Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, is renowned for its rich culinary landscape. More and more Michelin-starred restaurants are finding a home in Copenhagen, following in the footsteps of Noma. While my boyfriend and I weren't traveling on a Michelin-star budget this time, we still wanted to partake in all that the Copenhagen food scene had to offer. One traditional dish that stands out as an iconic Danish delight is smørrebrød. These open-faced sandwiches offer a delectable combination of flavors and textures that have become a staple in Danish cuisine. However, for vegans visiting Copenhagen, finding a satisfying vegan smørrebrød can prove to be a challenge. That's where Aamanns comes to the rescue! We embarked on a delightful journey to this upscale eatery, where traditional Danish smørrebrød meets vegan innovation.
Aamanns at a Glance
What I Ordered (converted to GBP):
Beetroot: £8.48
Potato:£8.48
Avocado:£8.48
Schnapps board (for two): £16.61
I would go here for:
Ambiance
✔Local Cuisine
Convenience
✔Culinary Innovation
Date Night
✔Drinks
Entertainment
✔Professional Gatherings
✔Friends and Family
Special Occasion
✔ Non-Vegan Approved‘I loved that we got to enjoy it together, there were probably places where you could get a simple vegan smørrebrød that may not have been as nice. But I'm glad we got to make a whole special event out of it by going to Aamanns'- Luke, non-vegan
Open: Every Day 11AM-8PM
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (Østerbro)
The Tradition of Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød has deep roots in Danish history and culture. Traditionally, these sandwiches are made with a slice of dense rye bread as the base, topped with an assortment of fish, meats, and various garnishes. Smørrebrød is typically enjoyed for lunch and can be found in many local delis and restaurants throughout Copenhagen. It's a culinary tradition that has been cherished for generations, showcasing the Danish love for quality ingredients and attention to detail. Aamanns in particular is very intense about providing high-quality ingredients for their smørrebrød, in line with chef Adam Aamanns Michelin star standards, valuing quality above all else.
Aamanns: An Upscale Twist on Traditional Smørrebrød
Aamanns, located in Copenhagen, offers a more upscale and refined take on the traditional smørrebrød experience, stating on their website 'Respect for good taste and the chef's craft is a driving force in everything we do.' As you step into this charming eatery, you'll be greeted by a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The attentive staff will guide you through their menu, which initially may seem lacking in vegan options. However, fear not, as Aamanns is more than willing to accommodate dietary preferences and create delicious vegan variations of their famous smørrebrød.
Vegan Delights at Aamanns
What made our experience at Aamanns truly special was the ability to share our love for smørrebrød, despite our dietary differences. While I savored the vegan options, my boyfriend indulged in the traditional smørrebrød, featuring a variety of pickles and meats. We were each able to try a plate of three unique smørrebrød and appreciate the artistry and flavors of Danish cuisine with our own preferences. Prices at Aamanns may be higher than average due to the more upscale nature of the establishment. Nonetheless, the quality and flavor of their vegan smørrebrød make it a worthwhile indulgence during your visit to Copenhagen.
My favorite was the potato smørrebrød, with its perfectly cooked potatoes and tangy vegan mayo. I have a preference for anything with an extra pickle-y bite, and I was able to experience that on top of the heartiness of the potatoes. The beetroot smørrebrød offered a vibrant and refreshing twist and was much lighter with its use of crisp apples. And let's not forget the avocado smørrebrød, which was also delicious...but if I had to choose just one, I wouldn't pick the avocado alone because it's only a few small changes away from being a very fancy avocado toast. Still, it rounded out the flavors on my smørrebrød plate perfectly, and I left this meal feeling really happy.
Akvavit: A Traditional Accompaniment
For those feeling adventurous, I recommend embracing Danish tradition and pairing your smørrebrød with a shot of aquavit. This potent Scandinavian spirit is known for its strong, distinct flavor and is often enjoyed alongside smørrebrød. Matching the quality of the smørrebrød, the schnapps at Aamanns are homemade. While I couldn't muster the courage to finish more than half a shot, my enthusiastic boyfriend happily embraced the challenge of enjoying the rest of the flight!
Aamanns provides a unique and satisfying solution for vegans seeking a taste of traditional Danish smørrebrød in Copenhagen. Their commitment to accommodating dietary preferences without compromising on taste is commendable. Whether you're a vegan or simply looking to explore the diverse culinary landscape of Copenhagen, Aamanns is a must-visit destination. So, grab a friend, indulge in a delectable potato smørrebrød or two, and let your taste buds experience the delightful fusion of tradition and innovation.