Torvehallerne is a must-see spot on the culinary map of Copenhagen. This covered marketplace was created as recently as 2011, and for almost eight years has served as a unique tourist attraction, especially popular among enthusiasts of regional cuisine and original delicacies from different parts of the world.
At Torvehallerne, a Copenhagen marketplace located next to Nørreport station, over 50 different sellers offer their fresh products, not only form Scandinavia. It is also a place where you can try dishes served on the spot – in cake shops, cafes, and bars. The market is located in two glazed pavilions filled with almost anything – fish and seafood, bread, spices, oils, vegetables, sweets and alcohol. The stalls are also rich in flowers, kitchen equipment, and handicrafts – perfect for a souvenir from a trip or an original gift.
Many people visit Torvehallerne in order to have lunch or just chat with friends over a cup of freshly ground coffee. Near Torvehallerne you can visit Ørstedsparken, a park which is an ideal place for having a picnic. Torvehallerne is not the only marketplace of its kind in Copenhagen, as street food is steadily gaining popularity! An equally interesting place is Papirøen located in the former paper factory.
Danish flavours
Travellers who look for original flavours will surely not feel disappointed after visiting Torvehallerne as its stalls are brimming with snacks characteristic for this region. The most popular one is smørrebrød, the symbolic dish of Copenhagen. It is a small slice of dark rye bread, usually served with fish, e.g. herring or tuna, meat (usually chicken, beef), cheeses, vegetables – regardless of the ingredient it is always colourfully decorated, sometimes poured with sauce. Interestingly, smørrebrød is traditionally eaten with a knife and a fork. Restaurants outdo each other in creating various, original versions of this delicacy. Some places have dozens in their offer!
Another Danish speciality is leverpostej – ground liver pate with lard and onion. Although at first glance the pate may not seem as a perfect dish for enthusiasts of healthy, light diet, it is undoubtedly rich in vitamins and iron. The third of the most famous Danish dishes is frikadelle, i.e., small round meatballs made of minced meat served with potatoes or potato salad, beetroot, pickled cucumber and thick sauce. A popular delicacy is also sausages, mostly grilled and served with mustard, ketchup, and sauces. At the market, you can also try different kinds of fish, shrimps, roe, and oysters.
Not only meat
The most popular Copenhagen delicacies prove that meat, mainly beef and pork, is the undisputed ruler of the Danish cuisine. However, this should not discourage vegetarians, because most of the venues at Torvehallerne serve a variety of vegan or vegetarian salads, omelettes, tortillas, sandwiches and other dishes to satiate smaller or larger appetite.
Breakfast most often consists of porridge and grain snacks. In the market there can also be found various bakeries, where great number of breads and pies are baked on the spot. There are also teahouses specializing in original mixtures of loose-leaf teas.
From various parts of the world
You would be wrong to think that Torvehallerne offers only Scandinavian dishes. The market is also famous for Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese. As a matter of fact, the stalls and bars serve a wide variety of sushi. Finally, lovers of Spanish shrimps, calamari, or mussels will not be disappointed with the offer and find something for themselves.
