Discover the stories behind Denmark’s most beloved dishes

At Nyhavn 41, we believe a meal should tell a story, and some of the best stories come from our own backyard. That’s why our menu features a carefully selected lineup of Danish culinary classics, from beloved open-faced sandwiches (Smørrebrød) to warm, comforting dishes that have been passed down through generations.

Whether you're a local looking for a taste of home, or a visitor discovering Danish cuisine for the first time, these are the dishes that define our food culture, rooted in tradition, elevated with care, and always served with a view of the harbor.

In this guide, we invite you to explore the classics we serve, learn the stories behind them, and find the dish that suits your taste.

This isn’t just a menu, it’s a small celebration of Denmark, one plate at a time.

Our Smørrebrød selection

New Potatoes

With smoked mayo, red onion, pickled cucumber, potato chips and garden cress

New potatoes are a Danish summertime obsession, a seasonal favorite that signals long days and outdoor meals. Traditionally served with just butter and herbs, we elevate them here with smoked mayo and crisp chips for a modern take on a cherished classic.

You should choose this if: You love creamy, earthy flavors with a bit of crunch, or want a vegetarian-friendly option that still feels distinctly Nordic.

Egg & Shrimps

With chive mayonnaise, smoked almonds and herb salad

A staple of the Danish lunch table, this combination has been served for generations, usually with shrimps from Greenlandic waters. Our version adds a little crunch with smoked almonds while keeping the delicate, creamy flavor balance intact.

You should choose this if: You’re craving something light and elegant with a balance of seafood freshness and a creamy touch.

Marinated Herring

With crème fraîche, apples, red onion, capers, dill and frisée

Marinated herring is a true cornerstone of Danish cuisine, present at nearly every holiday and family gathering. We keep the roots intact while brightening the flavor with apple and dill for a refreshing, balanced bite.

You should choose this if: You want the true taste of Denmark and enjoy bold, tangy flavors with a balance of sweet and salty.

Smoked Salmon

With smoked cheese, daikon, pickled cucumber and chives

Smoked salmon has long been part of Danish food culture, often served on rye bread with dill or egg. We layer it with mild smoked cheese and pickled cucumber, bringing together richness and freshness in each bite.

You should choose this if: You enjoy silky textures and smoky flavors, or are a fan of Scandinavian seafood with modern presentation.

Stjerneskud (“The Shooting Star”)

Steamed and fried fish fillet, thousand island dressing, trout roe, shrimps and asparagus

Born in the 1960s, Stjerneskud quickly became a restaurant favorite, a luxurious, celebratory dish combining hot and cold fish with creamy dressing and festive toppings.

You should choose this if: You want a bit of everything, rich, fresh, fried, and elegant all in one impressive dish.

Creamy Chicken Salad

With summer cabbage, baked tomato, crispy chicken skin and chervil

This dish has humble roots, often made at home from leftover roast chicken. We've modernized it with fresh summer vegetables and crispy skin, turning a comforting classic into a standout smørrebrød.

You should choose this if: You prefer something hearty yet refreshing, with familiar flavors taken to the next level.

Roast Beef of Veal

With tarragon mayo, mushrooms, pickled red onion, crispy onions and wood sorrel

Cold roast beef smørrebrød has long been a lunchtime favorite across Denmark. We use tender veal and fresh herbs like tarragon and sorrel to balance richness with brightness, a simple dish, carefully refined.

You should choose this if: You love savory, umami-forward flavors and classic roast beef with a refined twist.

Pork Breast

With rhubarb compote, mustard cream, pickled cucumber, crispy crackling and garden cress

Crispy pork is a national love language in Denmark. Here we combine slow-cooked pork with sharp mustard, sweet rhubarb, and crunchy crackling, all the bold flavors Danes adore, reimagined for the smørrebrød format.

You should choose this if: You’re in the mood for something rich and flavorful with a balance of sweet and sharp and love crispy textures.

The warm Danish classics

Fried Pork (Stegt Flæsk)

Often crowned Denmark’s national dish, this plate of fried pork belly, potatoes, and creamy parsley sauce has deep roots in Danish home cooking. It’s rustic, satisfying, and full of soul.

You should choose this if: You want the full Danish comfort food experience: crispy, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

Whole Roasted Plaice (Helstegt Rødspætte)

Rødspætte (plaice) is one of Denmark’s most beloved fish. Whether fried or roasted, it’s been served in seaside kitchens for generations. Ours comes whole, accompanied by buttery caper sauce and tender new potatoes.

You should choose this if: You’re a seafood lover looking for a generous, classic Danish fish dish with a light and buttery finish.

A guide to Danish classics on our menu