bites abroad
Join our intern Hannah as she explores Copenhagen's culinary scene, from local recipes to hidden restaurants, and sharing ideas for our dining program at Elon.
Meet Hannah
Meet Hannah Jordan, our amazing Elon Dining intern from California! She’s a strategic communication major who’s currently studying abroad in Copenhagen. While we miss her on campus, we’re thrilled that she’s kicking off a new series, taking us along on her culinary adventures. Each week, she’ll dive into local recipes, visit hidden gem restaurants, and share her experiences with us. Hannah is also keeping a detailed food journal, and each week’s journey is documented right here. Plus, you can watch her videos on the Elon Dining Instagram page. We’re excited to see how her discoveries inspire new flavors for our dining program, and we can’t wait to see what delicious finds she brings back!
Week 1
Reffen Copenhagen Street Food
Outdoor Food Market
Copenhagen, Denmark
8/19/24
As my first stop on this incredible journey, I decided to visit the commonly talked about “Reffen.” Before coming to Copenhagen, every influencer, previous DIS student I was in communication with, and almost anyone who has ever been to and loved Copenhagen, has been to this Copenhagen street food market. “Reffen” is the largest street food market in the Nordics, offers food from all around the world, and is a vibrant waterfront destination. It was once a neglected harborside lot, yet it has transformed into a bustling hub where food lovers, artisans, and music enthusiasts come together to enjoy a unique cultural experience. I felt extremely peaceful here. The atmosphere was both calm and engaging, with families, friends, and students sitting by the water, savoring and sharing dishes from around the world. I felt at peace, yet still so engaged in the different types of people around me.
I went with a few friends who are also foodies like me, and we decided to get three dishes to share. We started off with chipotle chicken tacos which were decent. I am not sure how popular and authentic Mexican food is here, and I am spoiled with California Mexican Food, so I wouldn’t get this again. The chef was extremely nice though and gave me a student discount! Then we tried a Korean chicken rice bowl which was very good. It had a spicy sauce that definitely caught me off guard, but the mix of the sauce with the chicken and vegetables was a perfect combination. Lastly we had my favorite dish, which was a truffle, cheese, and potato pizza. The combination of the truffle mixed with the cheese couldn’t have been a better duo. It melted in my mouth and bursted with flavor. Other than the endless food options, the setting of “Reffen” was quite perfect. The sun was setting, people were talking and drinking, music was playing, and everything felt content. I will definitely be back and can’t wait to try new foods the next time I visit.
Overall rating: 8.8/10
Atelier September
Restaurant
Copenhagen, Denmark
8/20/24
For brunch one morning I went on a quick walk around the block to commonly talked about “Atelier September.” One of my friends who lives in my building recommended this restaurant to a group of us, and it didn’t disappoint. The line was out the door when we arrived, we had to wait about 30 minutes to sit down. The restaurant itself had a great atmosphere as well. It was very minimalistic but had a fancy feel to it. I noticed that my friends and I were speaking at an average level, but we were by far the loudest ones in the room. I have realized that Danish people are very reserved and only speak when they really have something important to say!
I ended up ordering the french omelet which I always see on social media, but have never tried for myself until now. It’s prepared in a way that makes the omelet smooth as silk on the outside, moist and creamy on the inside, with a tender egg wrapping a filling of softly scrambled eggs. It was SO fluffy and flavorful. It didn’t seem to have that many spices, but it was perfectly salted and paired so well with the bread and whipped butter that came on the side. It also had a bit of a pepper kick that I would normally assume to be too overpowering, but it paired so nicely with the salt and soft egg consistency. The slice of sourdough made the meal more complete. It was paired with the most delicious whipped butter I have ever had in my life. It was so light and melted perfectly onto the bread. The eggs wonderfully softened in my mouth and overall it was a delicious meal. I have a few other friends who have gone recently as well and they have absolutely loved the food.
