Krua Thai

Skolavordustigur -- the street painted in rainbow colours that climbs from Laugavegur up to Hallgrimskirkja -- is one of Reykjavik's most photographed streets. Halfway up, Krua Thai has been quietly serving Thai food for years, offering locals and visitors a reliable escape from the lamb-and-fish circuit.

The Food

The menu covers the Thai classics without unnecessary embellishment. Green curry arrives with the right balance of coconut creaminess and chilli heat. The pad thai has the expected sweet-sour-savoury interplay, with fresh lime and crushed peanuts. The tom yum soup is sharp and aromatic. Stir-fries are wok-tossed with care, and the rice is properly steamed.

Is it the best Thai food you will ever eat? Probably not. Is it good Thai food, consistently prepared, at fair prices, in a city where your options for Asian cuisine are limited? Absolutely. Krua Thai succeeds because it does not overreach. It knows what it is -- a solid neighbourhood Thai restaurant -- and executes that brief reliably.

The spice level is adjustable. If you want your green curry with genuine heat, ask for it. The kitchen will comply.

The Setting

The restaurant is compact and straightforward, with simple decor and close-set tables. It fills up quickly at peak times, especially during the summer tourist season when Skolavordustigur sees foot traffic all day long. The atmosphere is casual and efficient -- you are here to eat, not to linger.

Practical Tips

Lunch is the best time for a walk-in visit. The lunch specials offer good value. Dinner is busier, and weekend evenings can require a short wait. Takeaway is available and popular, especially through delivery platforms.

The location makes Krua Thai a natural stop during a walk between Laugavegur and Hallgrimskirkja. Duck in for a quick curry between sightseeing, or order takeaway and eat in your accommodation. Either way, it is a welcome change of pace from the Icelandic staples that dominate most of the city's menus.