Mai Thai
A Reykjavik Thai bistro serving pad Thai, curries and noodle dishes with clearly marked vegan options on Laugavegur.
Mai Thai is a useful Reykjavik address for the traveller who has reached the stage of the trip where something fragrant, warm and chilli-edged feels essential. The restaurant dates to 2005, a family-run Thai spot with contemporary interiors, pad Thai, noodle soup, massaman curry and tofu-friendly vegan choices.
Mai Thai Bistro sits on Laugavegur 116 and lists vegan options, including vegan pad Thai. That matters in Iceland, where plant-based dining is far easier than it once was but still benefits from a little planning.
This is not a fully vegan restaurant, so strict diners should confirm sauces and kitchen practices. But as a mixed-table solution, Mai Thai has clear appeal. Thai cooking brings the kind of bright, aromatic comfort that travels well in cold climates: coconut, basil, lime, chilli, rice noodles and vegetables that actually taste invited to the plate.
It is a post-spa debrief spot. After a day of geothermal soaking, gallery wandering or weather negotiations, Mai Thai offers food with enough familiarity to soothe and enough spice to wake you back up.
Reykjavik does Nordic minimalism beautifully. Some nights, though, the soul wants curry. Mai Thai is there for that very respectable moment.
