Let's Eat!

I told people I was studying abroad and the two most popular questions I got were, “do they speak English there?” and “what is the food like?” Before you travel it is a good idea to have some idea of the types of foods you will be eating for the sake of dietary restrictions, allergies, religious beliefs, and simply because you have a right to know.  I studied abroad in Malaga, Spain last summer and my host family was also hosting a student from Copenhagen.  One night, he made us a traditional Danish meal.  The meal consisted of a boiled potato (that I seasoned myself) and a piece of sausage.  So you can imagine my standards for Danish food were pretty low upon arrival.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  Denmark prides itself on their pesticide-free food.  Most food items are fresh and organic and it fits in with the healthy lifestyle that most Danish people live.  Besides the crazy amount of bread and butter they eat, this is a culture that has been able to fuse delicious and healthy.  Read on for some traditional Danish foods and some of my favorites and not so favorites thus far!

Crack

Danish Honey

I have never given much thought to honey, let alone eaten it, until now.  The honey in Denmark is so good. It goes directly from the bees and into the jar.  I like to eat it with warm fresh bread and brie cheese.  Although, it probably goes well with anything, I mean it's just that good.  I have a full jar stashed in my room that I hope will last until I return to the states.

Pork

The pork industry is huge in Denmark. Coming from a household that stays away from pork, I am in heaven.  Can you say bacon galore?? It’s actually the best thing ever.  If you are not a fan of pork you will definitely have other options, but if you are a fan, you’re welcome.

Smørrebrød time

Smørrebrød

It is not pronounced at all the way it looks.  Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish open sandwich.  Usually used with dark, rye bread (which I am not a huge fan of), and a variety of spreads, meats, and other toppings.  It’s pretty good.  And if you ever come to Denmark and want to really immerse yourself in the culture, you must try one.  On one of my class trips we were taken to a restaurant that let us make our own Smørrebrød.  There were unlimited toppings and we could get unlimited servings. Fresh salmon, vegetables, fried fish, venison, a variety of breads; I could go on and on.

Koldskål

Before I arrived to Denmark I had heard of this cold Buttermilk soup that Danes ate in the summer time.  Buttermilk, sugar, cinnamon.  Very simple, and very Danish.  Many add strawberries and these little cookies to the Koldskål and it is absolutely delicious. I want to take some home with me.

SHAWARMA

Your mouth watering yet?

So shawarma is not Danish, I actually do not know what it is.  It’s either Middle Eastern or Turkish.  Either way, it is the best shit ever! (Excuse my language but I get so excited about Shawarma). I found some amazing Shawarma at Fløng's Pizzeria which is located directly behind my house in Hedehusene (this will cause nothing but trouble). Anyways, Shawarma can also be called kebab and it is shaved off of a spinning chunk of lamb and nestled inside a warm pita with lettuce, white sauce, and tomatoes.  It sounds so basic but it is so delicious.  The shops remind me of the neighborhood restaurants in America that are cheap and delicious, except for there is Shawarma on every corner and they are not cheap, but nothing in Denmark is cheap.  They average about $8 or 40 Danish Krones per pita.  They are worth it though.  I promise.

I scream for Ice Cream! (no really every time I see an ice cream shop I get tingly inside)

The ice cream here is absolutely delicious.  There is also an ice cream shop on every corner in the city so it is very hard to resist.  It is fresh, creamy, and everything ice cream should be.  There is a place called Paradis and it has the reputation of being the best ice cream in Denmark.  Of course I have been, and at this point, I can agree.  If you ever happen to visit Denmark while it is still fairly warm, check out Paradis, or any other ice cream shop/stand.  It is hard to go wrong.

Pastries

It is common in many European countries to have cafes and bakeries that line the streets.  Denmark is no exception.  Yep, "Danishes" are really a thing. My nose has been the downfall of my bank account because it is hard to resist the smell of freshly baked pastries.  They are everywhere and entirely too good.  If you have a sweet tooth, you might be in trouble. 

I just ate the bacon, duh.

Now for my not so favorites

Liver Pate

For those of you who have never had pate, it’s like a paste of ground meat of some sort, and fat.  It is commonly used in Denmark on sandwiches but I am not a fan.

Herring

This is a type of fish that is also very popular in Denmark.  I have never been a fan of “fishy” fish.  I don’t like the smell and I do not like to eat it. But, it is worth a try if you want to be traditional

Burgers

I have yet to eat a good burger since I have been here.  I consider myself a burger connoisseur and whenever I go somewhere I look for the best burger places.  There is either something in the meat that does not taste right to me or the burger is too healthy.  When I eat burgers I expect a slight element of grease and sloppiness.  I am still on the lookout and I’m sure Copenhagen has a place that will have just the right amount of deliciousness and grease.

Missing home?

Denmark has the typical fast food places, McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, KFC, etc.   I have even spotted one Starbucks.  MAD American Diner is very close to the central station in Copenhagen if you are ever craving a taste of home.  Moral of the story, you are bound to find something that you like.  Italian, Indian, and Asian places are everywhere and can be pretty good as well.  However, no matter the country, true immersion involves eating the local and traditional food.  Expanding your palette and trying new things.  I have tried to stay away from “comfortable” foods.  So far, it has worked out for me.