Overall Rating: 7.9/ 10
Wulf and Konstali
Restaurant
Copenhagen, Denmark
8/23/24
After getting a little lost on the metro, I was able to make my way to probably my favorite restaurant I’ve tried so far, “Wulf and Konstali”. “Wulf and Konstali” is a brunch place where you can choose your personal mix of 5 or 7 delicate dishes. There are more than 20 different variants, consisting of classic brunch dishes, kitchen’s favorites, meat and fish, fruits and greens, sweet treats, and their very own baked goods. I ended up selecting 5 dishes which included a chocolate croissant, scrambled eggs with chives, organic yogurt with raspberry compote and almond-quinoa granola, a smoothie bowl with numerous toppings, and a poppy-seed waffle with raspberry whipped cream. All of this was $20 which was one of the cheaper places I have been to in Copenhagen so far, and so much was included. We filled out these little slips, selecting which options we wanted, and I was in heaven. The raspberry compote on the yogurt was by far one of the sweetest yet freshest things I have ever tasted, and although I am not a poppy-seed fan, the waffle was absolutely delicious. It was on the thinner side which made the outside a little crispier and I loved it. The eggs were also very fluffy, something I’ve noticed they do here in Copenhagen, and I was definitely full after this meal which made me like it even more. I am excited to come back and try 5 new things!
Overall rating: 9.3/10
Patagonia Grill, at Seaside
Restaurant
Copenhagen, Denmark
8/25/24
Today’s meal was very exciting because I met my visiting host family! Through my program here in Copenhagen, we are given the option to meet with a Danish family throughout the semester and I was assigned a lovely family of four. I met with Mia, the mom, and Karoline, the daughter, and we had such a lovely meal. They decided to take me around the city and we stopped at this beautiful outdoor food venue called Seaside. Seaside offers homemade delicacies from all corners of the world, and the food is prepared in seven independent kitchens under one roof. I decided to get a steak salad from “Patagonia Grill” and we were able to sit in Seaside’s maritime surroundings overlooking the harbor. My salad was very interesting. I wasn’t used to this, but the steak was cold and sprinkled with salt. I will say the salt made it SO much better. It was a flaky salt that had a little crunch to it, and it brought out the flavors of the steak. I didn’t love the chewy consistency of the cold steak, but I did really enjoy the lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing. It kind of tasted like a caesar dressing, but a little sweeter. The salad also had snap peas in it which was such a surprising yet pleasant crunch. I don’t think I’ve ever had a salad with full snap peas, and I really enjoyed it. The setting of the place made the meal so much more enjoyable. It was right along the water and everyone was just enjoying their meals and company. I enjoyed, but next time I come to this place I will try something different.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10
Wrap up
I have been here for about a week now and I have felt extremely lucky. I feel so comfortable, my roommates are amazing, everywhere is so clean, the public transportation has been extremely easy to adjust to, my classes seem awesome, and I am just feeling so thankful. I feel very independent here as well. I am able to walk around any time of the day and not worry too much about what is going on around me. I can go to a grocery store, coffee shop, almost all cuisines of restaurants, and more within a 5 minute walk, and I feel like such a woman! I am so excited for the rest of this journey and cannot wait to experience more delicious food experiences and enjoy my time here.
Photos from the Week!
Week 2
Community Dinner
Home-cooked Meal
Copenhagen, Denmark
9 9/24
To kick off the week, my apartment and I participated in a community dinner—one of the 3-4 events our program organizes each term. Through this initiative, our institution provides us with ingredients, and we come together to cook, eat, and bond as an apartment. I’m always excited for these “free meals,” especially since Copenhagen is notoriously expensive, and I’m navigating life on a college budget! Today’s meal was falafel wraps, and our ingredients included fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, onions, tortilla wraps, lettuce, bell peppers, tzatziki, hummus, creamy feta, and of course, falafel. It was a simple cooking experience; all we really had to do was chop the veggies and bake the falafel, but the result was surprisingly delicious.
One of the first things I’ve noticed since moving here is how much fresher everything tastes. The vegetables are brightly colored and have a “natural” flavor that I rarely find back home. I’ve learned that in Copenhagen, produce isn’t treated with a lot of pesticides or preservatives, so while things spoil faster, they taste infinitely better. Even everyday items like bread are made without the additives commonly used in the States, which means it’s fresher but has a shorter shelf life. The fruits and vegetables are smaller, too, likely because they aren’t pumped full of steroids or chemicals. Knowing that what I’m eating is more natural and probably healthier is reassuring, but it also makes me question the practices back home in the U.S..
