“Saying ‘Let’s go out for Danish food’ isn’t something you hear often, yet Denmark is a hidden gem for food lovers. Copenhagen’s cuisine is rooted in tradition and history but has experienced a culinary transformation over the past decade.
Innovative chefs are crafting modern dishes with ancient ingredients and blending cuisines from different cultures while promoting sustainability. Copenhagen boasts the most Michelin Stars in Scandinavia and thrives with an active street food scene, with some top chefs even running food trucks.
Since 2017, I’ve lived in Denmark and delved deep into Copenhagen’s food culture. I’ve dined at numerous restaurants, old and new, sampled street food, and enjoyed traditional picnics and holiday dinners with Danish friends.
Copenhagen’s food mirrors its geography and history. Denmark, a small, flat country with no point more than 50 km from the sea, has culinary roots deeply influenced by its environment. Historically, Denmark’s cuisine featured lots of salted and cured foods to survive the long winters, with fish and hearty root vegetables as staples. This tradition still lives on with dishes like pickled herring and rye bread.
In the 19th century, significant changes occurred in Danish food due to population growth, competitive global grain production, and agricultural industrialization. These changes led to more farming, livestock raising, and the development of cooperatives for dairies and slaughterhouses. The national dish, stegt flæsk (fried pork belly), is a testament to this evolution.
Copenhagen’s modern dining scene highlights this blend of history and innovation. In 2004, Danish chefs pioneered the New Nordic Cuisine movement, emphasizing local, seasonal, and sustainable foods. Famous restaurants like Noma, once named the world’s best, showcase this cuisine, though many other Michelin-starred New Nordic restaurants are more accessible.
During your Copenhagen visit, make sure to experience a New Nordic meal. Although Noma’s prices and booking challenges are notable, other affordable restaurants like Restaurant Meille provide high-quality New Nordic dining experiences.
Danish Christmas meals, especially the Julefrokost at Restaurant Puk, are a must-try. They serve a variety of traditional dishes in a historically rich setting. Beware of tourist traps claiming to offer authentic Danish cuisine. The real essence of Danish food lies in fresh, local ingredients and New Nordic cooking techniques.
Sample unique dishes at places like BÆST, an Italian-inspired pizzeria with a Danish twist, or Kiin Kiin, a Thai fusion restaurant. Both establishments showcase how Danish cuisine can harmoniously blend with other cultures.
Picnics are a favorite outdoor dining experience in Copenhagen due to limited apartment space. Gourmet picnic baskets from places like Garden Restaurant allow you to enjoy luxurious meals in beautiful public spaces.
Hot dogs, especially from the DØP wagon near Copenhagen’s Round Tower, are a beloved street food in the city. Another iconic dish is flæskesteg, available in places like Frk. Barnes Kælder in the Vesterbro neighborhood.
Copenhagen’s vibrant food truck scene is best experienced at Reffen during warmer months or indoor food halls like Torvehallerne during winter. Don’t miss trying flæskesvær, a traditional pork snack, often available at these venues.
Danish bakeries are renowned for their bread and pastries. Rye bread (rugbrød) is a staple, and sweet pastries known as wienerbrød originate from Austria. Skt. Peders Bageri and La Glace are top spots to sample these delights.
Smørrebrød, the traditional open-faced sandwich, is a classic Danish dish best enjoyed at places like Restaurant Palægade. Exploring Copenhagen’s food can be even more rewarding with guided food tours, offering unique insights and experiences.
Copenhagen’s food culture is a tapestry of tradition and innovation, reflecting Denmark’s history and its future. From simple dishes to elaborate meals, the culinary landscape in Copenhagen offers something for every palate. So, dive in and enjoy the rich, diverse flavors of Danish cuisine!”
