Discover the top gastronomic markets in Denmark
No matter where you are in Denmark, you are likely to be close to a food market. The past decade has seen the opening of numerous epicurean markets that are thriving in all the major Danish cities.
By Adriana Alcina Pictures: Thomas Steen Sørensen, Private
Particularly in Copenhagen and Aarhus you can find an excellent assortment of indoor and outdoor food markets that will fit every taste and budget.
For starters, check out the wonderful Italian market at Supermarco – located since almost a year at Støbegodsvej 1 – in Sydhavnen – in what they call their Italian Food Temple.
A magnificent recently renovated warehouse. Here you can find any kind of Italian delicatessen you can think of – including of course wine, cheese. and wonderful salami and prosciutto.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 19:00, Saturday until 17:00. This is were the Italian metro workers in Copenhagen come also to visit the small Italian café for their coffee in the morning – or they pop in for a quick lunch. If Italians go – it must be good.
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Maybe you already went to the Copenhagen Street Food, the indoor market found on Papirøen (Paper Island). If not, it is a must!
It boasts 35 food stalls, trucks and containers featuring cuisines with flavours from around the world, such as South Korean barbecue, Brazilian grilled meats and Moroccan-style dishes. Those with special dietary needs will appreciate the variety of options available.
Despite its location, an old warehouse building, there is plenty of comfortable indoor seating available as well as heaters to keep you warm during the autumn and winter season.
On warmer days, since it is next to the waterfront, it is also ideal for sitting outside on the adjoining pier to enjoy the beautiful views over the harbour.
Although it is not located in the city centre, it can get crowded during the weekends, so reservations are recommended at peak times. Certainly since the new bridge was opened connecting it with Nyhavn it has become much more accessible.
The market often houses live music performances and other events that are announced on their website calendar. Copenhagen Street Food is open every day from 12:00-21:00 and from 12:00-22:00 on Thursdays through Saturdays. copenhagenstreetfood.dk/en.
Enjoy it now – as the whole site will be turned into luxury apartments in 2018.
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Another delightful spot to grab a quick bite is Torvehallerne, a popular indoor market conveniently located next to the busy Nørreport train station.
Enclosed in a two-part glass and steel enclave with high ceilings that let in light and brighten up the buildings, it includes over 60 food stands that supply everything from fresh vegetables, fish, and meat to exquisite sweets and selected cheeses.
The market was inaugurated in 2011 and, according to its website, draws over 115,000 locals every week. Among other things, you can taste delicious delicatessen delights from Bornholm and other Danish regions, buy artisanal bread and gourmet chocolates, order paleo takeaway and sample high-quality teas.
Torvehallerne is pricier than other markets, but still remains more affordable than most eateries in central Copenhagen. Special events are held regularly there and posted on their Facebook page.
The market is open every day at different times, so check out their website for further details. torvehallernekbh.dk (in Danish only).
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Apart from the capital’s street markets, the rest of Denmark also hosts a significant amount of food markets and bazaars. Aarhus is home to one of Denmark’s largest outdoor food and vegetable markets, Ingerslevtorv, at Ingersleves Boulevard.
Over 60 stalls sell freshly harvested fruits, ecological veggies, homemade ice cream as well as Danish handicrafts and flowers. The market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 to 14:00.
There are two other city locations where you will find organic, fresh produce: The city centre’s outdoor market at Skt. Clemens Torv, close to Aarhus Cathedral (open the same days and times as Ingerslevtorv market) and the indoor Bazar Vest in Gellerup.
The latter is the most unique and colourful market in the city; featuring various small restaurants serving aromatic Asian food, the Bazar is a melting pot of cultures, flavours, mouth-watering scents and colours.
On top of this, it houses a multitude of shops selling all kinds of items as diverse as movies and exotic clothing and gifts. The 18,000-square-metre structure opened to the public in 1996 to bring employment opportunities to the foreign residents in the area.
After its latest renovation in 2009, it has become a successful establishment for both Danes and expats, partly because of its competitive prices and abundant bargains. Bazar Vest operates every day except Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00.ingerslevtorv.dk (in Danish only)www.bazarvest.dk (in Danish only).
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Aalborg doesn’t lag behind. It has a great share of food markets. The Grønttorvet in is an excellent place to buy ecological and fresh products and is open each Wednesday and Saturday between 7:00 and 14:00.
Another highly recommended market to savour local specialities from Northern Jutland is the indoor market in Nordkraft that occupies the old power plant.
The market is open on the first Saturday of the month. The square in Nørresundby also has a farmer’s market every Friday between 8:00 and 15:00 nordkraft.dk (in Danish only).
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Odense’s food markets are flourishing. Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00 Sorte Brødre Torv lends its space to a green market selling delicious fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and freshly smoked Funen-style cheese.
Foodies can chat with the traders and enjoy their shopping experience in a cosy atmosphere. Another popular spot is Bazar Fyn, selling a great wealth of foods for a bargain, along with non-food items such as toys and accessories.
You can also try out one of the small East Asian restaurants inside the Bazar. Since August a new rustic market in Arkaden, Odense food market, has opened. bazarfyn.dk (in Danish only) odensefoodmarket.dk (in Danish only)
Bon appétit!