After prepping the vegetables, we assembled our wraps and sat down together, sharing stories and getting to know each other better. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the flavors were vibrant and distinct. The red bell peppers had an unexpectedly bold taste, and the feta was creamier than what I’m used to. Each bite combined the crunch of fresh veggies, the warmth of crispy falafel, and the softness of the wrap—it was a flavor combination that made my taste buds happy. I devoured my wrap in about five minutes and felt completely satisfied with the meal. Plus, we had some leftovers, so I’m looking forward to enjoying them for dinner tomorrow!
Overall Rating: 8.3/10
Delphine
Restaurant
Copenhagen, Denmark
9/12/24
For my roommate’s birthday dinner, we went to Delphine, an elegant Greek restaurant in Copenhagen. Before going, I was told that Delphine is the kind of place you’d typically visit with your parents, and after experiencing it myself, I completely agree. The restaurant exuded a mature, upscale vibe, and while it was on the pricier side, the experience made it worth it.
We kicked off the meal with some drinks, since I am legal in Denmark! I tried the “Watermelon Dolphin,” a cocktail made with tequila, watermelon, lemon, salt, and soda, and it was quite delicious. It didn’t taste like alcohol at all, just a refreshing, sparkling watermelon juice with a slight tang from the fresh lemon. The drink was fresh, and just the right balance of sweet and sour—definitely a highlight of the meal. For the main course, I ordered the grilled lamb, which was served with a zucchini and red pepper salsa. Though I don’t usually love lamb, but I felt adventurous and gave it a try. The lamb was perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor and if I was a big fan of lamb, I’m sure it would have been perfect. However, the real star of the dish for me was the salsa. The grilled zucchini and peppers provided a fresh contrast to the richness of the lamb, making each bite feel balanced and less heavy.
The ambiance of Delphine was chic and stylish, and with an attention to detail that made the experience feel even more special. Even the bathrooms were awesome, with their artsy design and fun mood lighting adding an unexpected touch of creativity. One tradition in Denmark is to place a small Danish flag on the table for someone’s birthday, so the restaurant did just that for my roommate, which added to the celebratory feel of the dinner. I wouldn’t choose the lamb next time, which was completely my fault, but Delphine was definitely a great spot with elevated food, excellent drinks, and a memorable atmosphere.
Overall rating: 7.6/10
Balderdash Bar
Copenhagen, Denmark
9/13/24
Tonight, I went to Balderdash, a cocktail bar located in the oldest neighborhood of Copenhagen. The bar is known for its cozy atmosphere and creative cocktails, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It’s not the typical bar experience—Balderdash has a classy vibe, and instead of ordering at the bar, you order from your table. They serve only from their preset menu, which changes weekly, adding a fun element of surprise to each visit.
We were seated in a fancy booth, and I quickly noticed that most people there were at least 40 years old, making me feel like a mature young adult. I asked our waiter for a recommendation, and he suggested the “Midnight Oil Milkshake.” This drink was pretty much a literal milkshake, but with a twist. It was made with Adriatico roasted almond, banana, black truffle, birch, coconut, and lactose-free cream. It was creamy, icy, and absolutely delicious—definitely one of the top three things I’ve had in Copenhagen so far. The truffle flavor was unique and paired surprisingly well with the banana and cream, making it taste like a vanilla and banana milkshake with hints of almond and a strong truffle flavor that balanced out the sweetness. It was also so refreshing yet tasted like a dessert. The glass it came in was also really pretty, matching the refined and elegant vibe of the bar.
Balderdash was a delightful surprise with its creative drinks and cozy, classy atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to going back and seeing what’s on the menu next!
Overall Rating: 9.3/10
Bageriet Brod Bakery
Copenhagen, Denmark
9/15/24
On the first day of class, my professor brought us breakfast—a loaf of sourdough bread, and since then, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I found out that it came from a local sourdough bakery that’s not only dedicated to crafting sourdough but also uses all organic ingredients, which is pretty amazing! I decided to visit the bakery myself and buy a loaf for the week. The journey there wasn’t easy, I got very lost on the metro, but it was absolutely worth it. This bread is just perfect. The crust is incredibly crunchy and crisp, while the inside is fluffy, soft, moist, and light all at once. Each bite is a perfect balance of crispy outer crust and delicate inner dough, melting perfectly on the tongue.
