Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches) eaten daily with cutlery are miniature works of art with a near-infinite choice of toppings. Lined up in café windows, served in specialty restaurants, and packed into their very own custom lunch boxes, smørrebrød are everywhere in Denmark.
Slices of dense rye bread, packed with seeds and grains, serve as the base. They’re piled high with pickled herring, spoonfuls of sharp horseradish cream, and mound of fresh shrimp. It is customary to begin with a herring topping, washed down with cold-as-hallstones aquavit.
But forget what you think you know about sandwiches; next comes a little warmth – perhaps fried fish, lemon and remoulade – then beef slices, pâté or meatballs. These guys are in a different class entirely. Cheese and fruit salad round off the meal.
Norwegian smørbrød and Swedish smorgasbord are equally artistic. A traditional smorgasbord doesn’t have to be complicated, bust usually also consist of hot-and-cold lunch buffets. As long as you follow a few traditional rules and know when to eat which bit, you won’t go wrong.
Scandinavian Smørrebrød and Smörgåsbord, Written by Tor Kjolberg
Fewature image (on top) Photo: Visit Aalborg