Copenhagen is a city of cobblestone streets, canal-side cafés and design-forward energy — but its culinary scene is equally compelling. A blend of centuries-old traditions and modern innovation, the food here balances hearty Nordic staples with adventurous new flavors. From casual smørrebrød to fine-dining New Nordic creations, the best foods in Copenhagen offer a taste of Denmark’s soul.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Copenhagen, here are 12 essential dishes that showcase the city’s unique culinary identity — perfect for exploring on your own or alongside a guided shore excursion.
1. Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is Copenhagen’s signature open-faced sandwich and a beloved culinary emblem. Typically built on dense rye bread, it’s piled high with fresh toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, cured salmon or liver pâté. Garnishes range from crispy onions and fresh dill to remoulade and capers, making each bite a layered experience of texture and taste. Whether as a light lunch or an early evening ritual with akvavit, enjoying smørrebrød is an integral part of dining in Copenhagen.
2. New Nordic Cuisine
The global spotlight turned to Copenhagen with the rise of New Nordic cuisine, championed by restaurants like Noma. This style emphasizes local, seasonal and foraged ingredients prepared with creativity and respect for nature. Dishes might feature fermented root vegetables, wild mushrooms or freshly-caught fish paired with foraged herbs. Whether in Michelin-starred establishments or hip neighborhood bistros, sampling New Nordic dishes reveals the innovative spirit behind the best foods in Copenhagen.
3. Danish Hot Dog (Rød Pølse)
A quick, beloved street food staple in Copenhagen is the rød pølse — a bright-red pork sausage served in a soft bun with mustard, ketchup, remoulade (a tangy mayo-based sauce), raw onions and pickle slices. It’s a satisfying, flavorful bite you can grab from any street stand, worn with a paper napkin and enjoyed while strolling. With roots as a simple snack for laborers, the hot dog remains a fast favorite for locals and tourists alike. It’s proof that even the simplest eats can shine in Copenhagen.
4. Frikadeller
Frikadeller are Danish meatballs made from minced pork or veal. They're seasoned with onion, egg, milk and breadcrumbs, then pan-fried until crispy outside and tender inside. Typically served with brown gravy, pickled red cabbage and boiled potatoes, they’re a comfort food classic. These humble meatballs reflect hearty, Scandinavian home cooking at its finest. They’re a must-try for savoring traditional Danish flavors.
5. Smoked Salmon & Gravlax
Scandinavian cuisine is synonymous with salmon, and in Copenhagen, it’s enjoyed both smoked and cured. Gravlax is salmon cured in salt, sugar and dill, sliced thin and served with mustard-dill sauce (hovmästarsås) on rye or alongside new potatoes. Smoked salmon is a breakfast staple, often paired with scrambled eggs or cream cheese. Whether in a fine restaurant or a market stall, the fresh, silky taste of salmon is among the best foods in Copenhagen.
6. Flæskesteg
Served especially at Christmas, but available year-round in classic restaurants, flæskesteg is roast pork topped with crackling, rich gravy, caramelized potatoes and red cabbage. The golden, crunchy rind and succulent meat create an irresistible combination. Each bite offers a balance of salt, fat and tang — a perfect representation of Danish festive comfort. It’s a signature dish worth seeking out during your visit.
7. Aebleskiver
These spherical pancake-like treats are a fun and tasty Danish dessert or snack. Aebleskiver are cooked in a specialized pan with round cavities, yielding a soft interior and gently crisp exterior. Often dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, they’re especially popular during Christmas markets. These little orbs of sweetness are a joyful example of playful Danish tradition.
8. Rugbrød Sandwiches
Beyond smørrebrød, the dense, tangy rye bread (rugbrød) forms the base of many Danish sandwiches. Whether layered with leverpostej (liver pâté), cheese, pickles or smoked mackerel, rye sandwiches are hearty and flavorful. They reflect Copenhagen’s commitment to wholesome, quality ingredients. Rugbrød isn’t just bread — it’s a staple that underpins the best foods in Copenhagen.
9. Pølsevogn French Fries (Pommes Frites)
A beloved street side twist is serving fries with Danish pølsevogn sauces like remoulade, curry ketchup and mayo. These fries are typically hand-cut, fried twice for extra crunch and served piping hot. They’re an addictive snack, perfect with a cold Danish beer or soda. This local take on French fries adds a flavorful dimension to the street food scene.
10. Danish Tapas (“Små retter”)
Copenhagen’s stylish food scene includes små retter, or small plates inspired by tapas culture, often reinterpreting Danish ingredients in creative ways. You might enjoy duck liver pâté on rye crisps, pickled shrimp or crispy swede fritters. These modern twists highlight innovative chefs blending tradition with imagination. Sampling små retter is a light and social way to experience Copenhagen dining.
11. Craft Beer & Local Spirits
The Danish beverage scene is thriving, with Copenhagen home to dozens of craft breweries producing pilsners, ales, sours and barrel-aged specialties. You’ll also find unique local spirits like akvavit (flavored with caraway) and snaps made from regional botanicals. Touring a brewpub, or tasting room, offers insight into a dynamic drink culture that complements Danish food traditions. Pairing food and drink this way helps you appreciate why Copenhagen ranks among Europe’s best foodie destinations.
12. Koldskål & Kammerjunker
A classic Danish summer treat, koldskål is a cold buttermilk soup sweetened with sugar and flavored with lemon and vanilla. Traditionally served with crunchy, buttery kammerjunker biscuits sprinkled on top, it’s addictive on a hot day. You’ll find it at cafés and homes across Copenhagen in July and August. This sweet, refreshing dish is a delightful taste of Danish summertime.
Food Shore Excursions in Copenhagen
To see where these flavors come to life, try one of Copenhagen’s food-focused shore excursions. These immersive experiences offer culinary insight and unforgettable memories.
- Tivoli Food Hall & Tivoli Gardens
- Begin with traditional bites and modern Nordic snacks in the Tivoli Food Hall, followed by a stroll through the enchanting amusement park. You’ll taste Danish waffles, artisan cheeses and seasonal specialties amid the gardens’ historic charm. This tour mixes culture, fun and flavor in one magical afternoon.
- Castles of North Zealand With Lunch
- Journey through scenic countryside to North Zealand’s royal castles, including Kronborg and Frederiksborg, stopping for a traditional Danish lunch at a local inn. Paired with classic open-faced rye sandwiches and seasonal produce, the meal celebrates small-scale Danish farming and heritage. Ending back in Copenhagen, this excursion blends history and gastronomy seamlessly.
What Foods is Copenhagen Famous For?
The best foods in Copenhagen are rooted in Nordic tradition, elevated by seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity. From iconic rye bread sandwiches to playful desserts and modern small-plate dining, the city’s food scene offers authentic tastes and new culinary experiences. Whether sampling street-side sausages, enjoying a summer treat or sipping craft beer after a palace tour, every bite paints a picture of Danish warmth, tradition and innovation.
Keep Exploring Copenhagen, Denmark
Want to learn more about this gem? Check out these guides to plan your next trip:
- Copenhagen, Denmark Shore Excursions - Uncover the best of Copenhagen with shore excursions that take you on unforgettable adventures.
- When is the Best Time to Visit Copenhagen? - Plan the best time for your perfect getaway.
- What to Buy in Copenhagen - Discover the best souvenirs, from iconic porcelain to gourmet licorice.
