Denmark has become a global hotspot for food lovers, largely thanks to the rise of New Nordic Cuisine—a culinary movement that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonality, and innovation. Pioneered by chefs like René Redzepi of Noma fame, this style of cooking has redefined the Danish food scene and put the country at the forefront of modern gastronomy. If you’re a foodie eager to explore Denmark’s culinary delights, here’s your guide to experiencing the best of New Nordic Cuisine.
What is New Nordic Cuisine?
New Nordic Cuisine (NNC) is a culinary philosophy that emerged in Denmark in the early 2000s. It celebrates the use of local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients—often foraged from forests, beaches, and farms. The focus is on purity, simplicity, and respect for the region’s culinary traditions while embracing modern techniques and innovation.
Key characteristics of New Nordic Cuisine include:
- Foraged ingredients: Wild herbs, mushrooms, berries, seaweed, and game meats.
- Seasonality: A focus on ingredients at the peak of their season.
- Local sourcing: Prioritizing local farmers, producers, and artisans.
- Sustainability: Promoting responsible and sustainable food practices.
New Nordic Cuisine is about creating dishes that are deeply connected to the landscape and culture of the region, with an emphasis on creativity, flavor, and aesthetics.
1. Noma – Copenhagen’s World-Famous Restaurant
No list of New Nordic Cuisine would be complete without a mention of Noma. Founded by René Redzepi in 2003, Noma is often cited as one of the best restaurants in the world and is a pioneer of the New Nordic movement. Noma redefined what Nordic cuisine could be, using foraged ingredients and experimenting with fermentation, preserving, and other innovative techniques.
- What to try: The ever-evolving tasting menu, which changes with the seasons, is an absolute must. Expect a multi-course meal featuring local ingredients like wild herbs, berries, fermented vegetables, and seafood.
- Experience: The restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with exquisite presentation and a story behind each dish.
- Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Note: Reservations at Noma can be difficult to secure, and it’s highly recommended to book well in advance.
2. Geranium – A Michelin-Starred Marvel
Another Michelin-starred gem in Copenhagen, Geranium is a top-tier restaurant that embodies New Nordic Cuisine through its philosophy of “culinary art.” Led by Chef Rasmus Kofoed, who has won multiple awards, Geranium focuses on creating stunning, visually artistic dishes that are rooted in local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
- What to try: The tasting menu at Geranium is a truly elevated experience, featuring flavors from the land and sea. Dishes may include items like fermented roots, wild berries, or delicate fish prepared with cutting-edge techniques.
- Experience: The restaurant’s airy, modern design and panoramic views of Copenhagen offer a refined atmosphere to enjoy the intricacy of the dishes.
- Location: Per Henrik Lings Allé 4, 8th Floor, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
3. Amass – Innovation Meets Sustainability
Located in an industrial building by the water in Copenhagen’s Refshaleøen district, Amass is a restaurant that combines New Nordic principles with sustainability. The restaurant has its own vegetable garden, where they grow herbs, greens, and edible flowers used in the dishes. Chef Matt Orlando embraces the idea of zero-waste cooking, ensuring every part of an ingredient is used in creative ways.
- What to try: The tasting menu features dishes that reflect seasonal changes, incorporating foraged ingredients, vegetables, and seafood. Highlights may include aged lamb or smoked fermented potatoes, depending on what’s in season.
- Experience: The industrial setting is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work.
- Location: Refshalevej 153, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
4. Restaurant Kadeau – A Taste of Bornholm
For a unique experience, Kadeau offers a culinary journey inspired by the island of Bornholm, Denmark’s sunny, food-rich island in the Baltic Sea. With a focus on local produce from Bornholm’s farms and coastline, the restaurant serves a modern interpretation of traditional island dishes.
- What to try: The tasting menu is crafted with seasonal ingredients from Bornholm. Expect dishes like salt-baked potatoes, fermented cabbage, and locally caught fish, alongside an array of wild herbs.
- Experience: The design of the restaurant is inspired by Bornholm’s coastal simplicity, with a rustic but elegant atmosphere.
- Location: Højbro Plads 8, 1200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
5. The Coffee Collective – A New Nordic Take on Coffee
New Nordic Cuisine extends beyond just food—it even influences the coffee culture in Denmark. The Coffee Collective is a roastery and café that champions sustainability and the artisanal approach to coffee-making. They work directly with coffee farmers to ensure ethical sourcing and exceptional quality.
- What to try: Sample a single-origin brew or indulge in one of their expertly crafted coffee drinks. Their coffee beans are roasted to perfection, emphasizing flavors that come from the beans’ terroir.
- Experience: The baristas at The Coffee Collective are highly skilled, and they take their time to explain the origins of each coffee bean and the process behind brewing.
- Location: Godthåbsvej 34, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Conclusion
New Nordic Cuisine has firmly established itself as a global culinary trend, and Denmark is at the heart of this gastronomic revolution. Whether you’re dining at a world-renowned restaurant like Noma or exploring the street food scene in Copenhagen, the food is as innovative as it is delicious. By focusing on local ingredients, sustainability, and creativity, New Nordic cuisine offers an authentic, flavorful journey through Denmark’s culture, landscape, and seasonal rhythms. So, get ready to experience the flavors of Denmark and explore the cutting edge of Scandinavian culinary tradition!
