Smørrebrød is more than just food – it is an essential part of Danish food culture and a source of national culinary pride. Some of the regulars at the cozy lunch restaurant Ibens Smørrebrød near Nyboder in central Copenhagen even call it Denmark’s national dish.
In Denmark, this iconic open-faced rye bread has roots deeply embedded in both tradition and innovation – from classic combinations with pickled herring, liver pâté, and crispy bacon to modern interpretations featuring delicate local ingredients and creative toppings.
In this article, we present the list of Denmark’s best smørrebrød, accompanied by brand-new photos and detailed descriptions of each piece, just as we know and love them. Whether you are a smørrebrød enthusiast, a curious foodie, or simply searching for your next lunch experience in Copenhagen, this guide introduces you to the most recommended open sandwiches in Denmark – ten timeless classics selected for their flavor, quality, culinary craftsmanship, and – not least – their well-earned place in Danish food history.
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From restaurants with centuries of history to modern kitchens reimagining Danish rye bread with butter and toppings of meat, fish, or vegetables, this list offers both the traditional and the innovative sides of smørrebrød. It is made up of a blend of expert recommendations, local favorites, and variations ranging from authentic classics to gourmet-inspired creations – all perfect for your next Danish lunch in Copenhagen.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top 10: Most popular smørrebrød in Copenhagen
1. Egg & Prawns
Organic egg with hand-peeled prawns, homemade tarragon mayo, Piment d’Espelette and fresh herbs.
2. Chicken Salad
Homemade Chicken Salad with pickled cucumber, pickled red onion, pickled mushroom, crispy bacon and cress. The signature piece at Ibens Smørrebrød.
3. Potato
New potatoes with smoked cheese cream, homemade green mayo, pickled red onion, spring onion and radishes.
4. Pickled Herring
Excellent quality pickled herring with homemade curry salad, organic egg, red onion, capers and cress.
5. Liver Pate
High-quality liver pâté with aspic, house-pickled cucumber, and red cabbage, topped with crispy bacon and cress.
6. Sausage Roll
The butcher’s traditional Danish rolled pork cold cut with aspic, red onion, and cress. Simple and classic.
7. “The Vet’s Midnight Snack”
Premium liver pâté topped with thin slices of salted veal, aspic, red onion, and cress.
See if The Vet’s Midnight Snack is on the menu at Ibens Smørrebrød
8. Meatball
Juicy, freshly butter fried Danish meatballs topped with homemade remoulade, crunchy pickled cucumbers, and fresh sprouts.
9. Ham
Smoked Danish ham topped with Italian salad, crisp asparagus, and tomato, finished with piment d’Espelette and fresh cress.
10. Roast Beef
Medium rare beef tenderloin with homemade remoulade, fried onions, shaved horseradish and sprouts.
BONUS: The Gourmet Piece
Smoked Salmon
From the Faroe Islands on a base of mizuna salad and our own beetroot tartar with smoked cheese cream, coarse pepper and sprouts.
SWEET: Denmark’s most popular dessert
Rødgrød med fløde
According to Iben’s old family recipe
The most classic Danish dessert. Impossible to pronounce, but easy to eat! Red berry pudding with cream, homemade by Iben according to the restaurant’s traditional family recipe.
Where can you find the best smørrebrød in Copenhagen?
Best reviews on Google: Ibens Smørrebrød near Nyboder in Downtown Copenhagen.
LUNCH AT IBENS SMØRREBRØD
WHERE? St. Kongensgade 116A, Copenhagen, Denmark
WHEN? Monday to Sunday at 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WHY? Best rated lunch restaurant in Copenhagen
Tip: You’ll find more guest reviews of Ibens Smørrebrød on Google, Tripadvisor and Facebook. You can also read what the newspaper critics have to say about Ibens Smørrebrød here.
YOUR OPINION
What is your favorite smørrebrød?
Is there a classic we missed on the list?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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