13 Best Copenhagen Foods To Try in 2025

Copenhagen’s food scene is a culinary treasure, offering a diverse array of delicacies and dishes that make this vibrant city a paradise for foodies. Offering a blend of traditional Danish fare and modern cuisine, Copenhagen has gained worldwide recognition as a top destination for people eager to experience the best cuisine Denmark has to offer.

From iconic smørrebrød to famous Michelin-starred restaurants, Copenhagen is the perfect place to explore flavors that reflect a complex culture and innovative creativity.

Constantly ushering in new culinary trends and seasonal delights, Copenhagen continues to establish its place as a global food hot spot. With fresh and local ingredients at the heart of its cuisine, the choices are endless and this guide highlights 13 Copenhagen foods that capture the essence of its vibrant culture.  

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• What Food Is Copenhagen Known For?
• The 13 Best Copenhagen, Denmark Foods To Try
• Learn To Cook Copenhagen Foods

What Food Is Copenhagen Known For?

The Copenhagen food scene is blessed with a mix of traditional Danish dishes and modern gastronomy. One surefire way to explore its diversity is with a food tour. These food tours in Copenhagen are popular among foodies because they come with the inside knowledge of a professional guide and offer access to the secret jewels and gems of the city.

The comfort of Copenhagen foods reflects the city’s love and respect for simple and timeless flavors. Inside its modern culinary scene, you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to elevated street food like gourmet hot dogs, fun desserts and Danish pastries.

Copenhagen has become a popular foodie bucket list destination and welcomes global influences that add variety and flair, contributing to its diverse food culture that caters to every taste.

The 13 Best Copenhagen, Denmark Foods To Try

1.  Smørrebrød

The most iconic food in Copenhagen to try is smørrebrød, an open-faced rye sandwich. A runner-up for Denmark’s national dish, smørrebrød is a traditional lunchtime dish topped with a selection of ingredients in several varieties. Some of the most popular ingredients are herring, roast beef, smoked salmon, egg and liver pâté.

You can find smørrebrød in most Danish cafés, specific smørrebrød cafés, restaurants and specialty lunch spots throughout Copenhagen. Many finer dining establishments also offer unique toppings and innovative twists to this classic local dish.

2. Flæskesteg

This beloved Copenhagen food is a meat lover’s dream. Flæskesteg is an incredibly tasty and crispy pork dish. Before broiling with the skin on, the pork is dressed with a dry rub of salt, pepper and cloves. 

The result is a succulent slice with crispy edges. Usually, this is served with potatoes and white or parsley sauce but alternatively, you can find flæskesteg on a bun with red cabbage, cucumbers and sauce.

This Copenhagen food is one of Denmark’s most famous dishes so you’ll find it at many restaurants across Copenhagen and in other foodie cities around the country.

3. Akvavit 

Not quite a Copenhagen food, but still an important part of Danish culture that pairs well with food is Akvavit — a traditional distilled spirit. You can explore several ways to enjoy this popular beverage which is often infused with spices like caraway, fennel and dill.

Akvavit is served chilled in small glasses and is beloved as a celebratory drink for toasting. You’ll be able to find akvavit in many places, from traditional restaurants and smørrebrød cafés to modern cocktail bars and specialty spirits shops.

4. Spandauer

This Copenhagen food is a Danish pastry delight. It can be found almost everywhere in the world but in Copenhagen, it is most abundant in bakeries, cafés, food stalls and grocery stores. Spandauer is made with sweet, laminated dough that results in a crisp outer shell. 

Its filling varies widely, but most classic versions contain custard, jam or almond paste with icing. The filling is nestled within a dough pocket with the edges folded over and glazed.

You’ll also find many creative variations of spandauer, such as those with chocolate drizzle, hazelnut cream or seasonal fruits like apples and berries. Bakeries like Rondo Bakery offer spandauer of all kinds, so stop by to decide on your favorite. This Copenhagen food is often enjoyed as a morning or afternoon snack and pairs nicely with a hot cup of coffee.

5. Rød Pølse

The Danish word for hot dog is rød pølse. The rød pølse is an iconic Copenhagen food — a red sausage typically served in a long bun and topped with mustard and ketchup, plus crispy fried onions, remoulade and pickles.

They are known for their vibrant red color, with the hot dogs being lightly smoked before being dyed red which is a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century.

This process originally started to mark sausages that were nearing their expiry date but over time became a signature element of the popular Copenhagen food.  These are a must-try snack and you’ll be able to find them at one of the many hot dog stands in Copenhagen since they are a trademark of Danish food culture.

6. Snegle

A unique fact about snegle is that it means ‘snail’ in Danish. This beloved Copenhagen food is essentially a cinnamon bun but with variations that set it apart. Snegle is made from a sweet dough rolled into the shape of a snail and filled with butter, sugar and cinnamon or chocolate, then glazed or drizzled with icing.

Some artisan bakeries offer more creative toppings and fillings like marzipan, nuts or custard and even savory toppings like herbs and cheese. Snegle, like spandauer, is mostly found, in bakeries, cafés and grocery stores and is enjoyed as a breakfast food or snack with a coffee and a friend.

