Copenhagen has lept to the top of the "foodie city" rankings in recent years, with most of the recognition coming thanks to the cutting edge "New Nordic" cuisine that has spread like wildfire throughout the city.
There's still one classic dish you simply have to sample when you come to Denmark, though.
Smorrebrod is a small, open-faced sandwich whose base consists of buttered sourdough rye bread, over which is piled any number of delicious savory toppings-typically cold meats, fish, cheese, pate or remoulade.
This iconic Danish open-faced sandwich is a staple on lunch menus at almost any restaurant worth their salt, and they are usually served as a platter of two, three or four per plate (diners choice).
The end result is a beautifully-presented dish that is delicate yet filling in equal measure.
Many Danes believe the best way to enjoy smorrebrod is with a glass of local schnapps-don't forget to shout "skal!" ("cheers!") to the table before you take a drink-with some establishments even making their own homemade versions to accompany the sandwich flavors.
So if you find yourself in Copenhagen seeking smorrebrod, here's where to go:
Restaurant Schonnemann
One of Copenhagen's oldest restaurants, Schonnemann has been serving up a classic Danish lunch-only menu for years and yet never seems to lose its luster in the eyes of the smorrebrod fanatic.
The range of toppings is vast, with multiple incarnations of herring, pork, fish, potatoes, chicken, cheese, duck and beef. They also boast over 140 different varieties of schnapps, aquavit and genever, so there's really no excuse not to order a glass (or two).
Aamanns Deli
The Aamanns chain can be found all over the city-with restaurants that range from fine dining to airport grab-and-go-but their informal yet stylish deli might just be the perfect place for a smorrebrod lunch.
Sandwich toppings change with the seasons and feature modern twists on classic recipes (like garnishes of crispy chicken skin, rye bread chips and lovage emulsion). Aamanns also serves their own small range of homemade schnapps.
Restaurant Kronborg
Another eatery that focuses on traditional Danish cooking, Kronborg is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
Their fish selection is large: There's a whole portion of the sandwich menu dedicated to herring alone, aside from the other seafood and shellfish. But everything, including the meat toppings, are cooked the way Danish momma's used to make them.
Drinks tend to focus on aquavit (a cousin of schnapps, more traditionally made using potato or grain rather than a fruit or herb base) and Danish beers.
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