Danish food grew out of a farming and fishing culture built on rye, pork, herring, dairy and root vegetables. It is simple and seasonal, and since the 2000s Copenhagen has become one of the world's great food cities, thanks to the New Nordic movement led by restaurants such as Noma.

Smørrebrød

The open sandwich is Denmark's lunch staple: a slice of dense, dark rye bread (rugbrød) spread with butter and piled with toppings. Classics include pickled herring with onions and capers, roast beef with remoulade and crispy onions, egg and shrimp, and warm liver pâté with bacon and mushrooms. Danes eat them with a knife and fork, usually starting with fish, then meat, then cheese.

Home cooking

  • Stegt flæsk med persillesovs: crispy fried pork belly with potatoes and parsley sauce, voted the national dish in a 2014 public poll.
  • Frikadeller: pan-fried pork meatballs served with potatoes and brown gravy or in sandwiches.
  • Flæskesteg: roast pork with crackling, the centrepiece of Christmas Eve dinner.
  • Æbleflæsk: fried pork with apples and onions.

Pastries

What the world calls a "Danish" is known in Denmark as wienerbrød, "Vienna bread", because the technique came from Austrian bakers in the 1800s. Try a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl), a tebirkes (poppy seed pastry) and, on Fridays, the cake that many offices share.

Hygge

Hygge is the Danish idea of cosiness and togetherness: candles, warm drinks, good food and friends during the long dark months. Denmark burns more candles per person than almost any other country. Hygge is less about decoration than about relaxed, unhurried time with others.

Traditions

  • Fastelavn: Denmark's carnival in February, when children dress up and hit a barrel to win sweets.
  • Sankt Hans: midsummer bonfires on 23 June, with a witch effigy burned on top.
  • Julefrokost: long, cheerful Christmas lunches with colleagues and friends, with herring, schnapps and many toasts.
  • Birthdays: Danish flags (Dannebrog) decorate homes, cakes and even trains for celebrations.

Etiquette

  • Be on time; arriving late is considered rude.
  • Use first names, even with managers.
  • Avoid boasting and self-promotion; modesty is valued.
  • Respect bike lanes and signal when cycling.
  • When toasting with schnapps, say "Skål" and make eye contact.
  • Tipping is not expected; service is included.

Prices

Eating out is expensive, so most Danes save restaurants for special occasions. Lunch smørrebrød and bakeries are the best value. See our Denmark country guide for living costs.