Denmark: Kylie Hollenstein (Food in Aarhus)

Since coming to the Danish city of Aarhus, differences have repeatedly struck me in one profound category: food. The cuisine is fairly similar to that of the United States. Soup and sandwiches can be found on most menus, although they may contain a pickled vegetable I never previously considered. Unlike the US, quantity is often sacrificed in favor of quality.  Smaller portions and fewer options at grocery stores are at the understandable exchange of higher quality products and produce. Eating healthy in Denmark requires far less effort than in the United States. Yet, I have oddly found both quality and quantity to be most pronounced in places unbelievable to most Americans. Some of the best food in the city can be found in Aarhus University’s dining halls or in the cafeterias of the city’s many museums and libraries. Even more exciting, such places often contain excellent meals at student friendly prices. Students and locals alike fawn over the Royal Danish Library’s cake collection and assorted brunch goods. The Matematisk Kantine, a dining hall in the math building, is especially renowned. Upon arriving to the city, a kind older woman immediately begged me to try the food at the esteemed canteen. Although I have yet to find a burger as good as Five Guys’ or a Dr. Pepper that tastes like home, the quality and accessibility of great food has made my first weeks all the better.

 

Kylie Hollenstein

Hometown: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

Major: History

Program: Aarhus University Exchange

I loved that my program was in the middle of a small but vibrant city with a long history!  I’m excited to see how Danish culture impacts the education system and how the university interacts with the broader community.