Walking into the bakery, I was immediately hit by the incredible scent of freshly baked sourdough. It wasn’t the typical sweet bakery smell but something rich and fresh. The woman at the counter was very helpful, explaining the different types of loaves, each with its own distinct shape and sourdough twist. I went with the same loaf my professor brought us, which was a more squared shape, and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice.
I’ve had the bread for almost a week now, and it’s still as fresh as the day I bought it, probably thanks to the lack of preservatives, which is common in Copenhagen. I have made so many sandwiches and breakfast dishes with this loaf, and I will be buying another one soon.
Overall rating: 9.6/10
Wrap up
Another fantastic week has passed while studying abroad in Copenhagen. I definitely tried some of my favorite things this week, since I have been here. I also wanted to share some fun things I have noticed about Copenhagen vs. the United States. A lot of restaurants and food venues in Copenhagen charge an automatic extra 25% tax that goes to the city. Therefore, although the residents here get more through it, everything is much more expensive so visitors like me. Also, something that a lot of people don’t love but I find so convenient is that caps on bottles don’t come off all the way! They stay attached so that you don’t lose them, (I’m assuming). I am a big fan of this invention and wonder why America doesn’t do this as well! Lastly, the tap water in Denmark is TOP TIER. No matter if you’re in a restaurant, kitchen, gym, bathroom (!), or really any public place, the sink water is completely safe to drink and they pride themselves on this!
Overall I am eager for next week’s eats!
Photos from the Week!
Week 3
Malmö Saluhall, PÅRIS
Food Court
Malmö, Sweden
Date: 9/21/24
I decided to take a day trip to Malmö, Sweden! It is only a 50-minute train ride from Copenhagen and the perfect quick and peaceful getaway. I came to Malmö with no set plans or itinerary, but resorted to TikTok for advice. The first thing I saw was to visit Malmö Saluhall, and it was one of the top food markets I have ever visited. They offered really any cuisine you can think of and at high quality. According to their website, Malmö Saluhall boasts offerings like; “sausages hand-made in a barn without electricity, plaice that is only caught when it’s high tide around the small island of Ven, knives so sharp they can slice bone marrow, hand-sorted coffee beans, falafel fried in olive oil, chilled tea, Korean street food, locally grown garlic and fresh goat yoghurt” and more. Therefore, all good quality and top-notch dining.
The place itself had a rustic yet trendy vibe and every single vendor looked better than the next. I decided to grab a poke bowl at “PÅRIS” because I’d heard great things about the fresh fish in Sweden, and I hadn’t had fish since arriving abroad. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, with every vegetable vividly colored. I ordered the Hawaiian salmon bowl, featuring Norwegian salmon in teriyaki sauce, served over warm sushi rice. It was topped with cucumbers, soybeans, avocado, radishes, red cabbage, napa cabbage, scallions, sesame seeds, and the standout—mango salsa. The salsa had a Hawaiian spice that was juicy yet tangy, perfectly complementing the marinated salmon.
I found it interesting that the bowl included two types of cabbage, adding a satisfying crunch that isn’t typical in the poke bowls I’ve tried before. Plus, it seemed like every dish at PÅRIS featured some type of Hawaiian salsa, which I loved! I later discovered that Chef Joen Sjödell runs this poke bar with two of his friends, and he even started one of Sweden’s first sushi restaurants in Lund! Overall, the portion size was generous, and the combination of flavors made for an appreciable poke bowl.
Overall rating: 7.9/10
Gottelisa
Candy Shop
Malmo, Sweden
Date: 9/21/24
One of my top bucket list items while studying abroad was trying Swedish candy at some point. My ENTIRE for-you page this summer was people taste testing Swedish candy and I knew I had to try it for myself. The best part about Swedish candy that some of you may not know is that almost all of them are free of dyes and artificial flavors. Therefore, they use natural coloring and aromas instead. Not only this, most are vegan and gluten-free using cornstarch instead of gelatin! A lot of Swedish candy is also free of trans fats, genetically modified organisms, and high fructose corn syrup. This is all so amazing to me, and makes the candy taste better and makes my stomach feel better after eating it!
