A European country with a farming background, the food of Denmark is very hearty, with lots of carbohydrates from potatoes and bread as well as plenty of protein. However, even with such simple staple ingredients, Danish cuisine is wholly unique. There are many local dishes you have to try when you’re in the country, and here are 6 that you can find right in the capital of Copenhagen.
Smørrebrød
Starting with one of Denmark’s most iconic dishes, Smørrebrød (roughly pronounced as “smer-buhd”) are open-face sandwiches. A national favourite, slices of dark rye bread served with a wide variety of toppings, mainly a combination of meat, vegetables, and spreads that are artfully placed on top of the rye to create a picture-perfect dish.
Aamanns Etablissement is a Michelin recommended restaurant that offers a great selection of smørrebrød, with seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. What is great about Aamanns is there is both a sit-down restaurant and more casual deli for takeaways, so whether you want to have a proper meal or purchase a sandwich for your picnic in the nearby botanical gardens, you’ll still be able to try one of their beautiful sandwiches.
Address: Øster Farimagsgade 12, 2100 København Ø
Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm - 11pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 4pm, 6:30pm - 11pm
Sunday: 11.30am - 4pm
Deli
Monday – Sunday 11am – 5:30pm
If you want to try as many types of smørrebrød toppings as possible, pay a visit to Ida Davidsen Smørrebrød. Currently a fifth generation family business, this restaurant offers 250 different types of smørrebrød, from vegetarian and cheese toppings to the more traditional meats and seafood. You’ll definitely be spoiled for choice, so come along with a big group and an empty stomach to try as many sandwiches as possible.
Address: Store Kongensgade 70, 1264 København K
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:30am - 5pm
Flæskesteg
For meat lovers, this is the dish for you. Flæskesteg is Denmark’s version of roasted pork, considered one of the country’s national dishes. A thick slice of meat with a crackling strip of crispy fat is traditionally served with a side of boiled potatoes and/or a scoop of braised red cabbage as part of a christmas meal. Even if you're not visiting around that season, you can still find flæskesteg served in sandwiches or as part of a smørrebrød.
One store that offers flæskesteg sandwiches that are both delicious and cheap is Isted Grill. This store offers both Chinese and Danish food, famous for their simple flæskesteg dish: slices of crispy meat, red cabbage, pickles and mayo are stuffed between two soft buns. This makes for a quick meal on the go, and because the store opens till 2am, it makes a great midnight snack too.
Address: Istedgade 92, 1650 København
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 4pm - 2am
Stegt Flæsk
Can’t get enough of crispy pork? Stegt Flæsk is another hearty dish which consists of fried pork belly strips usually served with a side of potatoes and white parsley sauce. A seemingly simple meal, it is a traditional and national dish that is a favourite among locals.
Restaurant Klubben serves big portions of Stegt Flæsk, with both pork strips and potatoes covering the entire plate, along with a generous serving of parsley sauce. If you’re planning to eat here, come with either a big appetite or a friend, because you’ll definitely need either one to finish this hearty and sinful dish.
Address: Enghavevej 4, 1674 København
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 11pm
Sunday: 12pm - 9pm
Frikadeller
Another pork dish served with a side of potatoes, Frikadeller are Danish meatballs, pan-fried balls of ground pork (sometimes mixed in with ground beef) combined with egg, spices and breadcrumbs. Frikadeller can either be eaten as is, but is also increasingly found on top of Smørrebrød.
Other than Stegt Flæsk, Restaurant Klubben also serves generous portions of Frikadeller. So if you’re feeling particularly hungry or you’re with a big group, why not order both dishes and have a truly authentic and hearty Danish meal.
Hot Dogs
While hot dogs can be found pretty much everywhere in the world, Danish hot dogs are truly something special. They are a staple of the Danish street food scene and are a must try in the Danish capital.
Customizable hot dogs are available at John's Hotdog Deli, which has a DIY condiment stand offering a great selection of different toppings and relishes for you to build your perfect hot dog. For spice lovers, a variety of hot sauces are available to help give your hot dog that extra kick. John’s Hotdog also has a cart near the Copenhagen central station so if you happen to be in the area, head over for a quick bite.
Address:
Deli: Flæsketorvet 39, 1711 København
Cart: Bernstorffsgade, 1704 København
For a healthier option, Den Økologiske Pølsemand, also known as DØP, sells 100% organic hot dogs. The hot dogs are not just limited to just pork either; they have beef, chicken, goat and even vegetarian sausages. Though they have limited condiments, the simple hot dogs will be perfect for a quick meal as you explore Copenhagen.
Address:
Amagertorv 31, 1160 København
Købmagergade 52, 1150 København
Opening Hours:
Stand at Amagertorv
Monday - Thursday, Saturday: 11am - 6:30pm
Friday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 11:30am - 6:30pm
Stand at Købmagergade
Monday - Thursday, Saturday: 10:30am - 6:30pm
Friday: 10:30am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 6:30pm
Wienerbrød
Known as Danish pastries, Wienerbrød are a must try as these pastries just taste more authentic and much in their country of origin. A whole range of pastries are available in most bakeries throughout Copenhagen, with different kinds of fillings and toppings sure to satisfy anyone.
Pay a visit to Sankt Peders Bageri. The oldest bakery in Copenhagen, this bakery produces all types of pastries and baked goods, but it is most famous for its freshly baked cinnamon rolls, covered with either sugar or frosting. So drop by in the morning and grab a warm roll or two for a tasty Danish breakfast.
ed
Address: Sankt Peders Stræde 29, 1453 København
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 8am - 1pm
Trying local food is an essential part of any trip overseas, and Copenhagen is no different, full of eateries selling great Danish cuisine. With hearty staples like meat, bread, and potatoes, Danish food is sure to satisfy anyone and everyone, no matter how picky of an eater one might be.
