Jia Yao

Chinese food in Reykjavik is a niche market, but Jia Yao on Laugavegur has carved out a solid position within it. This centrally located restaurant serves a broad Chinese menu that covers the familiar bases — stir-fries, noodles, rice dishes, dumplings — with a competence that makes it a reliable choice when you want something different from the Icelandic dining norm.

The Food

The menu is extensive, spanning Cantonese and Sichuan traditions alongside Chinese-international staples. The stir-fries are the backbone — quick-wok dishes with fresh vegetables and properly cooked proteins, sauced with the standard repertoire of soy, oyster, and black bean. The noodle dishes offer comfort, particularly the soup noodles that provide genuine warmth on cold days.

The dumplings are worth ordering as a starter — steamed or fried, with fillings that range from pork to vegetable. They are well-made and provide a good measure of the kitchen's attention to detail. The Sichuan-influenced dishes bring some heat, though the spice levels are moderated for the local market. If you want more fire, ask.

The lunch special is the value proposition: a main dish with rice at a price that undercuts most of Laugavegur by a comfortable margin. The lunch crowd of regulars attests to its reliability.

Chinese Food in Iceland

Finding good Chinese food in Iceland is not straightforward. The market is small, the supply chain for authentic ingredients is complicated, and the dining culture naturally gravitates toward local seafood and lamb. Jia Yao works within these constraints to produce food that is recognisably Chinese, satisfying, and fairly priced. It is not going to rival the Chinese restaurants of London or Amsterdam, but it does not pretend to — it offers competent Chinese cooking in a city where the alternative is often no Chinese food at all.

The Setting

The restaurant is simply decorated and comfortable, with a layout that accommodates both individual diners and small groups. The Laugavegur location at the bottom of the main street is among the most convenient in the city — you will likely walk past it multiple times during any visit to Reykjavik.

Practical Tips

The lunch special is the smart play — arrive before 13:00 for the best experience. Takeaway is available and practical for hotel meals. The restaurant handles walk-ins well, though Friday and Saturday evenings can be busy. Prices are moderate for the location, and portions are generous. If you are craving Chinese food during your Iceland trip, Jia Yao is a solid, reliable option that will not disappoint.