“Let’s go out for Danish food” isn’t something you often hear, but Denmark is actually a foodie destination. The food in Copenhagen is steeped in tradition and history, but for the last decade, it’s been undergoing a revolution.

Innovative chefs create modern dishes with ancient ingredients and fuse cuisines across cultures while embracing sustainability. Copenhagen has the most Michelin Stars of any city in Scandinavia but maintains a vibrant street food scene. Even some top restaurateurs have opened food trucks.

I’ve lived in Denmark since 2017 and although I’m not Danish, I’ve learned a lot about the food in Copenhagen. I’ve been to countless restaurants both old and new, sampled street food, and have even been invited to traditional picnics and Christmas dinners by my Danish friends.

Denmark Food Culture and History

Geography is destiny, and the food in Copenhagen truly reflects this.

Denmark is a small, flat country in Northern Europe with no point more than 50 km from the sea. The Danish realm, now and historically, stretches north to the Arctic — further shaping its food.

Denmark is a country of fascinating contradictions. It’s a progressive country with deep traditions.It’s a collectivist society, but people maintain few, yet deep relationships. It’s a homogeneous culture comprised of people who are natural explorers. 

All of which is reflected in the food.

Traditional Danish Cuisine

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