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What to eat in Denmark? Top 100 Danish Foods

Last update: Sun Mar 16 2025
Top 100 Danish Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Danish Foods

01
Wienerbrød
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The epitome of a cozy Sunday breakfast in Denmark is a crispy sweet treat known as Danish pastry. It is made with laminated dough, where the dough is repeatedly covered with butter and folded over itself. The result is a creation that is quite similar to puff pastry.


The dough is shaped into different forms and filled with flavorful, creamy fillings. Traditional fruit fillings such as apple and raspberry, vanilla custard, and almond paste are Danish favorites, but due to its popularity, the fillings are usually region-specific. 

MOST ICONIC Wienerbrød

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5
02

Cheese

DENMARK
4.2
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Saga is a combination of blue cheese and brie. The cheese originates from Denmark. It has a soft and creamy texture underneath its white mold. The aroma is very mild, just like the flavors of this unusual cheese. Saga is typically aged for at least 60 days.


This cheese pairs well with fruits and wine, but it can also be crumbled in salads or served as a snack on a cracker.

03
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Rejemad is a Danish open-faced sandwich that’s traditionally made with small seasonal shrimp called fjordrejer. The sandwich is made with a combination of prawns, lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, dill, and toasted slices of wholewheat bread.


The prawns are boiled for a few minutes in salted water and lemon juice until bright pink. They’re peeled, seasoned with salt and pepper, and drizzled with lemon juice. The prawns are piled onto toasted bread, and the sandwich is topped with mayonnaise and garnished with dill sprigs before serving.

04

Meatballs

DENMARK and  one more region
4.1
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Frikadeller are popular Danish and German meatballs that are usually made with ground pork, with the occasional addition of ground veal. These small meatballs have been prepared and consumed in that part of Europe for more than 200 years. The term frikadelle is German, and there are also many frikadeller sold as street food in Germany, Poland, and throughout Scandinavia.


Frikadelle are typically served with boiled potatoes and traditional creamy sauces (for example, Danish brown sauce) on the side, a dish that is usually enjoyed as a hearty weekend meal. Pickled vegetables, mustard, rye bread, potato salad and a variety of other vegetables can also be served alongside frikadeller. 

MOST ICONIC Frikadeller

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05
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Havarti is a Danish hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It must mature for at least 3 months, after which it develops small holes throughout its body. It is known as a pumped-curd cheese, a process in which the curd is molded and then melted.


The interior is ivory to yellow, with a soft, easily sliceable texture. The flavor is mild, aromatic, creamy and slightly acidic, and the flavors get even more intense as the cheese matures. Additional seasonings may be added in the process, such as dill, garlic, red pepper or chives, adding a new dimension of flavor to the cheese. 
06
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This famous snack is often referred to as the rød pølser, and it is the most common fast food eaten in Denmark. In fact, nothing is considered to be more Danish than eating freshly prepared pølser followed by a refreshing bottle of beer.


It consists of a traditional Danish sausage served in a bun and is held to be a sort of a gourmet hot dog. The original pølser is distinguished by its unusual red color and is traditionally made with pure pork. The first pølser originated around 1921. 

MOST ICONIC Pølser

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07
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These light, small-sized Danish pancakes are prepared with a leavened egg batter that is poured and baked in specially designed hollowed pans. Even though they were initially prepared with apples – hence the name – today, they rarely appear in their original form and mostly incorporate ingredients such as vanilla, citrus zest, or cardamom.


Traditionally associated with Christmastime, these sweet treats are usually served dusted with powdered sugar or complemented with various fruit preserves.

MOST ICONIC Æbleskiver

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08
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Although the name æblekage can be translated as apple cake, this traditional Danish dessert is a sweet treat that has more in common with a trifle or a crumble. It consists of a creamy, cinnamon-spiced apple sauce that is layered between crispy breadcrumbs or crumbled cookies.


It is usually prepared and served in bowls or decorative glasses, while the top is often covered with a generous layer of whipped cream. Enjoyed throughout the year, æblekage is always served cold, and it is recommended to garnish it with various fruit preserves.

MOST ICONIC Æblekage

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09

Cake

HJALLERUP, Denmark
4.1
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Drømmekage (lit. Dream cake) is a traditional cake originating from Hjallerup in Jutland. The cake is made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and vanilla. Once prepared, the smooth batter is placed in a baking tin and baked until golden brown.


