Did you know that Copenhagen has been voted as the best city to visit in 2019, by avid travellers at Lonely Planet? To understand why Copenhagen is such an appealing travel destination, we dove right into the various attractions the city can offer and realized that one of the high points is, undoubtedly, the food! The various options of food and beverage to be found in this unique city are endless. Ranging from restaurants that serve the local culinary favourites, to coffee shops and bakeries that are perfect for a break in the midst of your exciting exploration in Copenhagen, there is something to suit every kind of budget. Without further ado, read on to check out some of the food we deem you must try in Copenhagen, Denmark!
1. Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød, which literally translates to, “buttered bread”, is an open-faced sandwich consisting of rye sourdough bread with a combination of different seafood, meats, and vegetables. The locals often prefer to enjoy smørrebrød with a cold beer. Due to its unique use of ingredients, many first-timers find it hard to get used to the taste, but fret not! Here’s a tip to how you can enjoy the best out of a smørrebrød: eat the herring first and then once you have gotten used to the taste, take the fish, then the meat, and finally, the cheese. In this way, you too will be able to enjoy smørrebrød just like the locals!
Lillians Smørrebrød
Address: Vester Voldgade 108, 1552 København, Denmark
Website: Lillians Smørrebrød
2. Frikadeller
Frikadeller, also known as Denmark’s very own tasty pork dish, is served in the form of meatballs, coupled with other yummy add-ons such as boiled potatoes, brown gravy, and red cabbage. Frikadeller is an integral part of Danish culture, so popular that it has become a common dish for locals to enjoy over lunch and dinner. The dish holds a prideful centuries-old history and is often shaped in a flat or oblong shape, giving it a unique place of its own as compared to the usual spherical pork meatballs you may be more than familiar with.
Husmanns Vinstue
Address: Larsbjørnsstræde 2, 1454 København, Denmark
Website: Husmanns Vinstue
3. Stegt Flæsk
Stegt Flæsk, with Stegt being “fried” and Flæsk meaning “strips of pork belly”, can be easily understood as a dish with crispily fried pork belly, made better with creamy parsley sauce. The dish also holds the proud distinction of being the country’s first national dish, as voted by the Danish people in 2014. Stegt Flæsk possesses the heartwarming implication of the locals’ affection towards pork. It is also a dish best enjoyed during winter.
Restaurant Vita
Address: Store Kongensgade 25, 1264 København, Denmark
Website: Restaurant Vita
Tip from Trip101 local expert
This is a very popular dish during election times! Politicians will exaggerate promises in an attempt to win mandates and this is known as "Valgflæsk" which means empty election promises but also election pork. As it plays on words, it became a tradition to serve and eat this during election times in Denmark.
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4. Flæskesteg
Flæskesteg means “roast pork” in English. As the name implies, Flæskesteg is a roast pork dish popular amongst the locals, often served with red cabbage. Traditionally, Flæskesteg is enjoyed during Christmas, but across time, it has evolved into a dish that can be eaten anytime throughout the day, especially during gatherings between friends and families. On casual occasions, locals love to enjoy the Flæskesteg with side dishes like potatoes and rye bread, sometimes even smørrebrød, as introduced above.
Restaurationen
Address: Møntergade 19, 1116 København, Denmark
Website: Restaurationen
5. Rød pølse
Known as “red sausage”, rød pølse is a common street food in Denmark, also widely known as the champion of Danish hot dogs. What makes these hot dogs unique is the fact that they are dipped in red dye, making it a striking attraction of its own. Rød pølse is usually eaten with ketchup, mustard, and onions on the side. If you are looking for a quick bite while you stroll down the streets in Copenhagen, these flavoursome hot dogs would make just the right snack for you!
Doep
Address: Den Okologiske Polsemand | Next to Rundetarn in Kobmagergade, Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: Doep
6. Grød
Don’t underestimate how yummy a porridge can be. Grød is going to prove you wrong! Grød, or “porridge” in its literal English meaning, is very popular and commonly found in many cafes around Copenhagen. If you think that this dish is just about oatmeal, then you might need to read on, to know more. Oatmeal is definitely the main ingredient but it is accompanied with chestnut purée, apple and toasted almonds. That’s right! It is healthy and delicious.
Grød
Address: Jægersborggade 50, kld. tv. 2200 København N
Website: Grød
7. Falafel
Falafel is your healthy dining option when you are in Copenhagen. As one of the famous dishes in Denmark, this eatable can be filled with a range of ingredients from chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, to other vegetables such as carrots, cabbages, fried eggplant, and pickled veggies. Falafel is most often eaten with lettuce and garlic sauce but as you visit the different local restaurants in Copenhagen, you will notice that the combination of the fillings differ based on the recipe of the store. Feel free to explore while you are here!
Falafel Factory
Address: Nørrebrogade 63, 2200 København, Denmark
Website: Falafel Factory
8. Marinated or pickled herring
Herring, commonly known as “sild” by the locals, is a dish that you can easily find in cold buffets or traditional Danish menus. It is often eaten together with smørrebrød and snaps. These three dishes have been crowned as the holy trinity of a typical Danish lunch. Herrings can be served in various ways: pickled, marinated, or curried; all up to your own preferences! Commonly this dish is accompanied by boiled eggs or buttered rye bread.
Restaurant Schoennemann
Address: Hauser Plads 16, Copenhagen 1127, Denmark
Website: Restaurant Schoennemann
9. Durum shawarma
Enjoy this Middle Eastern dish in Copenhagen! Usually stuffed with lamb or mutton, shawarma in Copenhagen also comes with various fillings such as chicken, turkey, or beef, allowing you to choose the best shawarma based on your own preference. Durum shawarma is a very popular street food in Copenhagen, making it a great snack for you to munch on while you take a break from walking the streets.
Sheik Shawarma
Address: Nørrebrogade 98, 2200 København, Denmark
Website: Sheik Shawarma
10. Hindbærsnitter
Now that you have tasted these delicious main courses, we hope you have left some space for the mouthwatering desserts? The next dish we would love to recommend is the Hindbærsnitter, also known as “raspberry bars” or “raspberry slices”. As you might be able to guess from its name, Hindbærsnitter is a short-crust pastry that comes in a flat-shaped, filled with jam, topped with icing, and vibrantly enhanced with colourful sprinkles. One bite of it and you feel that Christmas has come early, making it the perfect dessert to try out once you are done with the heavy main courses!
Velkommen | Dessertdragens kageværksted
Address: Sankt Peders Stræde 26, 1453 København, Denmark
Pamper Your Tastebuds in Copenhagen, Denmark
Is that your tummy grumbling that we have heard? We don’t blame you, we too are getting hungry just by introducing you these mouthwatering dishes you have to try in Copenhagen. If you are one who can’t wait to explore some of the hidden treasures in Denmark, we strongly recommend you to stop by Copenhagen and let your tastebuds be pampered with these unique dishes that you might not get to taste every day.
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