When Odense Tastes Like H.C. Andersen

Discover a unique culinary experience as Odense commemorates the 150th anniversary of H.C. Andersen’s passing. During Andersen Forever, the poet’s fairy tales are celebrated through food, drink, and atmosphere that speak to both the senses and the imagination.

Gastro events

Whether you’re into open-faced sandwiches and commemorative beer, green temptations, or dreamy desserts inspired by Paradis ice cream, there’s something to delight every palate. Each menu and experience offers a creative interpretation—a way to taste one of Denmark’s greatest cultural icons. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it’s the perfect chance to experience Odense from a fresh and flavorful perspective.

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Flowers of Remembrance and beer tasting

Mark the 150th anniversary of H.C. Andersen’s death with a guided tour of the museum’s special exhibition Flowers of Remembrance. After the tour, we continue to H.J. Hansen Wine for an exclusive glass tasting experience.

Commemorative Beer for H.C. Andersen

Join us in honoring H.C. Andersen with a glass of commemorative beer and a traditional open-faced sandwich. Andersen is world-renowned for his fairy tales—but how did he become the national icon we know today?

En aften i Piemonte
Photo: H.C. Andersen Festivals

An Evening in Piemonte

In the spirit of H.C. Andersen and his deep love for Italy, we invite you to an evening where your senses will be indulged with the finest flavors Italy has to offer.

Fantasi møder virkelighed
Photo: H.C. Andersen Festivals

Where Fantasy Meets Reality

Take part in an evening walk through Odense Zoo, where culinary surprises from Gordon Sushi await along the way. Here, we bring H.C. Andersen’s classic fairy tales to life.

The Reverse MASH Experience

All the familiar and delicious elements are still on the plate—but the experience is turned on its head, and nothing is quite as it seems. Look forward to a surprising evening where the familiar blends seamlessly with the unexpected.

Taste H.C. Andersen at Restaurant Grønttorvet
Photo: VisitOdense

Taste H.C. Andersen at Restaurant Grønttorvet

This August, Restaurant Grønttorvet invites you to a fairytale-inspired HCA menu – a four-course dinner with beer pairings inspired by H.C. Andersen’s beloved characters and stories, served in the hea...

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A Quirky Fairytale in Croissant Dough

Klods Hans – A Cake with a Crooked Smile and a Crispy Edge
At Baker Boys in Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, you’re in for a whimsical culinary experience with Klods Hans – a quirky, beautiful, and crispy tri...

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The Ugly Duckling Ice Cream
Photo: Johan Joensen

The Ugly Duckling Ice Cream

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale The Ugly Duckling, we’ve created an ice cream that tells a delicious story of its own – from darkness to enchanting beauty.

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Fællesspisning
Photo: Studenterhus Odense

Communal Dining // Studenterhus Odense

Experience a unique cultural event where guests connect on equal terms through shared reflection, conversation, and presence – with H.C. Andersen as a silent companion on the journey.

Gravøl på Anarkist
Photo: Anarkist Foodlab

Anarkist - Funeral Beer Tasting

To mark the 150th anniversary of H.C. Andersen’s death, we invite you to a special funeral beer tasting at Anarkist. We’ll serve six robust beers that reflect a mood of contemplation and the lasting legacy Andersen left behind.

Culinary Adventures with a Touch of Fairy Tale

During Andersen Forever, H.C. Andersen’s magical universe unfolds on plates and in glasses across Odense. The city’s restaurants, cafés, and food artisans have drawn inspiration from Andersen’s characters, stories, and whimsical language—creating menus and events where the food tells its own story.

Get ready to taste both the classic and the unexpected. Some places offer nostalgic, recognizable dishes made with local ingredients and traditional techniques. Others experiment with flavors, colors, and storytelling in bold new ways. What unites them all is a shared desire to take you on a sensory journey through Andersen’s life and literary legacy.