Authentic Danish Meal

If you are visiting the town of Solvang, be sure to try an authentic Danish meal. CLICK HERE to read my article “Christmas Starts Early in Solvang.”

Whenever I travel I love learning about the history of a destination. I seek out indigenous food, it’s a great way to soak up the culture – The Solvang Restaurant was just what I was looking for. After all it was a ‘holiday weekend’…my birthday in Christmas town!

Aebleskiver (pancake balls)

*Aebleskver Pancake Balls; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG*

Located in the heart of town, the Solvang Restaurant is known for its Aebleskiver (pancake balls), which can be purchased at the front to-go window as well as inside. The restaurant also sells pans, cookbooks, ball batter and even the scrumptious Bedstemor’s famous Raspberry Jam used at the restaurant. You have to try the sweet Danish delights when you are in Solvang.

My husband Rich and I often share our meals. He photographs the dishes, and I write most of the restaurant reviews. I happen to be a more adventurous eater, while he is a bit reticent to try new types of food. When we first arrived in Solvang we dined at several wonderful restaurants, but none featured Danish cuisine. Much to the dismay of my husband, I had been ranting the previous day that I was not leaving Solvang until I enjoyed a typical Danish meal. He said “No one goes out of their way to find Danish food,” but I was excited to introduce my tastebuds to the authentic cuisine of Solvang. So, finding this particular restaurant was the perfect way to end my birthday trip before driving home.

*Sausage Platter; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG*

The Menu

Rich nervously eyed the menu, telling me…”Don’t expect me to get something Danish.” We often share our meals, but I knew this would not be happening here. I chose a Sausage Platter (a combination of 4 sausages served with red cabbage, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes). This was fantastic – the sausages included Chicken, bratwurst, Danish (medisterpølse pork sausage), and pork apple. All were delicious. The medisterpølse was outstanding, offering a savory distinct flavor of allspice with a hint of cloves. Another favorite was the pork and apple sausage. The cabbage and sauerkraut were the perfect companions, offering a brilliant zing to the zesty sausages, as they mingled with the subtle flavor of the mashed potatoes.

*Fried Chicken with Fries; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG*

My husband decided on the Fried Chicken, which was served with french fries and a medley of veggies. He was happy as a clam. Both dishes offered quite large servings, so we took some of our meals to go. This is a wonderful family friendly restaurant, with lots of Americanized options and kid-friendly meals, along with an assortment of Danish classics such as Creamed Herring with pumpernickel bread, Danish style open-faced sandwich plate, etc.

Dessert to Go

I knew I could not leave without trying the famous Aebleskiver pancake balls, but alas we had to take them to go, since we were so full. I did take a few bites while they were hot. Even my husband enjoyed these. Very much like a pancake on the inside (soft and fluffy), it was crispy on the outside like a waffle…it was reminiscent of an Italian zeppole. It is served with powdered sugar and a sweet, yet tart rasberry jam. Be sure to try these for desert or breakfast, with a Danish sausage on the side. The Solvang Restaurant, 1672 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang, CA, 93463; https://www.solvangrestaurant.com/