I couldn’t resist trying almost every type of candy in the store, and I noticed a few key differences compared to American candy: the texture, flavors, and sour levels were on a whole new level. Many of the candies I tried had a unique gummy-marshmallow hybrid texture. It was like biting into a firmer marshmallow with a chewy gummy consistency. It was such a pleasant feel in the mouth, and I found myself enjoying the texture more than any other candy I’ve tried. The flavors also stood out to me. The fruity gummies tasted like real fruit, not the artificial flavors we’re used to, making each bite more authentic and delicious. And the sour candies were genuinely sour, like the burst of tang you get from biting into a lemon, rather than just a sharp, bitter taste that makes your face scrunch up, like a warhead for example. Almost every piece of candy I tried was great, and since finishing my bag, I’ve been craving more!
Overall rating: 9.4/10
Gustavino
Restaurant
Malmo, Sweden
Date: 9/21/24
For my last stop on this day trip, my friends and I went to Gustavino. The place itself was a rustic Italian Wine Bar in the heart of Malmö, so it was in a perfect area with a bunch of tourists and people watching. It had a really warm and friendly atmosphere, while also having an elegant and authentic feeling. The interior had wooden accents and shelves lined with wine bottles, giving it an authentic Italian feel. It was the perfect place to sit in and relax after a long day of walking and exploring. The waitress was nice enough to translate literally the entire menu for us, and I ended up ordering the ravioli.
The ravioli was filled with porcini mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan, and covered in tomato sauce. I’m not a typical ravioli fan, but it sounded too good to pass up. The ravioli itself was so light but burst with flavors. The mushrooms and spinach mixed with the cheese and tangy tomato sauce offered so many flavor combos and complemented each other very nicely. I really liked that the cheese didn’t overpower the other ingredients, and the pasta itself was so soft and airy. We were also given some French bread on the side, and it was perfect for dipping in the extra tomato sauce and cheese. Although I am not the biggest fan of ravioli, I really enjoyed my meal and would honestly order it again.
Overall rating: 7.7/10
Buka
Bakery
Copenhagen, Denmark
Date: 9/17/24
Before I went abroad, Buka was highly recommended to me as a must-visit spot. While it might seem like just a regular bakery at first glance, Buka sets itself apart with its fun and delectable pastries. There’s a Buka on my street, and I’ve never seen it without a line out the door. What makes their pastries stand out are the crazy fillings, limited edition treats, and the fact that they’re open every day! My friends and I decided to try the chocolate cream and berry croissant, and let me tell you, it was perfection. This croissant isn’t your usual pastry; it’s stuffed with a whipped chocolate ganache and layered with a raspberry compote, both inside and out. When you take a bite, the fillings burst out, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors that fill your mouth with happiness.
I’m usually not a fan of fruit in desserts, but the sweetness of the compote paired with the rich, creamy chocolate was fantastic. The croissant itself was buttery and flaky, with a soft and light interior and a thicker, crispy crust. I loved it so much that I got the same treat for my friend’s birthday a few days later, and she loved it too!
I’ve also tried their matcha, which, unfortunately, wasn’t my favorite. However, I’m eager to explore more of their baked goods on my next visit.
Overall rating: 8.8/10
While in Sweden, you might be wondering, “Hannah, why didn’t you try the Swedish meatballs?!” Well, I don’t eat pork, but I didn’t want you to miss out on the experience, so I interviewed my friend who tried them!
Overall, she loved them and mentioned that the texture of the meatballs was very consistent throughout. They were a bit tougher compared to American meatballs, but she actually preferred this firmer texture. She explained how the meatballs were tender and packed with a unique blend of spices that made them incredibly flavorful. She also loved the crispy exterior, which added a satisfying crunch, and the sweet sauce that covered the meatballs was simply phenomenal.
The meatballs were served with lingonberry jam, cucumber slaw, and creamy mashed potatoes. These sides added a perfect balance, with the tartness and sweetness of the lingonberries complementing the savory meatballs beautifully. I did try the mashed potatoes, and they were so smooth and creamy and genuinely tasted like cake. They were absolutely delicious, and to add—so beautiful.
Photos from the Week!