It's then taken out of the oven and topped with a coconut-caramel topping consisting of butter, milk, brown sugar, and desiccated coconut. The cake is baked for ten more minutes, and it's left to cool before serving. It is believed that drømmekage dates back to 1960 when a woman named Jytte Andersen took part in a cake-baking competition that was organized by a large Danish food company. 
10
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Traditionally prepared and enjoyed during Christmastime, the creamy risalamande is an uplifted, lighter version of the classic Danish rice pudding. While the already flavorful plain pudding is enjoyed on Christmas Eve, on the following day it is typically blended with whipped cream and almonds, then well chilled and served topped with a thick cherry sauce.


Ancient tradition suggests that one whole almond is placed inside the pudding, and whoever finds it earns a symbolic prize. Even though risalamande first appeared in the late 19th century, today it represents a valuable part of Danish Christmas tradition. 
11
12
Side Dish
DENMARK  and  one more region
4.1
13
14
15
16
Cake
FUNEN, Denmark
4.0
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Dessert
DENMARK  and  3 more regions
3.7
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Cake
DENMARK  and  one more region
3.5
46
Dessert
DENMARK  and  one more region
3.5
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Cheese
BORNHOLM MUNICIPALITY, Denmark
n/a
60
61
62
Cheese
DENMARK
n/a
63
64
65
66
67
Sweet Pastry
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
3.9
68
69
70
71
Cheese
SAMSØ MUNICIPALITY, Denmark
n/a
72
Cheese
MARIBO, Denmark
n/a
73
74
75
Vegetable Dish
DENMARK  and  one more region
3.3
76
77
78
79
80
Cheese
FUNEN, Denmark
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Danish Food Producers

01

Cheese

AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.7
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Arla is a global dairy cooperative owned by farmers primarily located in Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The company produces a variety of dairy products, including cheese, milk, and yogurt. Arla is committed to sustainable dairy farming practices and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 30% by 2030.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2018

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class

2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

02

Spirit

LØGSTØR, Northern Europe
4.7
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Nykur Vodka is a premium organic vodka that harmoniously blends superior organic grains from Northern Italy with pristine volcanic mountain water sourced from the depths of the Kirvi range in the Faroe Islands. The brand draws inspiration from the Nykur, a mythical creature from Faroese folklore, often depicted as a shimmering grey horse emerging from lakes, symbolizing allure and mystery.


This cultural reference underscores Nykur Vodka's commitment to honoring heritage while delivering a product of exceptional purity and quality. The vodka is crafted using EU-organic certified ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. 
AWARDS

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2021

The Luxury Masters - Gold

2023

BEST Nykur Spirits Spirits
03

Seafood

COPENHAGEN, Denmark
4.7
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Fangst is a Danish company specializing in premium canned seafood, celebrated for its sustainably sourced products from Nordic waters. Its offerings often feature unique Scandinavian flavors, including seaweed, dill, and fermented elements, giving a distinct taste reflective of Nordic cuisine.


Fangst focuses on environmentally friendly fishing practices, supporting biodiversity and traditional harvesting methods. The brand’s commitment to minimalism and design is reflected in its packaging, appealing to both gourmet enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers. 
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Seafood

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Special Products

2024

04

Butter

AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.7
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Lurpak is one of the most well-known and highly regarded butter brands in the world, with a rich tradition spanning over 115 years. Recognized for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and superior quality, Lurpak is synonymous with pure, natural, and irresistible butter.


Founded in 1901 in Denmark, Lurpak was created when leading Danish dairies joined forces to develop a standardized, high-quality butter that would be recognized worldwide. Over the decades, Lurpak has become a global symbol of premium butter, and today, it is managed by Arla Foods, one of the world’s leading dairy cooperatives, headquartered in Viby, Denmark.
BEST Lurpak Butters
05

Beer

AALBORG, Northern Europe
4.7
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AWARDS

Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold

2023, 2020

BEST Hjort Beer Beers
06

Liqueur

DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.7
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

BEST Tonow Distillery Liqueurs
07

Spirit

COPENHAGEN, Denmark
4.7
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

BEST EMPIRICAL Spirits
08
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AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2022

BEST Ugly Duck Brewing Co. Beers
09

Beer

COPENHAGEN, Denmark
4.7
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AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

BEST Carlsberg Group Beers
10

Beer

REGION ZEALAND, Northern Europe
4.7
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AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2017

BEST Royal Unibrew Beers
11
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.7
12
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.7
13
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.7
14
Beer
SKANDERBORG, Denmark
4.7
15
Beer
CENTRAL DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.7
16
Spirit
LEJRE, Denmark
4.6
17
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.6
18
Chocolate
ROSKILDE, Northern Europe
4.5
19
Spirit
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
4.5
20
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.5
21
Cheese
KLEMENSKER, Northern Europe
4.5
22
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
23
Cheese
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
24
Meat Product
ØSTERMARIE, Denmark
4.5
25
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
26
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
27
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
28
Liqueur
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
29
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.5
30
Spirit
KIRKE SÅBY, Northern Europe
4.5
31
Chocolate
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.4
32
Chocolate
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.4
33
Chocolate
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
4.3
34
Chocolate
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Danish Food Products

