Gastronomy is undoubtedly one of the greatest treasures that reflects the richness and charm of a place. Thus, with the pass of time, cuisine of each region has been refined, resulting in a whole gourmet movement followed by the most knowledgeable sybarites. However, there is a region that has chosen to keep its traditions more ingrained, keeping its gastronomy intact from modern influences: Copenhagen.
The beautiful Danish capital, which originally emerged as a fishing village, is situated on the most important point of the Baltic Sea and the north of the mighty Germany. This has made it since immemorial times, a strategic point for commerce. After suffering fires, looting and plagues, the city was walled in the eighteenth century, making it one of the most beautiful and emblematic colonial sites, not only in the Nordic region, but throughout Europe.
All previous is reflected in their peculiar gastronomy, unique in the world. This has recently attracted attention for maintaining its Scandinavian origins in ingredients, recipes and shapes. From fast food, to the most exquisite dishes of restaurants what are considered to be the best in the world, Danish cuisine is placed as a world heritage.
After World War II, Denmark was occupied by German troops, which gave the capital a tide of influences. After this, a concentration of cafes and restaurants arose, especially in the districts Indre By, Østerbro and Vesterbro. The first café in Copenhagen opened in 1831, although it was until 1976, with the opening of the famous Café Sommersko, that the city adopted the coffee culture.
There are now more than 300 cafés throughout the city and since the beginning of this century, several restaurants in Copenhagen have been rated as the best of the world. One of the main awards that has rewarded the restaurants of the city is the Michelin Award. Altogether, the Danish capital has gathered 13 Michelin stars, which, along with other awards, has placed it as the world gastronomic capital in the last year.
Danish food stands out for using local seasonal ingredients in recipes with ancient French and German influences. The dishes consist mainly of the combination of fish, meat and seafood, from which the greatest benefit is obtained.
In addition, this gastronomy has a strong influence in the agricultural history of the region, as it integrates roots, seeds, legumes, berries and barley. Traditional liqueurs, dairy products, pickles and light trimmings are also used in this cooking. Danish cuisine is distinguished by being organic, which is why Copenhagen shows the largest market share of organic food in the world.
Even though Copenhagen has some of the best restaurants on the planet, there is a special one, the NOMA, which is considered to be the best restaurant in the world. Its name is the abbreviation for Nordisk Mad, which means “Nordic food”. This restaurant is located in what used to be a former port hangar, completely refurbished.
Other famous Michelin-starred restaurants in Copenhagen include Kokkenet in the Nyboder district, Formel B in the Frederiksberg district (famous for its 6-course menu), The Paul, Hong Kans, Era Ora, Paustian, MR and AOC.
Besides the restaurants, the streets of Copenhagen give away a unique gastronomic sample that is very representative. Denmark’s fast food, unlike other countries’, it is light and healthy. Among the most popular typical food that can be tasted in the small places on the streets are the famous open-faced sandwiches, Smørrebrød (rye bread with butter and sausage), herring, grilled goose, potatoes with meat, flan and rice pudding.
Additionally, the city hosts several typical food festivals, which include family activities, cooking schools, wine tasting and the participation of gourmet restaurants.
Thereby, this city, that brings together the best of European food from its roots and combines it with the glamour of organic and traditional gourmet cuisine, is placed at the level of large capitals such as Berlin and Madrid, even surpassing cities like Amsterdam or Vienna. Definitely, it’s a perfect place for people who love gourmet food and spots with a traditional European charm.