The Best 5 Traditional Dishes in Denmark

When you think of Denmark, images of colorful Nyhavn houses, cozy cafés, and the serene beauty of Scandinavian landscapes might come to mind. But beyond its charming streets and hygge-filled corners lies a culinary heritage rich in history, flavor, and tradition. Danish traditional food is a delightful blend of hearty, comforting dishes crafted from simple, fresh ingredients that tell the story of Denmark’s coastal bounty and agricultural roots.

From the iconic open-faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød to the comforting warmth of frikadeller (Danish meatballs) and the sweet indulgence of wienerbrød (Danish pastries), Danish cuisine is a celebration of both simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re a curious foodie or planning your next trip to Denmark, join us as we explore the must-try dishes that define Danish traditional food and the cultural stories behind every bite.

Open Face Sandwich

“Smørrebrød” is one of the most common dishes associated with Denmark. The open sandwich is based on rye bread, with a layer of butter covered with many different toppings. There is an unwritten law that rye bread should be covered with the toppings so that it disappears. The most popular toppings among the locals are roast beef and smoked salmon. 

Across Copenhagen, there are many cafes and restaurants that serve a variety of “Smørrebrød”; some offer a quick bite on the go, whilst others provide a complete dining experience, but here are some of the favourites:

Told & Snaps – Located a few steps from Nyhavn, Told & Snaps is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. It offers many different open sandwiches made into a beautiful masterpiece, which you can pair with one of their signature homemade schnapps. Toldbodgade 2, 1253 København

Ida Davidsen – With more than 100 years of experience in open-face sandwich making, restaurant Ida Davidsen offers a variety of traditional sandwiches made on top of freshly baked rye bread. Delicious food and a great atmosphere. Store Kongensgade 70, 1264 København

A photo of an open face sandwich | The Best 5 Traditional Dishes in Denmark | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Open Face Sandwich | Traditional Dishes in Denmark

Hot Dog

In Denmark, the hot dogs are like no place else, topped with pickles, crispy onions, and, most importantly – remoulade. 

Hot dogs came to Denmark in 1920, and at the time few people could afford them. However, now the hotdogs are available for everyone – a quick snack on the way to work or a lunch bite with colleagues, what could be better than this? 

If you have decided to try one of the Danish hot dogs, do not forget to take “Cocio” chocolate milk with it. Pairing a hot dog with chocolate milk is one of the most popular combinations among Danes. 

Johns Hotdog Deli – Serving traditional Danish hot dogs with all the signature toppings. Johns Hotdog Deli offers customized hot dogs; choose your favourite bread, sausage, and toppings. If you have arrived at Copenhagen Central Station, Johns Hotdog Deli is just outside the main exit, facing Tivoli Gardens. Bernstorffsgade 5, 1704 København

DØP – Not only being 100% organic, DØP offers a range of hot dogs for every preference, starting with pork, beef and chicken options and continuing with tofu and lactose-free hot dogs.  Købmagergade 52, 1150 København K

A photo of a hot dog style sandwich | The Best 5 Traditional Dishes in Denmark | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Hot Dog Style | Traditional Dishes in Denmark

Danish Meatballs

When the evening comes, and the whole family sits at the dinner table, one of the Danish families’ most commonly served dinner dishes is “Frikadeller“, served with boiled potatoes and red cabbage. One of the reasons this dish is so prevalent within Denmark is that if there are any leftover meatballs, they can be easily used for open sandwiches the next day! 

Danish meatballs can be prepared in many ways, but they are mostly made of pork. However, there are alternatives, and this popular dish can also be designed as a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Restaurant Komplet offers a traditional Danish kitchen with all the signature dishes; Restaurant Komplet offers delightful food, a cosy atmosphere, and possibly the best Danish meatballs in Copenhagen. Krystalgade 9, 9A, 1172 København

A photo of Danish meatballs | The Best 5 Traditional Dishes in Denmark | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Danish Meatballs | Traditional Dishes in Denmark

Danish Pastries

Denmark has many great things about it, but one of them is its pastries. The Danish pastry is called “Wienerbrød“, which translates as “Vienna bread” the name has been retained from when Austrian bakers came to Denmark and started baking pies. 

Over the years, Danish pastries have become an essential part of hygge, served with a warm cup of coffee and great stories with loved ones.

Enjoy the pastries at one of the cosy Danish bakeries or take them home, light up candles, pour a cup of tea and have hygge!

Bageriet BRØD – offering freshly baked traditional Danish pastries and located in the heart of Copenhagen, BRØD is an ecological bakery that uses only natural ingredients, and you can read about them on each pie. The bakery is open from 7 AM and serves various warm drinks, making it a great breakfast place. Enghave Pl. 7, 1670 København

A photo of Danish sastries | The Best 5 Traditional Dishes in Denmark | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Danish Pastries | Traditional Dishes in Denmark

Liquorice

In Denmark, liquorice is used in many different products, so if till now you have only tried liquorice candies, then in Denmark, you have many other opportunities to try it in cakes, ice cream, chips, tea, alcohol, you name it. It’s one of the most Danish traditional food.

The locals say that the salted Liquorice has gained its fame in the whole of Scandinavia due to the long and cold winters, and this salty snack helps to get through them.

LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW – premium liquorice produced in Denmark, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW offers a variety of liquorice products with many different flavours for each taste. Every product has been designed so that it presents a gourmet experience. In their shop, you will find a full range of Liquorice – both sweet and salty, coated in chocolate, liquorice syrup, liquorice powder and many others. Vesterbrogade 3, 1620 København

A photo of liquorice candy | The Best 5 Traditional Dishes in Denmark | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Liquorice | Traditional Dishes in Denmark

Create Your Custom Culinary Experience With Amitylux

Suppose you want to explore the Danish cuisine in Copenhagen and best danish traditional food – book a custom tour with Amitylux. Let our knowledgeable guides show you the most delicious places in Copenhagen from an insider’s perspective.

, , ,

5 Hidden Outdoor Adventures in North Zealand Denmark: Nature’s Untold Secrets

Read more
Tea in London. The best sports for tea in London in the summertime. Photo shared by Brown's Hotel on May 18, 2024. An image of dogs having tea around a set table at the Brown's Hotel in London.
, , ,

The Best Spots for Tea in London in the Summertime

Read more