Food in Copenhagen: 12 must-try local delights

Picture this: You’re in the beautiful capital of Denmark, your stomach growls, and you’re wondering what to eat in Copenhagen. Luckily, in between Copenhagen’s unmissable landmarks and historical sights lies cozy bakeries selling fresh Danish pastries and quaint restaurants serving traditional Danish fare like flæskesteg and smørrebrød.

What food is Copenhagen known for? You’ll have to head to food-centric neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District and Nørrebro to discover the best Copenhagen cuisine, whether a buttery sweet treat or savory frikadeller is on your mind. Use this tasty guide to the best Copenhagen food to kick off your Danish culinary journey.

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1. Discover the toppings of smørrebrød

Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich, is Denmark’s quintessential lunchtime dish. This Danish classic is traditionally made with rye bread and topped with a variety of ingredients, including herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, and pork liver pate.

How to eat the best smørrebrød in Copenhagen?

Head to Restaurant Schønnemann, an upscale Danish lunch restaurant known for its wide selection of traditional and innovative toppings. Nearby, you’ll find Roseburg Castle and its sprawling gardens.

2. Grab a quick Danish hot dog

A must-try in Copenhagen is the iconic Danish hot dog, a beloved street food staple for a quick but delicious meal. Unlike your ordinary backyard hot dogs, Danish hot dogs are gourmet-quality delicacies slathered in remoulade, crispy fried onions, and pickles.

How to eat the best Danish hot dog in Copenhagen?

Street vendors all over the city serve these tasty dogs, but DØP (Den Økologiske Pølsemand), an organic hot dog stand located near the Round Tower, is a local favorite.

3. Indulge in a Danish pastry

Denmark is well-known for its pastries, and a trip to Copenhagen would be incomplete without sampling these sweet treats. The variety of pastries, known as wienerbrød in Denmark, is vast, ranging from custard-filled spandauer (known by many as the Danish pastry) to cinnamon-infused snegle (cinnamon rolled pastry).

How to eat the best Danish Pastry in Copenhagen?

Visit Hart, a popular bakery chain in Copenhagen, to sample a wide range of freshly baked Danish pastries.

4. Eat the crispy flæskesteg sandwich

If you’re a meat lover, you must eat the flæskesteg sandwich while in Copenhagen. This filling sandwich is made with flæskesteg, a popular Danish pork roast with crispy cracking. In between the pork, you’ll find red cabbage, cucumber, and a delectable sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal in a bun.

How to eat the best flæskesteg sandwich in Copenhagen?

The best flæskesteg sandwiches can be found in street food markets and sandwich shops throughout the city, such as the Torvehallerne food market. Grab your meal to go and have a picnic at Ørstedsparken across the street.

5. Enjoy fresh Danish Seafood

Given the city’s proximity to the sea, it’s no surprise that seafood plays a prominent role in Copenhagen cuisine. Smoked fish, pickled herring, fresh oysters, and langoustines are just some of the seafood staples you'll find here. Herring in curry sauce is a Danish lunchtime tradition, typically eaten spread across rye bread.

How to eat the best Danish seafood in Copenhagen?

The best way to enjoy Danish seafood is at one of Copenhagen’s fish markets or waterfront restaurants. Don't hesitate to take a cruise in Copenhagen while you are near the water.

6. Sit down for a Danish Breakfast

A traditional Danish breakfast values simple, wholesome ingredients and starting the day with a nutritious meal. It typically consists of bread, cheeses, jams, soft-boiled eggs, and a steamy cup of coffee. For a truly Danish experience, try rugbrød, a dense, dark rye bread that is often paired with a slice of cheese or bright jam.

How to eat the best Danish Breakfast in Copenhagen?

Visit Granola, a charming café with romantic streetside seating in Vesterbro, for a Danish breakfast spread in a cozy, retro setting.

7. Taste the sweet and savory sides of Æbleflæsk

Æbleflæsk (apple pork) is a traditional Danish food that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This famous food in Copenhagen is made with cured or salted pork, fried apples, onions, and sugar, resulting in an out-of-this-world flavor combo.

