What to eat when in Denmark
Food is always my favorite topic to explore. You can’t omit the food when getting to know a new culture. It is an essential part of every country you go to, and Denmark is no exception. Here are some traditional Danish dishes you might have an issue pronouncing but no problem enjoying.
It is interesting to note that over the past 30 years, traditional Danish food has been re-invented as New Nordic Cuisine. It emphasizes the use of local and seasonal ingredients and is mixed with modern design. And the Danes know what they are doing. Did you know that 27 Danish restaurants hold 38 Michelin stars, more than any other Nordic country? The Danish food culture has rediscovered its roots and re-invented old recipes.
Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is a true classic and screams Denmark. It’s probably the most famous among Danish dishes and a must to try.
Smørrebrød is an open-faced sandwich. Usually, a slice of rye bread with various combinations of toppings such as pickled herring, roast beef, and eggs topped with mayo and shrimps. The variations are endless.
Many restaurants throughout Copenhagen have some variation of smørrebrød on their lunch menus.
And as it usually goes, there is a star among smørrebrød. The stjerneskud or ‘shooting stars’ is an extravagant smørrebrød. Stjerneskud is a slice of rye bread with fried plaice fillet, topped with shrimp, lettuce, and caviar from the Limfjord.
Don’t leave Denmark without trying smørrebrød, and there is a guarantee that when you return, you will start making your smørrebrød.
Danish pastries
The famous Danish is actually not from Denmark. Yes, you are reading it right; Danish pastries are not really Danish! They are also called Vienna Bread or “wienerbrød,” as they were first made in Denmark in the 1840s by Austrian bakers.
Even so, they became popular among Danes and are now an essential part of the Danish food scene. You can try many different types at bakeries throughout the country.
Danish pastries are not really Danish!
Stegt flæsk
Like every country, also Danes have their national dish. It’s the stegt flæsk – pieces of pork fried until crisp and served with boiled potatoes and parsley sauce.
You can try it in many restaurants around Denmark. Luckily, it is actually among the cheaper eats. If you are a fan of pork, you will love it.
The Danish Hot Dog
Yes, a hot dog. Although one would think it’s only an American thing, the Danish have been making hot dogs since 1920, when they got their first hotdog vendors.
You will find hot dog stands everywhere because almost everyone eats hotdogs. The Danish hot dog is topped with creamy, curried remoulade sauce, freshly pickled cucumbers, and crispy fried shallots.
Most stands offer both the traditional red sausages as well as more modern versions. It’s a great option if you are on the go when exploring.
As with other dishes in Denmark, also the hot dogs were reinvented in the New Nordic Cuisine. For example, the “French hot dog” – a sausage stuck in a round piece of bread and sold from a sidewalk cart is now often served with organic meats, a sourdough bun, and healthy mashed roots on the side.
Brændende Kærlighed
Another dish that is hard to pronounce but delicious. Translated, it means “burning love.” It sounds cheesy, but there is no cheese involved.
It is a traditional Danish dish consisting of mashed potatoes topped with fried bacon and onions.
It is a dish over 200 years old, and the Danish love it, as it’s easy to prepare. You only need a few ingredients. Today you will see it also garnished with dill, parsley, or even chopped beetroot.
You can find a lot of pork dishes in Denmark. The reason is simple: for over 100 years, the production of pigs and pig meat has been a major source of income for Denmark. Approximately 90 percent of the production is exported, and even in recent years, Denmark continues to be the world’s largest pork exporter. Thus the reason so many pork dishes are popular.
Read also: Things to know about Denmark before you visit
Denmark is the country for beer lovers
Are you a beer lover? Then Denmark is the country of your choice. The one place to be. Nearly everyone is a beer drinker, and the legal age for purchasing beer and wine is sixteen in shops and eighteen in restaurants and bars. Beer has been part of the Danish culture for over 5000 years. There are over 100 breweries in Denmark. Among the popular brands, you have heard about are Carlsberg or Tuborg, but many more brands are worth the try.
Below are some of the beer brands worth trying:
- Mikkeller
- Thisted Bryghus
- BRUS (BRUS is one of the most famous breweries in Denmark, and it’s hugely popular with the locals in Copenhagen. You’ll find IPAs, along with ales and much more. They have also cider. )
- Amager Bryghus (Amager Bryghus produces several branded beers, the brewery is located in Copenhagen.)
- Fanø Bryghus (It first came onto the scene in 2009, and it won the “Årets Bryggeri” award in 2021. )
- Bryghuset Møn (It was founded in 2005, and the brewery has created several innovative beers.)
- Föroya Bjór (Föroya Bjór translates to “Faroe Islands Beer” and has been around since 1888. The brewery is headquartered in Klaksvík.)
- Brøckhouse (It was founded in 1995 but has since ceased operations. It developed multiple beers, including a popular red beer. You could also purchase bottles in several sizes, including larger 2-liter ones.)
- Nørrebro Bryghus (The brewery has several intriguing beers, including an elderflower IPA and the New York Lager.)
- Harboes Bryggeri (It is one of the largest brands selling beer in Denmark.)
- Faxe Brewery (It is a small town not far from Copenhagen. Faxe beers range from IPAs to stouts, and the company has also given the wheat beer a go — along with alcohol-free versions of the typical pilsner.)
- Bryggeriet Djævlebryg (It originated in 2006 and is headquartered in Copenhagen. Its slogan translates to “The Devil’s Good Beer”.)
- Skagen Bryghu (It features bock, IPA, stout, and several other beer options.)
Denmark is a pretty liberal country, and its alcohol laws reflect this. You are allowed to drink in public, including carrying open cans and bottles of beer as you walk around major cities.
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