I cannot help and obsess on food sometimes. It does not help when I am trying to forever lose weight. Well, not that I am doing anything about it, I just do not want to become fat. Fat for me is when I move to the next clothing size. Oh forbid!
Anyway, in Denmark, the Danes surely know how to bring the mundane daily sandwiches to a higher level of visual cuisine art and gustatory satisfaction. They are called smørrebrøds. But what is a smørrebrød actually?
Now here is what Wikipedia says: “Smørrebrød (originally smør og brød; Danish for ‘butter and bread’) usually consists of a piece of buttered rye bread (rugbrød), a dense, dark brown bread, PÃ¥læg (literally ‘on-lay’), the topping, then among others can refer to commercial or homemade cold cuts, pieces of meat or fish, cheese or spreads. This daily practice is the base on which the art of the famous Danish open sandwich, smørrebrød is created: A slice or two of pÃ¥læg is placed on the buttered bread, and then pyntet (decorated) with the right accompaniments, to create a tasty and visually appealing food item.â€
Here are some of the smorrebrods that I saw at Torvehallerne KBH:
Hmm, looks like this is smoked fish topped with omelette, spices and herbs. Fresh look.
A generous serving of thinly sliced roastbeef with pickles and I have no clue what the yellow stuff and brown curly trimmings are. Styling to the max haha.
On the left is tuna pate with pickled cucumbers, mushrooms, bacon strip, beetroot and watercress. While on the right is an egg and shrimp combo with mayo spread and some watercress as well. Flambouyant sandwiches, bringing smorrebrod to haute cuisine level. Almost =)
This could be chicken mayo or sate style topped with paprika, mushrooms, a bacon strip and some parsley. Hearty option.
So what do you think? Aren’t smorrebrods cool? They are so stylish. Smorrebrods are like ART. This ‘open sandwich’ smorrebrods are actually very typically Nordic or Scandinavian. Each country has its own adapted version.
In the Netherlands we practice this open sandwich style as well for lunch, but it’s usually personal, at work in the office canteen or at the home kitchen. However, they do not come close to the Scandinavian way where they incorporate varieties of toppings and most importantly, that panache. The Dutch open sandwich is very simple and straightforward, which I’m not quite surprised at all. Having lived here for almost 10 years I already know what makes them Dutch tick.
Travel Period: April 2012
Destination: Copenhagen, Denmark
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