In 2017, Aarhus was awarded both the European Capital of Culture and the European region of gastronomy. The city has Denmark’s youngest population, with an average age of 38 years. Tourists from all over the world are enjoying their time in the city. Discover the Danish Region of Gastronomy
Denmark’s second largest city Aarhus has along with the Central Denmark Region fast been gaining a worldwide reputation as a center of Gastronomy. If you are into food, culture and experiences, this Central Denmark Region is the right place to be.
Discover the Danish Region of Gastronomy
The region has allocated 1 million euro over three years to secure the 2017 title. This initiative will be run from 2018 until the end of 2021. As part of the region’s Growth Plan 2016-2020, the European Region of Gastronomy program has a strategic role in supporting regional sustainable development by strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration between gastronomy, culture and education with the aim to develop Central Denmark Region as an international gastronomic hub.
Related: Aarhus- European Capital of Culture 2017
With outstanding fresh ingredients and new restaurants, bars and food markets adding to its culinary prowess, the region continues to gather international acclaim for its Michelin star restaurants and annual Aarhus Food Festival which has grown to become the largest in the North.
Focus on local gastronomy
Historically, Aarhus has been sidelined by the culinary might of its capital, Copenhagen, the home of the “New Nordic” movement and chef Rene Redzepi’s restaurant Noma. The region’s strategy has now a focus on local gastronomy and food produce as a means to create more and better food experiences for citizens and visitors that will contribute to generate local revenue and boost an integrated development of the region’s urban and rural areas. Innovation will be at the center of the project’s efforts addressed to an increasing convergence of gastronomy, culture and tourism with other sectors such as climate, the environment, health, mobility, education, and energy solutions.
Related: Aarhus- The World’s Smallest Metropolis
Supported by passionate farmers and producers and a creative bunch of food entrepreneurs, the region has an ever-developing food scene, continuously rethinking and redeveloping gastronomy and products. Therefore it came as no surprise to the locals that the Michelin Guide levelled the playing field by awarding three Aarhus restaurants, Fredrikshøj, Gastromé and Substans, a coveted star rating in its first Nordic cities guide.
Appetite for Michelin-style food
Wassim Hallal, owner of the Michelin Star Restaurant Frederikshøj and Ambassador for European Region of Gastronomy 2017 commented: “My job is to spotlight Danish gastronomy and promote Aarhus and Denmark internationally in this respect.”
Related: Michelin Stars in Scandinavia
That there is an appetite for Michelin-style food is clear from the presence of Nordisk Spisehus in the smart Frederiksbjerg borough, just south of the city center. It is, to our knowledge, the only restaurant in the world that recreates (with permission) signature dishes and menus from Michelin-starred establishments around the world.
Plenty to try
With plenty to try, skip all additives and enjoy the pure philosophy of newly opened deli and restaurant SÅRT where only organic locally farmed and sourced ingredients meet traditional techniques to create exceptional seasonal food; go for a Michelin star at Restaurant Gastromé where the two innovative chefs serve the food they personally love – gourmet country-inspired cuisine; or more casually relax in the bistro styled Pondus Restaurant where the best of fresh Danish cuisine is served at affordable prices. Adding to its vast stable of fine eateries, try the Danish farm shop chain Landmad which has recently set up shop in a 300 year old merchants house in the heart of the Latin Quarter or head down to the harbor to the Danish wine and tapas bar VinDanmark to enjoy a bit of bath tub dining!
Candidates and awards to Regions of Gastronomy is guided by IGCAT.
About IGCAT
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialized intergovernmental organizations.
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by guiding, facilitating, and supporting leaders in regions to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.
Discover the Danish Region of Gastronomy, written by Tor Kjolberg