7. Æbleskiver

This fun Copenhagen food is best described as Danish pancake balls. Æbleskiver is especially enjoyed by families at Christmastime. The light, airy and fluffy delights are served piping hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey, maple syrup or jam. 

Æbleskiver is made with flour, eggs, sugar, buttermilk, baking powder and sometimes a touch of cardamom or lemon zest. The batter is poured into a special æbleskive pan, which has small round wells that are essential for achieving the dish's signature shape.

Æbleskiver is commonly found at markets, food stalls and cafés during the holiday season. They are usually prepared as a special treat for family gatherings or celebrations and some higher-end restaurants may add the sweet treat to the menu as a specialty dessert.

8. Grød

Danish classic porridge, also known as grød is a favorite Copenhagen food that you might just become attached to. In Denmark, this dish isn’t just a simple breakfast. It’s become a hearty, celebrated dish. Traditionally, grød is eaten with butter, sugar and cinnamon.

Contemporary grød recipes can include ingredients like quinoa or chia seeds, fresh fruits, nuts, granola and caramel. You’ll find this comforting Copenhagen food at trendy cafés and restaurants — some of these restaurants even specialize in this beloved porridge dish, such as GRØD an eatery that has even named itself after the dish!

9. Æbleflæsk

Æbleflæsk is a Copenhagen food that’s considered a quintessential comfort dish in Denmark, embodying the concept of coziness. It’s a savory-sweet dish featuring crispy pork paired with softened apples and caramelized onions. 

The style of pork can vary, ranging from thick-cut bacon, pork belly or salted pork but the onions and apples remain consistent. The pork is fried in a pan until crispy and the fat drippings are reserved to sauté the other ingredients. You can also find modern twists on this classic dish at some restaurants, such as Restaurant Palægade.

10. Frikadeller

This Copenhagen food is a meatball dish that’s considered a staple in Danish cuisine. Frikadeller is made from a mixture of ground beef and pork or sometimes just pork and seasoned with salt, pepper and onions. The meatballs are then pan-fried in butter until crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. 

The Danish love to enjoy this Copenhagen food in a bun or smothered in gravy with potatoes and red cabbage on the side. Some people also love to enjoy these meatballs as part of a smørrebrød sandwich topped with a tangy mayonnaise sauce. Frikadeller is a hearty main meal served in most restaurants across Copenhagen, and it’s even available at some street food stalls in the city. 

11. Hakkebøf med Bløde Løg

While trying Copenhagen foods, make sure to try hakkebøf med bløde løg. This tasty household staple is a meat dish made with minced beef and soft onions. These minced beef patties are the epitome of comfort food in Danish food culture. 

The beef is seasoned and pan-fried until the exterior is crispy and caramelized, then topped with caramelized onions and usually smothered in gravy. Typically, this Copenhagen food is served with boiled or mashed potatoes and pickled vegetables. 

Many households cook hakkebøf med bløde løg for dinner but you can also find it in restaurants and taverns as a featured menu item. It’s a quintessential dish offering comfort, classic and rich flavor.

12. Risalamande

Are you looking for a lovely Danish dessert after indulging in a hearty main course? Risalamande is the perfect finisher! This creamy rice pudding is traditionally served to complete a Christmas Eve dinner and has become an important part of Danish culture. 

Risalamande is made with rice, almonds, whipped cream and a hint of vanilla. It’s usually served cold with a spoonful of cherry sauce on top for flair and flavor. During the holidays, a whole almond is added to the mixture and the person who finds the whole almond wins a prize.

Risalamande is abundant at bakeries and restaurants during the Christmas season but it can also be found throughout the year at buffets and other festive events. 

13. Sild

A very popular Copenhagen food worth trying is sild. Sild is essentially pickled herring and it’s important to try because it’s deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Copenhagen cuisine. Pickled herring is a Nordic staple and reflects the need for food preservation in the harsh winters.

Sild is a practical food in Copenhagen, Denmark food culture but is also celebrated as a delicacy and often enjoyed as an everyday dish. It’s typically served chilled on smørrebrød or as a standalone meat with potatoes, dill or eggs.  You’ll most often find slid at local supermarkets packaged in jars and as a menu item at cafés and restaurants all year round.

Learn To Cook Copenhagen Foods

A great way to immerse yourself in this city’s vibrant culinary scene is to look for cooking classes in Copenhagen, where you’ll not only indulge in the food but also learn how to cook it.

You’ll be guided by an expert who will explain the history and variations of the best food in Copenhagen while walking you through the process of preparing a traditional meal.  

If you can’t yet make it to Copenhagen, you can still immerse yourself in its culinary traditions with in-person cooking classes near you or even convenient online cooking classes. When opting for those focused on Danish cuisine and Copenhagen foods, you'll get a thorough overview of the region's culinary landscape and learn the basics for crafting authentic Copenhagen foods at home. 

Copenhagen’s culinary scene is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, offering everything from classic dishes to modern creations. Whether savoring street food or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, Copenhagen food showcases Denmark’s rich flavors and seasonal ingredients, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts who come from all around the world.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.