My time in the capital city was quite short. I hopped over to Denmark after finding a $19 flight from Rome. It was unplanned, so I only had one day to explore Copenhagen. I had to make it to the foodie paradise that is Torvehallerne in the little time I had.
Let me just say, I’m constantly seeking out food markets while traveling and this is by far one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Located in the neighborhood of Indre By, Torvehallerne market has around 80 vendors selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, exotic spices, lotions, soaps and so many more treats—not to mention plenty of stands where you can dine-in or have a drink.
I couldn’t do much shopping since I was only in town for a day and most of the items being sold are not carry-on-luggage-friendly. But I could do plenty of eating. Torvehallerne is treat-filled heaven!
I intentionally came here on an empty stomach. Actually, we walked quite a distance to get here, so I burnt plenty of calories and really worked up an appetite. It would be impossible to visit Torvehallerne and only eat at one food stand, so my boyfriend and I grazed and shared items from multiple vendors. Definitely one of the best perks about having a travel partner.
Eat at Torvehallerne Market in Copenhagen
Ma Poule
Ma Poule serves a variety of French delicacies, but we are going to highlight the most important one—the duck confit sandwich. O-M-G, you guys—this sandwich was truly incredible. I wouldn’t use “O-M-G” in my writing if I didn’t mean it wholeheartedly.
While you wait for your order, you can see the duck crisping in a hot pan behind the counter. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. So simple, yet so incredibly flavorful. I heard this sandwich has won awards and is actually well-known outside of Copenhagen. I didn’t look that far into it, but I believe it. I’d stop in Copenhagen again just to eat this sandwich.
Please make sure you eat this sandwich if you are ever in Copenhagen. I have to believe that one day I will eat it again.
Hallernes Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is a Danish open-faced sandwich piled high with varieties of meat, seafood, spreads, and sauces. Want to try one? Then you should make a stop at Hallernes Smørrebrød.
I’m a sucker for a sandwich in any form, so I had to give one of these a try. These unique sandwich creations are traditionally served on dark, rye bread. It’s pretty thick and heavy, unlike any bread that I’m used to eating in America.
The coolest thing about Hallernes Smørrebrød, and smørrebrød in general, is there are so many to choose from. Pickled herring is a common ingredient in this part of the world, but if fish isn’t your thing they offer plenty other variations. There really is something for everyone.
Oh, it might be important to note that you should use the utensils you’re given to eat your smørrebrød. It’s really tempting to just pick it up and eat it by hand (I know I wanted to), but the Danes are well-mannered. When in Denmark….
Le Petit
You may or may not have noticed there were two glasses of bubbly sitting next to our duck sandwich a few photos back. Why not stick to the French theme and pair some champagne with our duck confit?
While they also offer food—I heard they have a great steak sandwich—Le Petit specializes in wine. This ultra-small, ultra-cute wine bar has an incredible selection and the staff is friendly and helpful. Not knowing much about wine or champagne, the man behind the counter was excited to help us make a selection.
Even if your stomach is plenty full of food, stop by Le Petit for a post-meal drink. Or you can do what we did and pair it with your meal.
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Cafe Rosa
Just when I thought we were (seriously) done eating our way through Torvehallerne market we approached Cafe Rosa. I’m serious, we were exiting the building when we found this treat haven. I mean, just look at the photo, look at that countertop!
Of course, we quickly convinced ourselves that we could share one item for dessert. Our chosen item was a moist-bread (not quite a cake), filled with bananas, nuts, and chocolate. It was heavenly. Again, I wish I had more stomach space to indulge in the countless treats this woman had to offer.
I was really entertained sitting there and watching her bake — such talent and she seems to be running it all on her own. Make sure you try something here, even if you have to take it to-go and eat it later.
Mikkeller & Friends
If you aren’t yet familiar with Mikkeller beer, I suggest you get familiar. Mikkeller is starting to make its way around the world, but the microbrewery was founded in Copenhagen — so it’s understandably a big deal here.
I am lucky enough to live in San Francisco where we have a Mikkeller bar, so I came to Denmark determined to drink more Mikkeller. While there are actual bar locations in Copenhagen, Torvehallerne is home to one of Mikkeller’s bottle shops.
If you have a refrigerator back at your hotel or apartment, grab a few bottles and take them back with you. There are probably too many different types to taste them all (or not), but every one I have tried has been really, really good. And I’m not even the hugest beer connoisseur. But how fun are those labels? I’d be a fan of the graphic design alone.
Browsing Torvehallerne Market
Once you’re done indulging in all of the Torvehallerne market food stands, walk off your meals by browsing through the rest of the market. If you do happen to have a kitchen wherever you are staying in Copenhagen, this is the perfect place to pick up a few items for cooking at home. I also found that Torvehallerne is a good place to pick up gifts and souvenirs. I’m not talking about the cheesy, tourist gift shop stuff, but other locally made goods. I grabbed a lotion and lip balm for myself that is produced in Denmark. Depending on your luggage situation, you could grab a bottle of locally-made oil or booze.
Have you ever been to Torvehallerne market in Copenhagen? If so, what is your favorite thing to eat at the market? Tell me in the comments!
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