Podcast: Insider's Guide to Copenhagen - Food from abroad, crispy wines and retro arcade gaming
Join American chef Nick Curtin as he takes radio and television host Esben Bjerre for a stroll through some of his favourite Copenhagen spots and shares what makes Copenhagen special to him.
A decade ago, New York chef Nick Curtin and his Danish wife decided to move to Copenhagen, and he has been in love with the city ever since. He found coming to Denmark fascinating because it differed from his life in the United States. He states, "Copenhagen is very international, but still very Danish!" Living in Copenhagen has taught him many things about himself, such as how he interacts with people and how he thinks about food. He emphasises the green spaces and the international food scene, where people have come from their home country and found a space for their native foods in Copenhagen. Nick now owns Michelin star restaurant Alouette.
Join Nick as he shows Esben where he spends his time in Copenhagen, where he winds down, and where he eats international food. They bike from place to place and visit multiple neighbourhoods of Copenhagen, including calm green spaces.
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Aurora
As Nick says, "The food looks like it's a stock photo; it's that beautiful." Thankfully, it is just as tasty as it looks. The ice cream bar during summer and brunch spot in winter are in the vibrant and evolving Carlsberg neighbourhood. With classic brunch dishes such as eggs benedict, sausages, scrambled eggs, fruit and much more, it is the perfect place to spend a lovely morning. Esben and Nick are in awe over the dishes, especially the hollandaise and the perfectly cooked egg yolk.
Søndermarken
"In Copenhagen, you are never more than five minutes away from something green or something wet!" Søndermarken is no different, as it is placed right next to the Copenhagen Zoo and Frederiksberg Gardens. With green open spaces, and overgrown nooks to explore, Søndermarken is the perfect little spot for a break from the hustle and bustle. The Cisterns are also in Søndermarken, the former water reservoirs turned into art space.
Comé
Comé opened in the Meat Packing district in 2024, and has since been immensely popular. The food is inspired by the Asian convenience stores, where you can buy fresh delicious food. With very budget-friendly foods such as karaage chicken, onigiris and sashimi, Nick has actually had dreams at night about the food, it's that good!
Bar Vitrine
Located on the iconic Møntergade, Bar vitrine opened up the doors in 2024. Still, the expertise of the staff dates back way longer, and regardless of your mood and tastebuds, you can have whatever you desire. The staff are well trained in recommending wines, such as crisp white Bordeaux. You can also have small servings of food at Bar vitrine - don't let the tiny kitchen fool you, the quality is out of this world!
Bip Bip Bar
Bip Bip Bar is located on Nørrebro, and is a perfect place to combine your outer adult and your inner child. The bar is filled with retro arcade machines, guitar hero rooms, and everything else your parents asked you to not spend so much time doing when you were a child. Here, you can get a drink while you battle in Tekken, pretend that you are Super Mario or finally clear all the dots in Pacman.
Saji
Saji is located in the heart of Copenhagen, on Studiestræde, and offers authentic Indonesian food. The chefs and owners are all from Indonesia and have taken all the best dishes and presented them to the Danes with great success. From the prawn dumplings, to the Mariah Currey to the delicious dessert, a meal at Saji offers everything you did not know that you needed.
Insiders Guide to Copenhagen
The Insider's Guide to Copenhagen isn't just a podcast—it's your ticket to the city's best-kept local spots and secrets. Join global newcomers and the Danish journalist Esben Bjerre who've embraced Copenhagen, as they share insider tips from an undiscovered backdrop of the city that promises to take your Danish experience to the next level. Whether you're a foodie, culture enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking the best spots for a memorable beer, our curated episodes cater to every interest, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this vibrant city, whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with kids.