As the bustling capital of Denmark, Copenhagen has become a culinary haven, offering a wide array of tastes from traditional local favorites to modern spins, international fusions, and innovative New Nordic cuisine. There’s plenty for the foodie to find here, and this guide is going to help give you a few ideas of what, exactly, you should savor during your stay in the city.
Traditional Danish Delicacies
First of all, make sure that you take the time to really immerse yourself in the local culture by trying out a few traditional dishes that have been passed down to us throughout the years. For instance, Smørrebrød is a true Danish staple. These open-faced sandwiches, usually served on rye bread, come with all kinds of toppings, such as pickled herring, roast beef, or liver pate, and often with toppings like fresh herbs, onions, or remoulade. Quite visually impressive, on top of being delicious.
Frikadeller are pan-fried meatballs, typically made from pork or a pork-beef blend and seasoned with onion or spices. Served with boiled potatoes and gravy, they are a perfect example of the hearty Danish cuisine best enjoyed in Autumn or Winter. Stegt flæsk with potatoes and parsley sauce (or persillesovs) is often thought of as the country’s national dish, as well, and is well worth a try.
New Nordic Cuisine
While traditional Danish food might be known for being simplistic, hearty, and filling, the New Nordic food movement has hit the city in force, as well. This style emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients prepared with modern techniques. Eateries like Noma have become a highly popular attraction in the city, with innovative and groundbreaking dishes for the true gastronomer.
Kadeau is another popular spot, bringing the cuisine of the Baltic Sea and the island of Bornholm to the city. While perhaps not as out there as Noma, its focus on high quality seafood dishes and sustainability has made it a very trendy choice for visitors to the city.
Street Food and Communal Dining
If you enjoy a more casual experience and you want to enjoy the city at its liveliest, there’s no shortage of vibrant street food markets, like those at Broens. This bustling market is situated by the water, with a host of cuisines, from tacos to sushi and Danish classics, to pick up while you enjoy a walk or seat through the laid-back streets.
Communal eating is a popular tradition of the city, as well, and can be found in places like Absalon, a former church turned community center. Long tables and self-service are the hallmarks of this dining style, allowing visitors to get a real sense of the community.
Sweet Treats
Of course, you can’t mention Danish cuisine without thinking of Danish pastries. There is no shortage of bakeries in the city serving Wienerbrød. What we know, internationally, as “Danish Pastries”, in their various shapes and filling variations. Stop at just about any cafe and you can enjoy one of these with a cup of coffee.
Less common overseas but very popular amongst visitors to the city are Flødeboller, chocolate-coated marshmallow treats with a wafer or marzipan base that can be picked up and eaten on the go.
International Flavors
Of course, while you might want to try out some local favorites, that doesn’t mean that the city is lacking a thriving international cuisine scene, either. You can find all kinds of international foods here, from the traditional Mexican flavors of Sanchez, using local ingredients for a delicious blend, to the authentic ramen bowls of Slurp Ramen Joint, one of the several Japanese cuisine spots in the city. Sushi Anaba is one such space, as well, serving the Edomae style of sushi and making good use of the fresh seafood easily available to the coastal city.
DL Limousine: Enhancing Your Culinary Journey
If you’re looking to enjoy your dining experiences in Copenhagen at the height of comfort, then DL Limousine is here to help. Your premier luxury transportation provider, we offer bespoke, high-end experiences, driving you where you need to go in the city and beyond. Our services include private chauffeurs, seamless transfers to and from the airport, and a fleet of top-tier models, like the all-electric Mercedes EQS and the iconic Mercedes S-Class.
Whether you want to make a reservation for a Michelin-starred restaurant or simply to explore the city’s street foods and more traditional offerings, DL Limousine can ensure that your journey is as enjoyable as the destination.