Danish cuisine is strengthened by the local food movement. In the past, foreign influences spiced up Danish cooking, but in its contemporary form, Danish cuisine has pivoted towards prioritizing local ingredients and produce. This shift results in intricately crafted dishes that are uniquely Danish in origin. The country's winding coastline allows for fish to take centre stage on dining tables across the country.
If you fancy having a traditionally Danish meal, grab smørrebrød for lunch. This open-faced sandwich can be topped with butter, sliced meat, fish, or cheese on a slice of dark bread, giving you plenty of options to mix-and-match your favourite Danish flavours. If you're craving something sweet after, opt for apple charlotte, a favourite Danish dessert made from stewed apples, bread crumbs, and crushed almond-flavoured meringue. This layered treat is topped with whipped cream, redcurrant jelly, and served cold — perfect for a cup of hot tea. Looking for bite to eat on the go? Hotdogs are the fast food of choice for many Danes, roasted hot in vans conveniently placed on the side of the road.
Traditional Danish drinks include Akvavit, a high-proof spirit that is often chased with beer. Brews like Carlsberg and Tuberg put Danish beer culture on the global scale, but within the country, pilsner is most common.