Food & Diet in Denmark
Discover what’s on the Danish table! From affordable supermarkets and organic produce to classic smørrebrød, new Nordic cuisine, street food markets, and plenty of vegan/vegetarian options—this is your practical guide to eating well in Denmark.
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Did you know? Denmark has one of the world’s highest rates of organic food consumption. Nearly every supermarket stocks økologisk (organic) options!
Overview: Food in Denmark
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Supermarkets Everywhere
Most Danes shop at Netto, REMA 1000, Coop, and Føtex. Aldi and Lidl are budget-friendly. Most close by 8pm, Sundays by 5pm.
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Organic & Local
Look for the red “Ø” (økologisk) label for organic. Markets and some supermarkets offer local farm produce.
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How to Pay
Cards (especially Dankort, Visa/Mastercard) are used everywhere. MobilePay is also common—even at small kiosks!
Supermarkets
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Major Chains
Netto, REMA 1000, Lidl, Aldi, Føtex, Bilka, Irma, Meny. See more supermarket locations.
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Fruit & Veg
Seasonal fruit and vegetables, both local and imported, are available year-round.
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Bakeries & Specialty
Try a local “bager” (bakery) for real Danish bread, pastries, and rye bread (“rugbrød”).
Danish Cuisine
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Smørrebrød
The famous open-faced sandwich with rye bread, fish, meat, cheese, or eggs. Try Aamanns or Schønnemann in Copenhagen.
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Hearty Dishes
Danish food is comforting—think “frikadeller” (meatballs), “flæskesteg” (roast pork), and stews. Learn about Danish classics.
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New Nordic Cuisine
Modern restaurants use local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. For a splurge, see Noma, Geranium, or Louisiana Cafe.
Dietary Trends & Special Diets
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Vegetarian & Vegan
Copenhagen and Aarhus have lots of vegan/vegetarian cafés. Chains like Simple Feast and 42Raw are good for plant-based meals.
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Gluten-Free & Allergies
Glutenfri and laktosefri foods are in every major supermarket—just look for the labels. Many restaurants list allergens clearly.
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Halal & Kosher
Look for specialty stores or visit Copenhagen Halal and Chabad DK for halal and kosher products.
Eating Out
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Restaurants & Cafés
All cuisines available: sushi, Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, Italian, burgers, and local Danish. See VisitCopenhagen Food Guide.
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Street Food Markets
Try Broens Gadekøkken, Reffen, Aarhus Street Food, and Storms Pakhus Odense.
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Coffee & “Kage”
Café culture is strong—try “wienerbrød” (pastry) and coffee at a Lagkagehuset near you.
Useful Resources & External Links
Related on exploringdenmark
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Denmark expensive for groceries?
Denmark is pricier than much of Europe, but shopping at Netto, REMA 1000, Lidl, and Aldi helps keep costs down.
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Is Danish food vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Most supermarkets and many restaurants have vegetarian/vegan options.
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What about takeaway and delivery?
Use apps like Wolt or Just Eat in most cities for restaurant delivery or takeaway.
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Are food allergies taken seriously?
Absolutely. Ingredients/allergens are labeled in supermarkets and most restaurants.
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Where can I find “international” food?
Most major cities have Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European groceries. Check local specialty stores!
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Is tap water safe?
Yes—Danish tap water is among the cleanest in the world. Drink it freely!