A gastronomic wander around Copengagen's culinary scene
MEANDERING THROUGH COCONUT HILL'S GASTRONOMIC LABYRINTH
Chow down in Copenhagen's culinary jungle, where the flavors of Nordic innovation and traditional techniques mingle on every plate. From burgers to ice cream, and smørrebrød to Michelin-starred feasts, this Danish city tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you craving for more. Embark on a flavor adventure with Umut Sakarya and Eric Kragh Vildgaard, two acclaimed chefs navigating the streets of Copenhagen's foodie haven.
The flavors of Copenhagen never fail to intrigue me - every bite feels like a step into a delicious revolution. As I've learned with each visit, this city is the birthplace of New Nordic cuisine, constantly pushing boundaries with new culinary ventures.
This tour was an adventure-filled culinary escapade with two inspiring chefs: Umut Sakarya and Eric Kragh Vildgaard, the culinary genius behind Jordnær's three Michelin stars. The journey delivered surprises, indulgences, and enlightening techniques galore.
Our exquisite culinary quest commenced at Dandelion Burger, one of the city's most infamous burger joints where the essence of Nordic innovation shines through even in casual fare. When burgers exploded across Copenhagen during the pandemic, many esteemed chefs, including René Redzepi, embraced this trendy concept.
What makes Dandelion Burger's beef patty an unbeatable champion among its competitors is the unique inclusion of 20% bone marrow sourced from the same animal, imparting a tender, juicy texture and rich, meaty flavor that will leave you weak in the knees. The divine creation is topped with aged cheddar, house-made truffle mayo, and finely chopped pickles, all nestled comfortably within a soft, delectable bun freshly baked daily at Buka, the bakery of Umut's brother.
For our vegetarian enthusiasts, the star of the show is the crispy oyster mushroom patty, accompanied by a tangy tamarind and mango sauce and a delightful kick of Japanese mayo. Ambitious, bold, and chock-full of flavor, Dandelion Burger sets the stage for an intensely satisfying experience. So, mark your calendars – Dandelion pops open at 11 AM sharp, and they don't mess around. Don't forget to grab some of the city's finest pastries from Buka while you're there – whether it's a pistachio cream croissant with your coffee or a loaf of bread to take home, your taste buds will be singing in delight.
As if an over-the-top, homemade ice cream experience isn't exciting enough, Umut introduced us to Istid, claiming it as Copenhagen's finest scoopery. The process commences with farm-fresh ingredients and milk harvested locally and transformed into a buttery smooth base. Once you've chosen your flavor, they pour the liquid mixture into a KitchenAid mixer, followed by a frosty splash of liquid nitrogen, Istid's signature touch. Say goodbye to the traditional sugar-laden ice cream of the past, because nitrogen instantly freezes the mix, allowing the ingredients' true flavors to shine.
The results? Luscious, velvety ice cream with a texture to savor and an unfiltered, bold flavor. It's more than a dessert – it's a must-see performance that tantalizes all your senses.
Can't leave lush Copenhagen without diving headfirst into mouthwatering smørrebrød! Popular cafes serving up delectable smørrebrød abound in this Nordic metropolis, but Umut insisted we head to Palægade, proclaimed as "the best smørrebrød in the city."
Smørrebrød, once a humble dish born from Denmark's leaner times, is now elevated to an art form at Palægade. Embrace a selection ranging from shrimp, meats, and six varieties of herring, and you'll be rewarded with culinary delights unparalleled in quality and presentation.
From the standout picks of the fried herring swimming in luxurious leek cream and delivered a zesty yuzu vinaigrette finish to the opulent seafood galore offered at Hav, we sailed through the taste sensations Nordic cuisine has to offer.
Discovering the intricacies of Denmark's food culture is an endless journey, but if you're lucky enough to encounter one-of-a-kind establishments like Osten ved Kultorvet, you're well on your way to experiencing the best the city has to offer. Here, you'll find a wide array of specialized cheese awaiting exploration.
Whether it's the unexpectedly nutty tones of the "Fyrmester" cheese inspired by seaside caves or the silky smoothness of the "Bla Grube" blue cheese, Osten ved Kultorvet offers a symphony of taste that will captivate your taste buds.
At Torvehallerne, part food market, part social hub, there's no shortage of delicacies to satisfy your appetite. Frites Mullen offers heavenly potato-based dishes brimming with flavor, while the fermented butter from Gardehøjgaardsmejeriet is just the right condiment to elevate any dish. And don't forget to grab a seat at Hav toward the rear corner of the smorgasbord – it's Copenhagen's best-kept secret for dining on fresh seafood prepared before your very eyes with the finesse and skill of a Michelin-starred kitchen.
In the enchanting company of Eric Kragh Vildgaard and his partner Tina, we retreated to the legendary Nimb Hotel. Stepping into this mirage-like oasis is akin to opening a book of Arabian Nights, and once inside, you'll find yourself with stunning views of the Tivoli Gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic peacocks gracefully roaming the terrace as you sip your coffee and soak in the atmosphere immortalized by the legendary chef Auguste Escoffier in the 1920s.
Jordnær, under the skillful direction of Eric Kragh Vildgaard and Tina, has earned three Michelin stars, placing it among the city's culinary elite. Savoring Levi's culinary creations was a delight that lingered long after the final morsel was devoured.
From the extraordinary dish of melt-in-your-mouth wagyu rice cake topped with truffle oil and Asian sauces to the spaghetti bathed in yuzu-miso sauce, Levi's menu presents a symphony of flavors that will leave you breathless. Pair it with their delectable pistachio ice cream kissed by peppery Italian olive oil, and you've got an enchanting dessert worthy of any epicurean's dreams.
Cooking adventures await in the foodie haven of Copenhagen, where the streets are filled with innovative recipes that showcase the city's food-and-drink lifestyle. As part of our tour with chefs Umut Sakarya and Eric Kragh Vildgaard, we discovered Istid, Copenhagen's finest scoopery, known for its nitrogen-infused, bold-flavored ice cream.
Whether you're seeking traditional Danish dishes like smørrebrød or digging into contemporary culinary trends at Jordnær, a three Michelin-starred restaurant, Copenhagen's gastronomic labyrinth promises a mouthwatering travel experience that explores various aspects of its lifestyle.
