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Category: Eat and drink

Eating Well in Odense

Odense has developed a varied and increasingly ambitious food scene. Traditional Danish cooking remains easy to find, but it now sits alongside modern Nordic restaurants, international cuisine, street food and a strong café culture.

The surrounding island of Funen also has an important agricultural tradition, giving restaurants access to excellent local vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese and other regional products.

  • Cafés and Danish pastries

    Denmark takes coffee, cakes and baked goods seriously, and Odense is no exception.

    A morning visit to a bakery is one of the simplest pleasures of travelling in Denmark. Danish bakeries offer everything from bread and rolls to elaborate pastries, cakes and sandwiches.

    What English speakers call a “Danish pastry” is generally known in Denmark as wienerbrød. There are numerous varieties, often involving laminated pastry, custard, jam, chocolate or marzipan.

    The centre of Odense contains plenty of cafés where visitors can stop between attractions. During warmer months, outdoor seating spreads into squares and pedestrian streets, giving the centre a lively but relaxed atmosphere.

  • Storms Pakhus and street food

    One of the most popular informal dining destinations in Odense is Storms Pakhus.

    Located in a former industrial warehouse close to the railway station, the venue brings together street-food kitchens, bars and events under one roof. The food ranges from Danish favourites to dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.

    The communal tables and informal atmosphere make it particularly useful for groups where everyone wants something different. It is also a good choice for families and travellers looking for an inexpensive alternative to a traditional restaurant.

    Storms Pakhus represents another side of modern Odense: creative, informal and based around the reuse of former industrial spaces.

  • Modern Nordic cuisine

    Like the rest of Denmark, Odense has been influenced by the rise of New Nordic cuisine. Many contemporary restaurants place an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, local producers and simple but carefully prepared dishes.

    You do not necessarily need to choose an expensive tasting menu to experience this approach. Smaller restaurants and bistros throughout the city incorporate Nordic ingredients and ideas into more relaxed menus.

    The compact centre makes restaurant hopping easy. You can have a drink in one part of town, walk to dinner and finish the evening at another bar or café without needing a taxi.

  • Traditional Danish food

    For international visitors, Odense is a good place to become acquainted with classic Danish food.

    The best-known lunchtime tradition is smørrebrød – Danish open sandwiches served on rye bread and topped with combinations such as pickled herring, roast beef, eggs and prawns, liver pâté or fried fish.

    A good smørrebrød lunch is much more than a sandwich. The toppings are carefully arranged, and different varieties are usually eaten in a particular order, traditionally accompanied by beer and sometimes a small glass of Danish snaps.

    For dinner, traditional Danish dishes tend to be hearty. Pork has an important place in Danish cuisine, as do potatoes, gravy, pickled vegetables and seasonal ingredients. During colder months, these classic dishes can be particularly satisfying after a day spent exploring the city.