01
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Nykur Vodka is a premium organic vodka that harmoniously blends superior organic grains from Northern Italy with pristine volcanic mountain water sourced from the depths of the Kirvi range in the Faroe Islands. The brand draws inspiration from the Nykur, a mythical creature from Faroese folklore, often depicted as a shimmering grey horse emerging from lakes, symbolizing allure and mystery.


This cultural reference underscores Nykur Vodka's commitment to honoring heritage while delivering a product of exceptional purity and quality. The vodka is crafted using EU-organic certified ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. 
AWARDS

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2021

The Luxury Masters - Gold

2023

02

Cheese

AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
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Organic Mature Cheddar by Arla Foods is a cheese product known for its rich and robust flavor profile. This cheese is made from organic milk sourced from certified organic farms, adhering to stringent production standards to ensure quality and sustainability.


It is aged to bring out a mature taste, making it suitable for a variety of culinary applications, from sandwiches to sophisticated cheese platters. This product is part of Arla's commitment to offering organic and responsibly-produced dairy options to consumers.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2022, 2019

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2018

03

Chocolate

ROSKILDE, Northern Europe
5.0
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Friis-Holm Rose Geranium is a captivating chocolate bar that beautifully combines high-quality dark chocolate with the delicate essence of rose geranium. The aromatic floral notes enhance the rich cocoa flavor, creating a unique and harmonious tasting experience.


Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the deep, luxurious chocolate and the refreshing, slightly tangy floral hints. Crafted with care and precision, this chocolate showcases Friis-Holm's commitment to artisanal quality and innovative flavor pairings. 
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2020

04

Cheese

AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
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Reduced Fat Mature cheese is a flavorful, semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, aged to enhance its rich and tangy taste. It offers all the depth of a mature cheese but with a reduced fat content, making it a healthier option while retaining its full-bodied flavor.


Perfect for slicing, grating, or melting, it's a versatile choice for sandwiches, salads, or cooking.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2018

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2018

05

Cheese

AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
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Blue Stilton is a traditional British cheese produced by Tuxford & Tebbutt, a subsidiary of Arla Foods. It is known for its rich, creamy texture and distinctive blue veining, which is achieved through the introduction of Penicillium roqueforti mold.


The cheese matures for several weeks, during which it develops a robust and tangy flavor profile with earthy undertones. Tuxford & Tebbutt, established in 1780, is one of the oldest producers of Blue Stilton cheese, upholding long-standing techniques and high standards in their production process.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2019

06

Cheese

AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
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Vintage Cheddar by Arla Foods - Taw Valley Creamery is known for its rich, robust flavor, aged to perfection to develop a distinctive sharpness. This cheese is crafted in the Taw Valley region, which is renowned for its dairy production and traditional cheesemaking techniques.


The maturation process of Vintage Cheddar allows it to achieve a crumbly texture and a complex flavor profile that includes nutty and creamy undertones, making it a favorite amongst cheddar aficionados.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023

07
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

08

Spirit

COPENHAGEN, Denmark
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

09
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AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2022

10
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding

2020

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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
20
21
Beer
REGION ZEALAND, Northern Europe
5.0
22
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
5.0
35
36
Beer
AALBORG, Northern Europe
5.0
37
Beer
AALBORG, Northern Europe
5.0
38
39
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.9
40
41
42
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.9
43
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.9
44
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.9
45
Beer
AALBORG, Northern Europe
4.9
46
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.9
47
Quark
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.9
48
49
Chocolate
ROSKILDE, Northern Europe
4.8
50
Chocolate
ROSKILDE, Northern Europe
4.8
51
Chocolate
ROSKILDE, Northern Europe
4.8
52
53
54
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8
55
56
57
58
59
60
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
61
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
62
63
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
64
65
66
67
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
68
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
69
70
71
Cheese
KLEMENSKER, Northern Europe
4.8
72
73
74
75
76
77
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.8
78
79
80
81
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8
82
83
84
85
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8
86
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
87
88
89
90
91
Vegetable
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
92
93
Cheese
AARHUS, Northern Europe
4.8
94
95
96
97
98
99
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8
100
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Danish Foods” list until March 16, 2025, 2,827 ratings were recorded, of which 2,458 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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