Week 4
Lagkagehuset
Bakery and Cafe
Copenhagen Denmark
9/24/24
Today I did my first Too Good To Go order while in Copenhagen. Too Good To Go is an app where restaurants, grocery stores, donut shops, cafes, really any place where goods can go bad can offer their goods for a lower price at a certain point of the day, rather than throwing them away. Through the app you can sign up for a surprise bag, which will consist of food three times the price that you pay. So today I bought a surprise bag for 49dkk (about $7) at Lagkagehuset, which is a beautiful bakery and cafe about three minutes away from my apartment! I ended up getting two rye buns, two chia buns, 4 poppy seed croissants pastries with what I think was almond paste inside, and the most delicious strawberry tart. I had to of course try all of them and I was honestly happy with every single item. The rye buns and chia buns were super dense and had and tasted like a heavy whole wheat bread, with a crispy and crunchy outside of toasted seeds. The rye bun had sunflower seeds coating the outside which I enjoyed, and the chia bun was very simple yet healthy tasting. They were both decent, but the price made it better. The croissant was also really good. At first I thought it was poppy seed lemon, but the more I tasted the paste the more I realized it was almond. The poppy seeds were a super interesting touch that I wouldn’t normally pair with almond paste and phyllo dough, but it was very good and added to the texture in my mouth. The tart on the other hand was the star of the taste test. It consisted of the most fluffy and creamy vanilla cream, sitting on an almond cookie type base, covered in chocolate, strawberries, and sliced almonds. The vanilla cream with the strawberries bursted in my mouth with the flavor. The vanilla was a more subtle taste, but the strong strawberry flavor tied in so well with the chocolate and cookie and I am just salivating writing and thinking about it right now. I will definitely use this app again and hopefully get a set of new things in the future.
Overall Rating: 7.4/10
Frankies
Restaurant
Copenhagen, Denmark
9/26/24
Since arriving in Copenhagen, I finally decided to try my first Italian restaurant abroad. I had heard countless times that Frankies, a pizza place just around the corner from my school, was a must-visit, so I figured it was time to see what all the buzz was about. I ordered a margherita pizza with a side of truffle mascarpone, and while I enjoyed it, I have to admit—it wasn’t mind-blowing. It was good, but it was still just pizza. But I mean what would you expect, I’m not in Italy.. Yet! I sat outside with a friend and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Frankies is located in the middle of the city, so we were surrounded by a mix of locals and tourists passing by, which added to the fun of people-watching while we ate.
The pizza itself was thin, but the crust managed to stay fluffy, soft and chewy, which I loved. What truly elevated the experience, though, was the truffle mascarpone. Oh my gosh, it transformed the pizza! The rich, oily truffle paste added this deep, earthy flavor that paired perfectly with the simple margherita base of tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil. I highly recommend it if you visit Frankies and like the taste of truffle!
One thing that threw me off, though, was the fact that the pizza came completely uncut. I received the whole pie in one piece, and I had to slice it myself with a fork and knife! It definitely wasn’t easy, and I found myself wondering why they do this. Maybe it’s meant to slow you down and savor the experience?
Overall rating: 7.7/10
Apotek 57
Cafe
Copengagen, Denmark
9/27/24
I’ve been on a mission to find the best cinnamon roll in Copenhagen, and I think I’ve come pretty close. After trying four different places, Apotek 57 has taken the top spot as my personal favorite so far. What makes Apotek 57 so unique is that it’s tucked inside Frama Studio Store, a designer showroom and multi-functional studio space. It’s such a cool spot, offering a mix of homemade seasonal dishes, baked goods, and specialty coffees brewed from La Cabra, a modern coffee roastery based in Denmark. The ambiance is the perfect blend of cozy and chic, with every dish and pastry looking so pretty and tasty.
I decided to treat myself to a solo dessert date and ordered the cinnamon roll to see if it lived up to the buzz. And let me tell you, after one bite, I understood exactly what the hype was about. The dough was incredibly soft, fluffy and warm, giving it a perfect chew. It was perfectly spiced, with just the right balance of cinnamon and sweetness. What really set it apart, though, was the glaze on top. It added a delicious tangy sweetness, but the cinnamon flavor itself was rich and bold without being too overwhelming. The edges of the roll had this caramelization that gave it a slightly sticky finish due to the gooey caramel-like filling that had melted between the dough. Every bite was a burst of warmth and flavor, exceeding my expectations. It was definitely the best cinnamon roll I’ve had in Copenhagen.
