Over the past couple of decades, Copenhagen has transformed from gastronomic backwater to undisputed gourmet hotspot, with a dynamic, diverse and democratic food scene. At the fine-dining end of the culinary spectrum, a Copenhagen restaurant (Geranium) holds top spot in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List, and the team from another (Søllerod Krø) took Denmark to victory at this year’s Bocuse d’Or awards. Meanwhile, it’s become increasingly easy to eat out well for less, thanks to an abundance of gourmet burger bars, great pizzerias, artisan bakeries and assorted street food stalls. More international, too, as a new wave of Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean restaurants shake things up on the flavour front.
The traditional favourites are still there, of course, often with a modern makeover. Make time for a lunch of smørrebrød (the famous open sandwiches); try a classic hot dog (the original Danish street food); and get your fingers sticky with delicious pastries, layer cakes and flødeboller (chocolate-covered marshmallow buns). And don’t forget to stock up on foodie souvenirs: goodies worth bringing back include small batch cheeses, gourmet liquorice, handmade chocolates and craft gins and liqueurs.
