Krydd og Tehusid

In a city famous for its coffee culture, its craft beer bars, and its fine-dining restaurants, a tiny spice and tea shop might seem an unlikely must-visit. But Krydd og Tehusid is one of those rare places that exceeds every expectation -- a family-run gem that stocks more varieties of tea and spice than many shops ten times its size, and does so with genuine expertise and passion.

The Shop

Krydd og Tehusid opened in October 2015 and is, remarkably, Iceland's only dedicated spice and tea shop. The space is small -- cosy would be the polite word -- but every inch is used wisely. Shelves line the walls from floor to ceiling, packed with jars, tins, and bags containing teas and spices from around the world.

The organisation is intuitive. Teas are grouped by type: black, green, white, herbal, rooibos, and Icelandic herb blends. Spices are arranged by region and use. The labelling is clear, and the staff are happy to guide you through the collection and offer samples.

The Tea

The range is genuinely impressive. Classic single-origin teas sit alongside inventive blends, and the quality is consistently high. The Icelandic herb teas are particularly interesting -- blends made with wild-harvested Arctic thyme, birch leaf, and other plants native to Iceland that are impossible to find elsewhere.

For visitors, the Icelandic blends make exceptional souvenirs: lightweight, unique, and far more thoughtful than the puffin keyrings and volcanic rock magnets that dominate the tourist shops.

The Spices

Equally impressive is the spice selection. Hard-to-find varieties that serious home cooks spend hours searching for online are readily available here. The quality is evident -- the spices are aromatic, fresh, and potent in a way that supermarket jars rarely manage.

The Experience

Visiting Krydd og Tehusid is less like shopping and more like a guided exploration. The family who runs the shop knows their stock intimately and takes genuine pleasure in helping customers discover new flavours. Even if you arrive thinking you only want a box of Earl Grey, you will leave with three things you had never heard of and a desire to return.

Practical Notes

The shop is at Thverholt 7, a short walk east of Laugavegur. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 11:00-16:00, closed Sunday. It is small enough to miss from the street, so look carefully for the signage. Prices are reasonable, and the shop accepts cards.