Vegetarians and Vegans

vegetarians and vegans

Managing specific dietary needs while studying abroad can be a challenge as products and stores vary from what you are used to in your host country. While living in Denmark, generally expect to go shopping in multiple stores to find what you need, especially if you are on a limited budget. The cheapest grocery stores (Netto and Aldi) do not always have those specialty products you are looking for.

Copenhagen offers options for vegetarians and vegans – use this as a guide to get you started:

Groceries

  • Dry beans & lentils
    A very large variety of dry beans, grains, and the like can be found in the many small greengrocers throughout the city, especially just outside of the city center in Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Østerbro, and on Amager. You can recognize these places by the racks of vegetables and fruits outside of the shop
  • Soy milk
    Soy milk is now regularly available in all of the following grocery stores:
    Føtex, Irma, Rema 1000, Super Best, Super Brugsen.
    In addition, about half of the city’s cafés have it available for coffee, including the chain ‘Baresso’
  • Tofu and Tempeh
    Tofu is readily available and can be found in most grocery stores. Tempeh can be found at Asian specialty shops, which are scattered around central Copenhagen and in Nørrebro.
    Recommendation: Den Kinesiske Købmand
  • Imitation animal products (soy yogurt, meat substitute, etc)
    These can typically be found in most grocery stories, including Netto and Føtex.
    Recommendation: Helsam City located next to Torvehallerne (the Glass Markets)
  • Many spices that aren’t available at grocery stores can be found at Dhadra Food Store, Nørrebrogade 60, 2200 Copenhagen N.

Recommendations for Specialty Product Shops

Note: To find any of the following on a map, go to krak.dk and click kort. Type the place in the box labeled Søg efter product, firma, person. Once you have the address, go to Rejseplanen (in English) which will give you directions using public transit to get anywhere.

  • Helsam and Helsemin are health stores that sell natural and organic products, including vitamins and dietary supplements.
  • Torvehallerne is a gourmet indoor market located next to Nørreport Station. Here you can find specialty cooking products, a variety of ingredients, and prepared food that facilitates many dietary restrictions. Items here will be priced higher than in the supermarket, so check your local grocer for supplies before shopping there.

Fast Food

The absolute easiest vegetarian food to find everywhere is falafel, a fried mix of chickpeas and spices. Look for small restaurants that advertise ‘Shawarma’ or ‘Kebab.’ Note that there is usually a yogurt or crème fraiche based sauce, so if you don’t eat dairy then you should ask for it without the dressing.

Max Burger has many vegan and vegetarian options. They have multiple locations in the city, including one near DIS.

Cafes and Restaurants

  • Café Kaf is a café with only vegan cakes and other food and drinks at Nørrebro
  • 42 Raw is a café located in inner city Copenhagen that specializes in raw food – i.e., food which has been heated to 107 degrees Fahrenheit – or 42 Celcius
  • Atlas Bar is located a street away from DIS Copenhagen. Although not a vegetarian restaurant, they have a huge variety of delicious vegetarian plates. The prices are mid-range
  • Morgenstedet is a vegetarian restaurant in Christiania. Note: They only accept cash
  • Estin is open for lunch and sells vegetarian salads. They are located near Nyhavn
  • Glean has a stand in Torvehallerne where they sell the popular Danish flødeboller with different flavors, all of them are vegan
  • Nice Cream is a popular vegan ice-cream shop. They all sell their products in supermarkets, such as Super Brugsen and Føtex

There are many options for vegan burgers in Copenhagen. Burger spots that are 100% vegan includes Eden Jaxx located at Købmagergade and Østerbro. Souls is fully plant-based as well as The Organic Boho located at the street food place Broens Gadekøkken.

Vegan pizzas are also popular in Copenhagen. Pow Pizza is also 100% plant-based. Many pizza restaurants also offer vegan options, including Frankie’s and Pico Pizza.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Bread and Pastries

  • Landbageriet offers vegan cakes and pastries along with organic and some gluten-free breads, located next to Nørreport Station

Resources in Malmö

If you happen to be traveling to Malmö, there are a number of resources for vegetarians and vegans:

  • Vegegården is a Chinese vegetarian restaurant in Malmö with a large variety of vegan food, including dessert.
  • Astrid och Aporna is an inexpensive organic vegetarian food store.
  • Vegan Malmö is an online guide to vegan resources in Malmö.
    It’s only in Swedish, so Google Translate may be useful.
  • There are also many Asian restaurants offering a large amount of vegetarian options and well-stocked Asian food stores around the Möllevångstorget, a square which is a three-minute walk from the Trianglen train station (Smedjegatan exit). Also in the neighborhood is Glassfabriken cafe which is fully vegetarian and vegan friendly.