Overall rating: 9.1/10
Bageriet B
Bakery
Copengagen, Denmark
9/29/24
One morning I decided to do some homework at Bageriet B. This bakery was very praised and recommended and I can say that the croissant I got was the best pastry I have had in Copenhagen, and may honestly be one of the best pastries I have ever had. I sat at this bakery for a few hours and the line was out the door the entire few hours I was there. Everything at Bageriet B is baked from scratch in house daily, and the SMELL, oh my gosh the smell of this place. I could smell the fresh pastries and bread from a mile away. I ended up ordering a hazelnut chocolate croissant, and although it was on the pricier side, it was extremely worth it. I talked to one of the bakers and he said that it was a double baked chocolate croissant which I don’t think I’ve ever had! This made it crispier and a little more well-done, taste and texture wise, but the creamy inside evened out with the crunchier outside and meshed perfectly together. Not only was the croissant filled with chocolate, it had a truly delicious hazelnut paste piped inside as well.
The paste was creamy yet gooey at the same time and paired perfectly with the buttery dough. The flavors get even better. The chocolate croissant was also topped with a caramel glaze, crushed almonds, crushed hazelnuts, AND a perfect cinnamon crumble. The nuts and crust offered a great crunch, while the buttery dough covered in hazelnut paste and chocolate filled, made the chew magical. The caramel was also a little salty but so sticky and sweet. I think this is one of the only places I have tried so far that I would go back again and again.
Overall rating: 9.7/10
Photos from the Week!
Week 5
Augustiner Klosterwirt
Restaurant
Munich, Germany
Date: 10/4/24
This week, I was lucky enough to travel to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest! Before I arrived, I was determined to find a great schnitzel spot, and on the first night, my friends and I wandered around the city center and landed at Augustiner Klosterwirt, a lively German restaurant that served schnitzel! The place was buzzing with excitement. There was a line out the door all night. It was a two-story restaurant and pub, open daily until midnight, and was the perfect spot to soak in the festive spirit of Oktoberfest.
My friends and I were seated with a lovely German couple, fully dressed in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen. They were so warm and friendly, sharing with us the best dishes to try and gave us so much valuable information on Oktoberfest traditions. Throughout the meal, we chatted, toasted together, and they even asked us about our studies. The husband ended the night by saying, “All you have is now,” which just stuck with me! They truly made the dinner so much better.
Now, onto the food! We were warned that the portions were large, so my friend and I decided to share the Wiener Schnitzel and a starter called Die Frauentürme, which translates to “the women’s towers.” The starter was delicious, but it had a few unexpected components. It was a mix of obatzda, a Bavarian cheese spread, and radish cream cheese, served with a soft pretzel and homemade bread for dipping. The obatzda is made by combining two-thirds aged soft cheese, usually Camembert, and one-third butter, seasoned with salt, pepper, hot paprika, and sometimes a touch of beer. It came topped with a small pretzel sticking out of it, and was paired with pickles, mini tomatoes, onions, and shredded carrots, which I found to be such a random assortment! The cheese spread was very flavorful, though it reminded me a bit of cheese wiz. That said, I still really enjoyed it, especially with the fresh bread for dipping.
Then came the Wiener Schnitzel which was a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet served with wild cranberries and fries. It was absolutely delicious. The breading was perfectly crisp and golden, and the veal itself was full of flavor. Although I typically prefer chicken schnitzel, this dish was exactly what I was looking for. I also really liked the cranberry sauce, which added a nice sweetness that paired wonderfully with the savory veal. The atmosphere was also just amazing and made the meal so much more enjoyable.
