Back when we first moved here in 2008, I didn’t come across that many people from North America in my expat circles. I’m not sure if that was because there were few Americans here or that they didn’t enroll in Danish lessons (which was where I encountered expats). It was pre Facebook groups so there didn’t appear to be any critical mass. Now in 2019 there are 3569 US expats living in Copenhagen alone {source}. Back in the day most US expats were desperately seeking decent Mexican food, somewhat with the same fervour that Brits seek out a decent Indian curry. Now, probably going hand in hand with the increase of US expats, there has been an explosion of both Mexican and American run or inspired eateries in the city.

Those with a desire for decent Mexican food can head to Hija de Sanchez, the brainchild of Rosio Sanchez from Chicago for their fix. There are a number of Mexican restaurants all over the city with varying popularity but Hija de Sanchez is the one I hear is the best.

Also hailing from Chicago is the current head chef, Andrew Hroza, at Warpigs, the barbecue restaurant in Kødbyen.

California Kitchen is run by Cameron Bergh from California. It has brought a taste of healthy Californian food to Copenhagen and currently has two restaurants and various pop ups at street markets. With many poke style restaurants popping up in Copenhagen, California Kitchen offers something a little more unique, although I will admit I do still feel a little hungry after one of their bowls.

With the name The American Pie Company this shop  couldn’t be more American if it tried. Set up in 2015 by Erin Eberhardt Chapman from Illinois and a Dane, Dorthe Prip, who studied at Stanford, The American Pie Company now has two locations in Copenhagen. They create seasonal pies ( they change their pie menu every three months to reflect the changing seasons), but there is always an apple pie! If you love a sweet style American pie then this is the place for you. You can buy slices or whole pies to take home or enjoy a piece in one of their cafes. They also sell savoury pies and quiches. If you want to try your hand at creating a pie they run classes for both adults and children.

You would think that the Danes were all set with their bakeries but Richard Hart from the famous San Francisco bakery Tartine, obviously thought there was a gap in the market. Supported by Rene Redzepi from NOMA, Hart opened his first bakery In Frederiksberg and named it after himself. Hart Bageri took over the lease from an old traditional smørrebrød shop on Gammel Kongevej and opened what was an initially over hyped bakery with queues of curious locals and hipsters on the opening weekend keen to try the signature sour dough bread. It seems to have quietened down to a normal level now, but not being fan of sour dough bread I am yet to go.

Fear not, the Danes are not letting this cultural food invasion go one way! If you live in London you are now able to enjoy many of our well-known restaurants and food chains. Sticks & Sushi is taking the UK by storm with eight restaurants (six in London) plus some elsewhere in Europe including Berlin. I hear that some Brits find the prices a little high but the experience is a cut above other sushi chains. Joe & the Juice are not content with opening a juice bar every 10 metres in Denmark they now have 46 locations across the UK and I understand the USP of loud music and hot young men is going strong in Blighty! And if the Americans can bring their bread, the Danes can send theirs out there too, with Lagekagehuset operating 8 bakeries in London ( two more opening soon) under the name Ole & Steen. Finally for all things Scandi  and edible you can’t go wrong with Scandi Kitchen in central London.