Cuisine in Denmark

Common Meals

The traditional breakfast in Danish culture usually consists of buttered bread, jam, cheese, and coffee. These breads also take common pastry forms. Another traditional breakfast food is oatmeal porridge. Although many Danes still eat these meals, cereal and other breakfast foods have become increasingly more popular. In Danish culture, eating breakfast anywhere else but home is highly uncommon.

Lunch in Denmark is often eaten at work. Some larger companies have cafeterias for their workers, but most employees bring boxed lunches. These lunches almost always consist of a sandwich. Many of sandwiches are often faced. The bread of the sandwich is named smorrebrod, which is a type of buttered bread. These sandwiches often have fish, cold cuts, or another type of meat as the main substance. The kolde bord is also served during lunch. It is a buffet style dining ritual that consists of cold foods. When eating herring for lunch, it is often served with ice-cold schnapps to help “the fish swim down to the belly.”

Dinner in Denmark is considered to be a family dining experience where everyone gathers to speak about their day and such. Many of the same foods that are served for lunch are often made for dinner, but in a warm manner. Danes also enjoy inviting guests over for dinner. Dinners consist of many courses, including desserts. Celebrations in Denmark are not complete without a sit-down dinner with everyone invited.

Restaurant Culture

The costs of eating out in Denmark are extremely high compared to a home cooked meal. The 50% higher price for meals than any other European country is due to the incredibly high taxes of Denmark. Also, the pay structure in Denmark accounts for a much higher wage in the restaurant business than any other country. Denmark has an assortment of fine restaurants that service high-end foods, but they are visited infrequently due to the costs. Visits are more reserved for special occasions. Some critics also say, the infrequency of eating out in Denmark is due to the cultural values of the society, along with the costs. A number of quick food establishments do exist; they are visited more often then sit down dining establishments. One popular fast food establishment is Burger Bar, specializing in hamburgers.