How to eat the best Æbleflæsk in Copenhagen?

Seek out a traditional Danish restaurant, such as Restaurant Puk, particularly during the colder months when this dish is typically served.

8. Try the creamy Danish havarti cheese

Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese known for its creamy texture and buttery taste. Symbolic of Denmark’s rich dairy farming and cheese-making traditions, havarti is an incredibly versatile cheese, perfect for cooking and as a simple snack.

How to eat the best havarti cheese in Copenhagen?

Find high-quality havarti at a local cheese shop or at a farmers’ market like Grønt Marked, which has several locations around Copenhagen.

9. Experience the airy taste of flødeboller

Flødeboller are beloved Danish sweets that have been enjoyed for generations. These chocolate-coated marshmallow teacakes often come with a variety of creative fillings, from traditional vanilla cream to more exotic flavors like passion fruit or coffee. At the base of the marshmallow sits a crispy biscuit.

How to eat the best flødeboller in Copenhagen?

Flødeboller can be found in bakeries, sweet shops, and some cafes across Copenhagen. Some places even allow you to watch the confectionery process.

10. Enjoy the classic Danish rugbrød

Rugbrød (dense, dark rye bread) can be found in most Danish kitchens and traditional eateries in Copenhagen. This nutritious bread is characterized by its distinct sourdough flavor, and it forms the foundation of the famous Danish open-faced sandwich smørrebrød.

How to eat the best rugbrød in Copenhagen?

For the freshest rugbrød, visit a local bakery early in the morning. Meyers Bageri, with several locations, is a renowned bakery where you can find some of the best rugbrød in the city.

11. Take a sip of traditional Danish akvavit

Akvavit, also known as snaps, is a traditional Danish distilled spirit. It’s frequently flavored with spices and herbs, such as caraway, fennel, or dill. Akvavit is usually served chilled in small glasses and is a popular choice for toasting at celebrations and festive meals.

How to drink the best akvavit in Copenhagen?

For a true Danish experience, visit Restaurant Kronborg, where you can enjoy a variety of akvavit alongside classic Danish food. Copenhagen City Hall is a nearby attraction.

12. Savor the spices of frikadeller

For the best comfort food in Copenhagen, frikadeller definitely makes the list. These Danish meatballs are made from a mixture of ground pork, veal, or beef, combined with onions, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Seasoned with a blend of spices, frikadeller are typically served with potatoes and a rich gravy.

How to eat the best frikadeller in Copenhagen?

Head to a classic eatery like Restaurant Karla, known for its traditional Danish cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Restaurant Karla also happens to be surrounded by many sights, such as Tivoli Gardens and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of the best art museums in Copenhagen.

FAQs

What are the best neighborhoods in Copenhagen for food?

Some of the best neighborhoods in Copenhagen for food include Vesterbro, known for its trendy cafes and innovative restaurants, and Nørrebro, which offers a diverse range of international cuisines. The Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) is famous for its vibrant food scene, featuring everything from street food to fine dining. Indre By, the city center, is also a great spot for traditional Danish dishes and high-end dining experiences.

What are the best food tours in Copenhagen?

Food tours led by locals and food experts are a great option for those who want to explore a wide range of Danish cuisine and learn what to eat in Copenhagen. Themed tours focused on certain foods or neighborhoods are also great options, such as beer and cheese tasting tours centered around Copenhagen’s locally crafted beers and artisan cheeses.

What are the top local food markets in Copenhagen to visit?

Some of the top local food markets in Copenhagen include Torvehallerne, a bustling market with over 60 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to gourmet chocolates. The Reffen street food market is another favorite.

What is the best time of year to visit Copenhagen for food lovers?

Copenhagen is a year-round destination for food lovers. However, if you want to experience the city’s food festivals, consider visiting in summer or early fall. The Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival in August is Scandinavia’s largest food festival, while the Mikkeller Beer Festival happens in late May.

How much should I budget for food in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is considered one of the pricier European cities. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €30-€50 ($33-$55) per day on meals, while those looking for a more upscale dining experience should budget at least €100 ($110) per day.