Overall rating: 7.9/10
Oktoberfest
Tent
Munich, Germany
Date: 10/5/24
At Oktoberfest, my friends and I made our way into the Hofbräu Festzelt tent, which is famously known as the gathering spot for Americans studying abroad during the celebration. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was an exhilarating blend of cultures, music, and an overwhelming rush of fun. I can’t explain the system that this place has, but they got it down. Picture this: thousands of people packed into a massive tent, yet somehow, the staff had mastered their serving skills. The waitresses would blow their whistles while pushing through seas of people carrying armfuls of beers and food plates to serve. Meanwhile, younger men would walk around carrying gigantic crates of pretzels trying to sell them to people. Naturally, I had to get one of the pretzels. This pretzel was massive, and I found out after doing research that pretzels in Germany are not just popular snacks, they hold cultural significance. They’re symbols of good fortune, prosperity, and longevity, making them a meaningful part of German baking tradition.
Now, to share more about the pretzel– it was very good. The size was so impressive, and it was the perfect balance of textures that did it for me. The outside was perfectly crunchy, and the inside was soft, chewy, and moist. Every bite had just the right amount of salt, enhancing the flavor without overwhelming the natural richness of the dough. The crispy edges allowed for a satisfying center, making each bite a perfect blend of soft and crunchy. Honestly, I do think I liked the pretzel more than my friends, but I was very hungry at the time, which might have heightened the experience for me.
They also had a cinnamon-covered version, and I heard great reviews about them, but I didn’t get a chance to try it. All in all, it was a wild but wildly fun experience, and that pretzel? Absolutely hit the spot.
Overall rating: 7.6/10
Oktoberfest
Dessert Stand
Munich, Germany
Date: 10/5/24
Other than the tents at Oktoberfest, they have an extremely impressive amusement park full of so many rides and food vendors. I went on so many rides which worked up my appetite. While heading out for the day, I ended up coming across this awesome dessert stand with chocolate covered everything. I took a bite of my friend’s chocolate-covered pineapple and grapes, which was so unique to me and oddly a really great combo, but the two highlights I tried were the chocolate-covered raspberries and something called Schaumtraum. The vendor explained that Schaumtraum is a local Munich specialty, so I knew I had to try it. It’s a delicate meringue ball resting on a crispy wafer, filled with bits of waffle cone, and all wrapped in a rich dark chocolate shell. The texture was great. It reminded me of marshmallow fluff, but it was much lighter, creamier, and not overly sticky, which I appreciated. The crunch from the wafer and waffle cone pieces added a perfect contrast to the smoothness of the meringue. The dark chocolate shell was another highlight, adding a deep richness and satisfying crunch to every bite. While I’m glad I tried it, I’m not sure I’d go for it again, but it was very tasty overall.
I then had a skewer of chocolate-covered raspberries. I typically go for chocolate-covered strawberries but I am so happy I tried the raspberries. They were perfectly cool and juicy and so ripe and flavorful. I think the chocolate was white chocolate dyed pink, and I normally don’t like white chocolate, yet I really liked this one. It wasn’t too sweet and worked so well with the tartness of the raspberries. These desserts were a perfect ending to such a great day.
Overall rating: 8.8/10
Mein Bäcker
Bakery
Frankfurt, Germany
Date: 10/2/24
While getting into the German spirit, a few days before I left, one of my apartment mates surprised us all with German pastries! Her parents went to Germany a few days prior and brought us back pastries to try from Mein Bäcker. “Mein Bäcker,” which translates to “My Baker” in English, had the tagline on the bag, “Out of pure love for the craft,” which I thought was such a charming touch.
The pastry itself was quite unique. It reminded me of a cinnamon roll, but instead of the usual spiral shape, the dough was layered on top of itself. Despite being dusted with cinnamon, the flavor wasn’t as strong as I had expected. The dough seemed to dominate the taste, giving it more of a mild, bread-like flavor. In a way, you could call it a “modest” cinnamon roll which would be perfect for those who aren’t fans of a strong cinnamon taste. The pastry was also pretty thick, with a caramelized, slightly crisp exterior from the cinnamon that I really enjoyed. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if the flavor had dulled a bit because it wasn’t super fresh. My friend heated hers up and said it tasted much better that way, so I probably should’ve done the same!
Overall, it was still a pleasant experience, and I’m really glad I got to sample an authentic German pastry. That said, I have to admit, Copenhagen and Elon Dining have spoiled me with pastries, and I’m eager to try them again soon!
Overall rating: 5.6/10
Photos from the Week!
