Although Copenhagen has a reputation for being a pricey travel destination, it’s also quickly making a name for itself as a paradise for food lovers. Our Copenhagen editors have put together a list of local eateries that will please your taste buds without breaking your budget.
1. Enjoy great value Vietnamese fare at Bonjour Vietnam
These guys claim to serve the best pho soup in town. This, along with their location under the imposing arches of the New Theatre, generous portions and affordable prices should have you queuing up already. As Vietnamese cuisine features a lot of vegetables, it’s also a good choice for vegetarians. Note that they’re only open for dinner from 5 pm.
Photo credit: Bonjour Vietnam
2. Try cheap Danish classics at Chicky Grill
Lots of places in Copenhagen serve Danish food, but few do it as cheaply as Chicky. This laid-back family-owned business has been around for over 30 years, and will easily last another 30 with their no-frills local fare. Don’t miss their homemade burger – it’s a mess of classic Danish brown sauce, toasted onions, pickled cucumber and beetroot.
Photo credit: Chicky Grill
3. Explore the wonderful world of porridge at Grød
Don’t be fooled by the name – you won’t find sloppy bowls of coagulated grey goo at Grød. Instead, they reveal the true potential of porridge with endless variations containing a myriad of unexpected ingredients and flavours. Apart from the dishes they prepare in their kitchen, you can also buy raw ingredients to take home. Board games are available to keep you entertained while you wait for your porridge to cool down.
Photo credit: Grød
4. Eat like a local at John’s Hotdog Deli
Hot dogs are the national fast food of Denmark and no trip to Copenhagen is complete without a stop at one of the city’s many pølsevogne (hot dog stands). John’s takes the classic Danish dog to a whole new level by offering gourmet hot dogs made with high quality sausages and tasty homemade sauces. Try the monthly special – it definitely won’t disappoint!
Photo credit: John’s Hotdog Deli
5. Tuck into hearty vegetarian food at Morgenstedet
This vegetarian restaurant has a limited menu that changes daily, and everything is homemade. Located in one of the cosiest corners of Christiana, it’s a chilled out place to fill your stomach. Be sure to get there early as it’s small and very popular.
Photo credit: Mike Linksvayer
6. Savour a delicious Sunday brunch at Mother
Located in Copenhagen’s uber-trendy meatpacking district, Mother is a local Sunday brunch institution. For the comparatively cheap price of 140kr, you can refill your plate ‘til you drop. The choices are endless – there are several pasta dishes, breads, cheeses, cold meats, salads, juices, yoghurts and cereals, and pizzas of all varieties pop out of the oven continuously. It’s a popular place, so be sure to arrive early to secure yourself a seat.
Photo credit: Lisa Picard
7. Share pancakes with friends at La Galette
La Galette serves delicious galettes (French pancakes) with both sweet and savoury fillings. The best thing to do is to order several different varieties and share them with your friends – this way you’ll get to try a range of different flavours. Prices start at around €4 for the simplest ones.
Photo credit: La Galette
8. Enjoy student-friendly prices at Paludan Bogcafé
Set in the city centre right next to Copenhagen University, this buzzing hangout is packed with local students. They offer simple and tasty meals at affordable prices, free WiFi and cheap beer (25kr) from 5–10 pm. What more could you ask for?
9. Fill up at Kate’s Joint before a night out
With an ever-changing menu of dishes influenced by Asian, African and Caribbean cuisine, Kate’s is the perfect spot if you’re craving something exotic. Located in the heart of Nørrebro’s bar district, it’s a great place to kick off your evening, and because diners share long tables, chances are you’ll meet plenty of friendly locals.
Photo credit: Thomas Madsen
10. Stop by Kalaset for a simple yet tasty meal
Slap bang in the middle of one of Copenhagen’s hippest streets and on one of the city’s sunniest corners, café-bar Kalaset offers simple yet tasty meals that won’t break the bank. In the evenings and especially on weekends, it seamlessly morphs from a laid-back café into a lively bar with DJs, beers and cocktails, making it a perfect spot for all moods and all seasons.
Photo credit: Kalaset
Opening photo credit: Grød