Top 10 Danish Dishes You Need to Try

In anticipation for my upcoming Denmark travel series, I wanted to share my list of the best Danish food (and drinks) to try when you visit Denmark– or, at least, have access to a Danish restaurant. Given that Danish cuisine is quite hard to find outside of the country, as well as the fact that it borrows many dishes from its nearby German and Scandinavian neighbors, it’s very much a challenge. All the same, a delicious one!

Danish cuisine is a complex one, heavily-influenced by its climate and geography. Denmark is part of Scandinavia and therefore is subjected to pleasant summers and chilling winters, giving rise to berry desserts and hearty meat dishes, respectively. The country also has easy access to both the North and Baltic Seas, which offer a plethora of seafood, particularly fish like herring.

There’s also a historic component to Danish food, with major events like the Industrial Revolution contributing to mass agricultural production, including wheat and rye for hefty breads like rye bread. Even Danish pastries (“wienerbrød”) originated from Austria, brought over to Denmark in the mid-19th century and now iconic to the Scandinavian country.

Traditional Danish food is understated, focused on keeping each dish’s ingredient in its truest form, with minimal spice (exception being herbs). While the cuisine might not win awards in bold and punchy flavors, there’s a beauty in its simplicity, to savor and enjoy each element in the dish and feel nourished in the end. It might not be for everyone, but regardless is worth trying!

Here are some must-try Danish food that I hope you get to have some day. Velbekomme!

Top 10 Danish Dishes You Need to Try

1. Smørrebrød

Fried fish smørrebrød

Literally translated as “butter and bread” in Danish, smørrebrød is a staple of everyday meals in Denmark, often taken for lunch. It’s an open-faced sandwich that consists of rye bread piled high with toppings like fish, cold cheese, boiled eggs, etc., eaten with a knife and fork. I’ve tried a few types of smørrebrød, and I find it to be quite rich and salty. You’d think an open-faced sandwich wouldn’t fill you up, but I was very full in the end!

2. Stegt flæsk/Flæskesteg

Flæskesteg sandwich

Considered the national dish of Denmark, stegt flæsk is fried pork belly that’s also served with potatoes and parsley sauce. It’s not to be confused with flæskesteg, which is roasted pork with cracklings– either way, it’s pork! Personally, I’ve only had flæskesteg before, in sandwich form, as it’s a popular street food for its convenience on-the-go. It is tasty, but definitely not for vegetarians!

3. Gule ærter

Chilled gule ærter

Gule ærter is pea soup, and the recipe dates back to the Bronze Age when peas became a staple for long, cold winters. It’s often served warm, although there are chilled versions which make for a refreshing drink in the warmer months. As I’ve only visited Denmark in the summer thus far, I’ve had chilled gule ærter— while it might not seem like pea soup is flavorful, I actually found it surprisingly so, with herbs like dill adding to the humble dish.

4. Fish

Smørrebrød with smoked salmon

The majority of Denmark is on a peninsula, thereby having easy access to the sea. Therefore, the Danes eat a lot of seafood, including fish like cod, salmon, and herring. Whether smoked, fried, pickled, or raw, fish is enjoyed throughout the country at just about every meal. I do enjoy fish, although I will admit that certain types like pickled herring are a bit of an acquired taste!

5. Wienerbrød

All the Danish pastries!

Also known as Danish pastry, wienerbrød translates to “Viennese bread,” as it originated from Viennese pâtissiers who brought their craft to Denmark around 1850. Since then, the Danes have adapted the recipes as their own. Some popular wienerbrød include kringle, a rich, flaky creation topped with icing sugar, and spandauer, a circular, flaky treat with custard or jam in the center (what many outsiders attribute to “Danish pastry”).

6. Carlsberg beer

Beer is a common social drink in Denmark, and what better kind to have than Carlsberg? Carlsberg beer dates back to 1847 and today can be found not only in Denmark, but also just about every corner of the world. Although I no longer drink alcohol, I’ve had Carlsberg before, and I found it to be quite hoppy, yet neutral in taste. It goes down easily, which makes for a refreshing beverage during warmer weather.

7. Pølser

Best thing I had in Denmark

As a street food, pølser reign supreme. These hot dogs can be found sold on every street corner; they make for the perfect quick bite after a night out at the bars and clubs, all the while being one of the cheapest meals you can afford in Denmark. I find pølser elite to the American version, as the sausage is snappier and the toppings (e.g. fried onions and remoulade) add extra savoriness and texture to it all. Now I’m craving a pølser!

8. Æbleskiver

Taken in Solvang

Æbleskiver are a spherical snack made from fried batter. Although it translates to “apple slices” in Danish, this dish doesn’t actually contain apple. All the same, these are fluffy and sweet, usually served with jam, powdered sugar, and butter. Think of them like pancakes, but circular! I’ve only had æbleskiver in the US, at the historic Danish town of Solvang in central California– and I very much enjoyed it!

9. Elderflower/elderberries

Elderflower panna cotta

Denmark (let alone Scandinavia) flourishes in the summer, and it gives rise to a wide variety of berries. Elderberries are no exception, and they make for delicious jams to be spread onto bread, baked into pies, or paired with yogurt. Elderberries are the product of elderflowers, which are also used in dessert; I enjoyed a tasty elderflower panna cotta while in Copenhagen, and I found it fragrant, sweet, and a bit tart.

10. Whale meat

Whale meat and blubber

This is a controversial take, but I believe it’s also worth sharing a dish in the Danish territories, particularly the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Historically, whale meat was eaten for survival while in modern times is consumed as a tradition. I sampled whale meat and blubber while visiting the Faroe Islands, and I found it gamey and fishy– it didn’t taste bad at all, and while I wouldn’t go for it again, I’m grateful I got to try it.

Which Danish food would you try? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and have a great day! 🙂

— Rebecca