craving a break from Icelandic cuisine, or simply wanting a warm and well-spiced meal on a cold Reykjavik day, Indican delivers exactly what it promises.