Nana Thai

Laugavegur is lined with restaurants at every price point, and Nana Thai occupies the sweet spot that budget-conscious travellers dream about: good food, fast service, and prices that feel almost reasonable by Reykjavik standards. This is Thai street food transplanted to Iceland's main shopping street, and it works.

The Food

The menu is focused and efficient. Curries, noodle dishes, stir-fries, and soups — the staples of Thai street food, prepared quickly and served without ceremony. The curries have proper flavour, built from genuine spice pastes rather than the diluted versions that some quick-service restaurants resort to. The pad thai is well-balanced, with noodles that have the right texture and a sauce that does not lean too heavily on sugar.

The noodle soups are particularly satisfying — a steaming bowl of broth, noodles, and fresh herbs that warms you from the inside on a cold Reykjavik day. The stir-fries are quick and lively, with vegetables that retain their crunch and proteins that are properly cooked.

This is not the refined, multi-course Thai dining that you find at Ban Thai up the road. This is everyday Thai food — the kind that people in Bangkok eat for lunch at street stalls — adapted for the Icelandic context without losing its essential character.

The Value

At ISK 1,800-2,800 for a full meal, Nana Thai is one of the most affordable restaurant options on Laugavegur. In a city where a bowl of soup at a sit-down restaurant can cost EUR 20, a full Thai curry with rice at under EUR 20 feels like a significant win. The lunch crowd of locals and return visitors suggests the value proposition is well understood.

The Setting

Compact and casual. The interior is functional rather than atmospheric, with the emphasis on speed and efficiency rather than ambiance. Counter service, limited seating, and a steady flow of customers give it the energy of a proper street food operation. It is not a place for a long, lingering meal — eat, enjoy, and move on.

Practical Tips

Lunch is the busiest period — the 12:00-13:00 rush can mean a short wait. Takeaway is a good alternative if all tables are occupied. The Laugavegur location is central and easy to combine with shopping or sightseeing. No reservations — walk in and order at the counter. If you are looking for the best ratio of food quality to price on Reykjavik's main street, Nana Thai is one of your strongest options.