Pho Vietnam

After days of lamb soup, dried fish, and skyr, there comes a moment in any Iceland trip when you crave something different. Pho Vietnam, sitting at the bottom of Laugavegur, has been meeting that need for years with steaming bowls of Vietnamese noodle soup and crispy spring rolls that taste as if they belong on a street corner in Hanoi rather than a wind-battered Nordic capital.

The Food

The pho is the main event, and it is done properly. A deep, aromatic broth -- beefy or chicken-based depending on your order -- arrives loaded with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein. The flavours are clean and layered. The broth has clearly been simmered for hours, not cobbled together from a packet. On a cold Reykjavik day (which is most days), a bowl of this is as close to a hug as food gets.

The spring rolls are crisp and fresh, the dipping sauce has the right balance of sweet, sour, and heat, and the bun noodle dishes are reliable. The menu also stretches to rice plates and stir-fries, though the pho is the reason most people walk through the door.

The Setting

Pho Vietnam is compact and straightforward. The decor is simple, the tables are close together, and the atmosphere is lively during peak hours. It is not the place for a lingering romantic dinner, but it is perfect for a satisfying, warming meal eaten with purpose.

The location at the bottom of Laugavegur puts it within easy reach of virtually everything in central Reykjavik. It is the kind of place you drop into when hunger strikes and you want something good, fast, and filling.

Practical Tips

The portions are generous, so order accordingly. The pho alone is enough for most appetites, though the spring rolls as a starter are worth adding. Takeaway is available and popular. Lunchtime and early evening are the busiest periods, but the queue moves quickly.

In a city where dining out can rapidly drain a travel budget, Pho Vietnam offers genuine flavour at prices that do not sting. It is not trying to be the best restaurant in Reykjavik. It is trying to be a good Vietnamese restaurant, and it succeeds.