Danish Food Specialties
As we enter 2023, I thought to share with you the famous traditional foods that the Danish people tend to enjoy. Denmark´s biggest exports are dairy and pork, which naturally reflects the dishes that we have historically made. Therefore, here is a list of some cultural dishes that we make. Please keep in mind that nowadays there are always non-pork and non-dairy variations to each of these meals.
To start us off, let me explain to you the most famous Danish speciality, which is called Smørrebrød, translating directly to “open face sandwiches”. You begin with a slice of bread, usually Rye Bread (dark bread with seeds), then the various amounts of topping such as pickled herring, eggs, or roast beef topped with mayonnaise or remoulade. The more the better when it comes to this open-faced sandwich that dates all the way back to the 19th century. For example, my absolute favourite of these classics is called “Stjerneskud” translating to Shooting Stars. Start with a slice of rye bread, then place a piece of fried plaice fillet on top, and decorate with shrimp, lettuce, and caviar. Absolutely delicious.
Next, I would like to discuss the importance of the Hotdog in Denmark. Basically, a wright of passage, and a cultural institution. In Copenhagen, don’t be surprised to find a hotdog vendor in every neighbourhood you bike through. The classic is a red hotdog, but these days you can find many modern versions of this classic that serves people of all cultures, such as Kosher or Vegetarian.
This next dish is what most Danes would describe as our national dish. “Stegt Flæsk med persillesovs” translates to crispy pork belly with parsley sauce served with potatoes. This is a very affordable meal option in Denmark that you can find in most local restaurants, where they often serve this as “all you can eat style”. Nothing fancy, but a favourite nevertheless, that most Danes will have at least once a month.
If you haven’t already tried the Danish meatball, “Frikadeller”, then I would say you are missing out. Of course, if you don’t eat meat, you will easily find a veggie or fish version of this speciality. This meatball is very popular and is often served for lunch and dinner, either on an open-faced sandwich, or with potatoes and sauce. Except for the spices used, they are not specific to Denmark, you will find versions of them all over the world, such as kebab, kofta, etc.
If you are a fan of Oysters, then make sure to try some in Denmark if you get the chance. We have world famous oysters from Limfjord and the North Sea, which you can even go and capture on a day tour or “oyster safari” while wearing wadding boots in shallow waters.
Last to mention, the Danish pastries that have found fame around the world. Ironically, they are not actually Danish but were made by Austrian chefs in the 1840’s called “Wienerbrød” or Vienna Bread. With that said, the Danes still managed to rise to fame for their pastries throughout the centuries and is now a must try when you go to Denmark. My favourites are “Kanel Snegl” (cinnamon snail), or “Tebergis” (poppyseed pastry).
I hope this blog post gives you some insight into the Danish specialties that you can try when you have the chance. Let me know if you have tried any of these delicacies and which was your favourite on the “Living Abroad” Forum discussion.