Denmark isn't that well-known for its food, is it? You can argue that the country's pastries are beloved all around the world but that's basically it. None of their savory delicacies, main course options, and the like can rival those from France, Italy, the UK, and more. And it's a shame too because Danish cuisine has some of the most delicious dishes in the world. Many are meaty, rich, and flavorful that one helping can already make you feel full. While others are light and tasty enough for a snack. Among Denmark's traditional many dishes, here are some that you'll want to try at least once!
Smørrebrød
Normally, a sandwich is made up of two pieces of sliced bread held together by a filling. However, in Denmark, you only really need one slice. At least, if you want to make Smørrebrød. Apart from its world-famous
Danish pastries, Denmark's most popular dish is none other than the open sandwich, Smørrebrød. Bearing a lot of similarities to the French hors d'oeuvre and the Spanish tapas, this is the kind of small yet fulfilling delicacy that works well as an appetizer. All you need are some buttered-up rye bread, your choice of meat, cheese, and garnish, and you're good to go!
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Tarteletter
Another great option for a dinner starter is Tarteletter, chicken and asparagus tartlets. Traditionally, these tartlets were made out of hens that were too old to lay eggs but despite that rather gruesome origin, one can't deny that they're utterly delicious, These bite-sized delicacies would work well both as appetizers or as finger food for a cocktail party. And while
Danish dining etiquette demands that you use utensils to eat your food, you won't help but pick up a Tarteletter or two and shove it straight to your mouth the moment you see one. That's how good this traditional treat really is!
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Karbonader
Now for something more fulfilling. Karbonader is a popular main course item in Denmark. If you go to busy cities like Copenhagen, you'll find that
many of the restaurants there serve this as part of their bestsellers. And why wouldn't it be? After all, these breaded pork patties, often served with either steamed or mashed potatoes, make for a tummy-filling dish. Even with just one helping, you'll feel satisfied enough to move straight to dessert. That's how good Karbonader is! It's no wonder it's among the more popular traditional dishes of Denmark.
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Frikadeller
Speaking of pork, if a patty is a little bit too much for you, why not choose a meatball instead? Enter Frikadeller! It's easy to confuse Karbonader with Frikadeller since they both look pretty similar and are both made out of pork. But the latter is commonly much smaller, and rounder, making it a great option for both a main course and a snack afterward. Often served with potatoes and cabbage, it's more popular for the little ones as they can handle chewing it and finishing it up. If you serve kids some well-made Frikadeller, you'll likey won't have to scold them for not finishing their food!
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Flæskesteg
Continuing on with the pork-induced Danish dishes, there's also Flæskesteg to look forward to. In a nutshell, this dish is basically roast pork with its crispy skin intact. The difference in textures as you hear the crunch of the skin with the chewiness of the meat makes for quite the culinary sensation. And thanks to the fact that you can serve it in very thin slices, this is one of those rare delicacies that work well as both an appetizer and the main course. Whichever you choose, you'll still get a satisfying result, not to mention a happy and fulfilled stomach!
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Forloren Hare
Sometimes, ordinary meatloaf is not enough. Sure, it can be fulfilling and, when done right, can taste oh so good. But most of the time, it can get pretty bland and boring. Perhaps this is why the Danish decided to change it up a bit, hence they invented their traditional dish, Forloren Hare. Translated into English as 'mock hare' but commonly referred to as 'Danish meatloaf, Forloren Hare is meatloaf wrapped in bacon. Served with jelly sauce and a side of potatoes, it's as authentically Danish as it can get. Not to mention appetizing in so many ways!
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Kartofler
It's high time for a little sweetness on this list. Or at least, in the case of Kartofler, sweet and savory! Kartofler is a traditional Danish holiday dish made up of caramlized potatoes made with butter and sugar. It's usually served around Christmastime. Though part of its taste is sweet, it's mostly served as a side dish, most prominently to counter the extremely savory meat delicacies. And though Kartofler has a sweetness to it, it's not made up of sweet potatoes but rather standard brown potatoes that are caramelized to perfection. It's likely you won't find something like this anywhere else in the world!
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Risalamande
Finally, some dessert! Continuing on with the holiday treats, you also have to try Risalamande at least once in your life. This almond rice pudding served with warm cherry sauce is the height of sweetness during the holiday season. Though it's far from the type of sweetness you'd expect from Danish pastries, it tastes good nonetheless. Why do you think it's the go-to dessert for the happiest time of the year? Made with whipped cream and chopped almonds, it doesn't lose its traditional appeal too. What more can you ask for in a Danish dessert?
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It's a shame that Danish cuisine isn't as world-famous as those from other European countries. As many of these delicious traditional dishes prove, the food here is top-notch. Those who know and have enjoyed it before are truly lucky!
