Food in Denmark

Denmark, a Scandinavian gem, offers a distinctive culinary experience that extends far beyond its famed pastries and smørrebrød. The Danish food scene is a blend of rustic flavors and innovative gastronomy, where local ingredients and traditional techniques meet contemporary twists. Whether you're strolling through the bustling streets of Copenhagen or exploring the picturesque countryside, Danish cuisine promises to delight your palate. Discover the must-try dishes and culinary traditions that make Denmark a food lover's haven.

Danish Dishes

Smørrebrød

Smørrebrød is perhaps the most iconic Danish dish, consisting of a piece of buttered rye bread (rugbrød) topped with various combinations of meats, cheeses, and garnishes. Common toppings include pickled herring, shrimp, roast beef, liver pâté, and egg. These open-faced sandwiches are a staple for lunch and are often beautifully decorated with fresh herbs, sliced veggies, and edible flowers.

Frikadeller

Frikadeller are Danish meatballs, typically made from a mixture of ground pork and beef, onions, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. The mixture is shaped into balls and then pan-fried until golden brown. Frikadeller are commonly served with potatoes, gravy, and pickled red cabbage or beetroot.

Stegt Flæsk

Stegt flæsk is a beloved Danish dish recognized as the national dish of Denmark. It consists of thick slices of pork belly that are fried until crispy and served with potatoes and a creamy parsley sauce (persillesovs). This hearty meal is traditionally enjoyed especially on cold evenings.

Æbleskiver

Despite their name, which translates to "apple slices," æbleskiver are actually spherical pancakes. They are cooked in a special pan with half-spherical molds and are often served during the Christmas season, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by jam and gløgg, a Scandinavian mulled wine.

Gravad Laks

Gravad laks, or "buried salmon," is a method of preparing salmon by curing it with salt, sugar, and dill. After curing, the salmon is thinly sliced and typically served with a dill and mustard sauce, known as gravlaks sauce, on rye bread or with boiled potatoes.

Medisterpølse

Medisterpølse is a traditional Danish sausage made of finely ground pork, lard, onions, and spices. It is often served during the winter months and is a popular dish during the Christmas season. The sausage is typically fried and served with red cabbage and a hearty brown sauce.

Hakkebøf

Hakkebøf is the Danish version of a hamburger steak, made from ground beef that is shaped into a patty and pan-fried. It's often topped with sautéed onions, a rich brown gravy, and served with pickled cucumbers and boiled potatoes.

Sild

Sild refers to pickled herring, which is a staple in Danish cuisine. It comes in a variety of flavors, including curry, mustard, and dill. Sild is often enjoyed on rye bread as part of a smørrebrød or as a component of the traditional Danish lunch table known as 'det kolde bord.'

Danish Desserts

Wienerbrød

Wienerbrød, or "Vienna bread," is what the rest of the world knows as Danish pastry. These pastries come in various shapes and are filled with ingredients like custard, jam, almond paste, or remonce (a mixture of creamed butter and sugar). They are topped with icing or chocolate and are a popular treat in Danish bakeries.

Risalamande

Risalamande is a traditional Danish Christmas dessert. It is a creamy rice pudding mixed with chopped almonds and served cold with a warm cherry sauce. It is customary to hide one whole almond in the dessert, and the person who finds it receives a small gift.

Koldskål

Koldskål is a sweet cold soup made with buttermilk, eggs, sugar, lemon, and vanilla. During the summer months, it is a favorite treat, often served with small biscuits called kammerjunker or with fresh strawberries.

Drømmekage

Drømmekage, or "dream cake," is a sponge cake topped with a caramelized coconut topping. The cake is baked until golden, and then the topping is added and broiled, creating a rich and gooey layer that complements the lightness of the sponge perfectly.

Rugbrødslagkage

Rugbrødslagkage is a unique Danish cake made with layers of dark rye bread crumbs, whipped cream, and a spread of raspberry or strawberry jam. It is a more wholesome and less sweet alternative to traditional layer cakes, showcasing the Danish love for rye bread even in their desserts.