Wondering what to eat in Copenhagen? This bustling Danish capital offers diverse culinary experiences, drawing food lovers from around the world. Copenhagen's food scene reflects the city's commitment to sustainability and quality, offering everything from traditional Danish fare to innovative new cuisine. It's a city that invites you to explore its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture, offering plenty of must-eat options.

So, what food is Copenhagen known for? Well, whether you're craving the comforting flavors of home-style Danish cooking or the creative compositions of a Michelin-starred meal, dining on the canal or in a stunning park, there's a wealth of food to eat in Copenhagen. This guide takes you through 12 of the best food experiences in the city, highlighting famous food, popular food, and lesser-known gems. Here are the foods to try, dishes that will give you a true taste of Copenhagen and leave you with delicious memories of your Danish adventure.

1. Discover the delights of smørrebrød

Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich, is the quintessential lunchtime dish in Denmark. 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. Copenhagen is home to many eateries that serve this national specialty, each with its own unique twist on the timeless recipe.

How to eat the best smørrebrød in Copenhagen

For an authentic smørrebrød experience, seek out a classic Danish lunch restaurant known as a smørrebrødsrestaurant. If you're worried about calories, enjoy your delicious meal as part of the 3-Hour Culinary Bike Tour.

2. Savor the authentic Danish hot dog

A must-try in Copenhagen is the iconic Danish hot dog. These are not your ordinary hot dogs but gourmet delicacies slathered in remoulade, crispy fried onions, and pickles. Street vendors all over the city serve these tasty snacks, making them an accessible culinary experience for any traveler.

How to eat the best Danish hot dog in Copenhagen

Feel like a local with a Scandinavian Delights Food & Drink Private Tour, visiting many traditional food stands and restaurants, including the delicious Danish hot dog.

3. Indulge in a Danish pastry

Denmark is well-known for its pastries, and a trip to Copenhagen would be incomplete without sampling these buttery treats. The variety of pastries, known as wienerbrød in Denmark, is vast, ranging from flaky croissants to cinnamon-infused snegle.

How to eat the best Danish Pastry in Copenhagen

Head out on the Small-Group Hygge and Happiness Culture Tour and get a real taste of the concept of hygge, including quintessential Danish delights, such as the Danish pastry.

4. Try the unique flæskesteg sandwich

If you're a meat lover, the flæskesteg sandwich is a must-try in Copenhagen. This hearty sandwich is made with flæskesteg, a popular Danish pork roast with crispy crackling. It's also topped with red cabbage, cucumber, and a savory 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 those encountered on the Culinary Experience Tour.

5. Delight in Danish Seafood

Given Denmark's geography, it's no surprise that seafood plays a prominent role in its cuisine. With smoked fish, pickled herring, fresh oysters, and langoustines, Copenhagen's seafood is as diverse as it is delicious.

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. For a unique experience, combine a visit to the waterfront with Cruise Ship Shore Excursion.

6. Enjoy a Danish Breakfast

A traditional Danish breakfast is a great way to start your day. It typically consists of a variety of bread, cheeses, jams, and a soft-boiled egg. For a truly Danish experience, try Rugbrød, a dense, dark rye bread that is often paired with a slice of cheese or jam.

How to eat the best Danish Breakfast in Copenhagen

Take a City Highlights Walking Tour with a Local and ask them to point out some traditional Danish breakfast options. Pair your meal with a cup of strong Danish coffee or tea.

7. Savor the taste of Æbleflæsk

Æbleflæsk (apple pork) is a traditional Danish dish that perfectly balances the flavors of sweet and savory. It is made with cured or salted pork fried with apples, onions, and sugar, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal.

How to eat the best Æbleflæsk in Copenhagen

For an authentic Æbleflæsk experience, seek out a traditional Danish restaurant, particularly during the colder months when this dish is typically served. You might consider taking The Meatpacking District Tour and heading through one of the most popular foodie districts in the city.

8. Savor the creamy Danish Havarti cheese

Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese recognized for its creamy texture and mild, buttery taste. It's an incredibly versatile cheese, perfect for both cooking and as a simple snack.

How to eat the best Havarti cheese in Copenhagen

Find some high-quality Havarti at a local cheese shop or farmers' market. Sample it to appreciate its delicate flavors, or enjoy it as part of a traditional Danish breakfast with some Rugbrød. You will likely find some to taste on the Evening Gourmet Walk with Food & Drinks Tasting.

9. Experience the taste of flødeboller

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

How to eat the best flødeboller in Copenhagen

Flødeboller is often found in bakeries, sweet shops, and even 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) is a staple in Danish cuisine. 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. Enjoy it sliced thinly and topped with butter, cheese, or any variety of cold cuts for a traditional Danish breakfast. You might also consider taking part in a Private Full-Day City Tour with Food Tastings to get a real taste of Danish culture.

11. Delight in traditional Danish akvavit

Akvavit, also known as snaps, is a traditional Danish distilled spirit. It is frequently flavored with spices and herbs, such as caraway, fennel, or dill. Akvavit is typically 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

Try this Guided Bar Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Beer to sample akvavit at a local bar. It's traditionally sipped slowly, allowing the complex flavors to fully unfold.

12. Play it safe at the Hard Rock Cafe

Not everyone has an adventurous palette. If you're in the mood for something more familiar, Copenhagen has no shortage of restaurants you'd just as easily find in London. For example, you could head to the Hard Rock Cafe and enjoy a nice burger.

How best to eat a Hard Rock Cafe burger in Copenhagen

With the Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner offer, you can skip the lines and choose from a range of meal options with starters, entrées, desserts.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Copenhagen?

The must-try traditional dishes in Copenhagen include smørrebrød, a Danish open-faced sandwich, frikadeller (Danish meatballs), and the Danish hot dog. Other notable dishes include flæskesteg, a juicy roast pork with crispy crackling, and forloren hare, a meatloaf-style dish. Sweets like flødeboller and Æbleskiver are also worth trying.

What are the best food tours in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen offers a variety of food tours that cater to different tastes. General food tours are a great option for those who want to explore a wide range of Danish cuisine. Beer and cheese tasting tours are perfect for those interested in 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 Copenhagen Street Food Market on Paper Island is another favorite, offering a wide range of international cuisines.

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 late summer or early fall. The Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival in August is Scandinavia's largest food festival, while the Copenhagen Beer Festival in September celebrates Danish craft beer.

How much should I budget for food in Copenhagen?

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