Krua Siam

Reykjavik's Thai food scene has grown steadily over the years, and Krua Siam was one of the restaurants that established it. Located near the harbour on Tryggvagata, this long-running Thai restaurant serves the kind of authentic, well-spiced food that provides a welcome change of pace from the Icelandic staples of fish and lamb.

The Food

The menu covers the breadth of Thai cuisine with confidence. Curries — green, red, yellow, massaman — are made with proper curry pastes and the aromatic depth that defines good Thai cooking. The coconut milk is rich, the herbs are fresh, and the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy is handled with the assurance of a kitchen that has been doing this for years.

Pad thai is reliable and well-executed — the noodles have the right texture, the sauce is balanced, and the prawns are properly cooked. Stir-fries are quick and lively, with the high-heat wok cooking that produces the distinctive smoky flavour that separates good Thai stir-fries from mediocre ones.

The noodle soups — tom yum, tom kha — are warming, fragrant, and particularly welcome on cold Reykjavik days. The Thai salads offer a lighter option, with the sharp, citrus-driven dressings that cut through the richness of the rest of the menu.

Spice levels can be adjusted on request. If you want authentic Thai heat, communicate this clearly — the default calibration, as at most Thai restaurants outside Thailand, tends toward the milder end.

The Lunch Deal

The lunch menu is where Krua Siam offers its best value. A Thai main with rice at lunchtime pricing makes it one of the smarter lunch choices in central Reykjavik. The lunch crowd of office workers and regular customers testifies to both the quality and the value.

The Setting

The restaurant is comfortable and modestly decorated, with Thai accents that establish the theme without overwhelming the space. It is a relaxed environment, suitable for a casual lunch or a quiet dinner. The Tryggvagata location puts you near the harbour and flea market, slightly removed from the main Laugavegur tourist strip, which gives it a more local feel.

Practical Tips

Lunch is the value play — arrive before 13:00 for the best selection. The restaurant is near the harbour, making it a natural lunch stop if you are visiting that area. Takeaway is available and practical. No reservations are usually needed, though weekend dinners can be busy. If you miss the flavours of proper Thai cooking after days of Icelandic food, Krua Siam delivers reliably.