Going Out to Eat in DENMARK vs AMERICA: Who Dines Better?

[@RobeTrotting]

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[@GarmrsBarking]

not to be a sour note here but isn't hellofresh union busters?

[@Mark-xh8md]

I wanna share a story with you guys that highlights one of the differences :) I was in NYC and had lunch at a diner close to where I stayed. I had JUST finished eating, and sat back and relaxed for a bit. It didn't take one minute before the server put the bill on the table, and I saw that as extremely rude, a passive-aggressive way to say "Thanks, now get the fudge out". I paid, of course, and left, but gave no tip.....only to feel bad about it when I told one of my American friends about the experience, and she wide-eyed went "Oh no no no, let me explain". Apparently, that's completely normal 😅

[@Mark-xh8md]

@@williamjones4716 - Why don't you try being a dick to someone who gives a shit about your opinion ;) I shared a story about a case of cultural misunderstanding. When I (mis)read the situation as the server being extremely rude, my reaction was warranted. The reason it wasn't, was because of that misunderstanding. You can also take your arrogant, condescending attitude and shove it where the Sun doesn't shine, as if only Americans have "things to do and places to go".

[@Mark-xh8md]

@@williamjones4716 - Yeah, because I frequently find myself in these places 🙄 I don't know what crawled up your ass and died, but I recommend removing it

[@YOUTUBEACEHBERDIKARI]

Wow delicious

[@robdawg6674]

We had our first dining experience in Denmark in a very nice restaurant and the food was amazing but we were just very shocked that the waiter didn’t come by our table more than once or twice the whole time. Only later did we come to learn he wasn’t being a bad waiter just different than what we are used to in the US. Probably 10 minutes went by after we had finished actively eating did he come by to ask if he could clear the plates and offer desert. We did order deserts and after an awkward 15-20 minutes waiting and wondering if they lost our order, we were rewarded by a masterpiece of art and perhaps best desert dish I’ve had in my life. We were so used to being rushed in the US that we didn’t know how to behave in turn, but once we did adjust we enjoyed all our dining experiences the rest of the trip.

[@RobeTrotting]

This is so close to our first few times dining out in Denmark. In so many ways we were afraid to bother the server and waited for them to come to us, which will take a long time if you just wait. We were agitated that we were left alone, but then realized it was so that we could focus on the food and the company - now we look at it so differently haha. Glad that it seems like you had a great experience overall! :)

[@incantrix1337]

I hated that when dining in the US. There was always one or two people hovering near your table, the moment you reach for the salt someone leaps out of the shadows to get it for you. It was deeply unpleasant.

[@mikkelanderson2736]

its totally normal to just wink at the waiter when they look at your table, and then they will come and serve u :D most at the time they have something to do themselves, and are just try not to be annoying :D

[@kille-4B]

@@mikkelanderson2736 You wink at the waiters??? 😂

[@mikkelanderson2736]

@@kille-4B yes? How can they know u need to have service now if u use brain, do u try to get their attention or stare into table?

[@birgerkagan6087]

On the tip thing I saw in the Claus Meyer restaurant in the Grand Central Station in NY a sign saying "Please don't tip our staff - we do pay them reasonable wages".

[@SenshinDk]

As a Dane living in the US for 10 years this is some of what I miss the most. I HATE going out to eat here and having a waiter come by every couple of minutes and feeling rushed. I will never get used to it.

[@perjessen2748]

he is working for tips. Thats the diffence

[@Dannyboy314]

When I visited the states, I told them straight up, it you want a tip, leave us alone

[@firstpersonwinner7404]

​@@Dannyboy314 As someone who was a server for a long time I'd hate you, lol. You really don't make enough hourly to survive so if someone is just taking extra time at a table and still only giving me a normal tip then I'm in a sense losing money I could be making on getting re-sat that table with a different group.

[@karsten69]

As you move away from the big cities in Denmark, it's less common to need reservations. Once the city becomes less than 30,000 people, it's highly likely you can just show up if it's outside rush hour. And if you're not fine dining but just regular dining, it's also more acceptable to customize your meal.

[@akselbuch]

Customizing your meal is generally acceptable even if fine establishments provided you have a good reason such as allergies.

[@Styggejoe]

the smaller the menu, the better the food

[@RobeTrotting]

For sure! Specialization is a real thing :)

[@lohofa]

@@RobeTrotting It also less wasteful. Restaurant's are not going to throw out food because nobody ordered it it for a couple of nights.

[@Noblemand]

Yes and no. The smaller a menu is, the cheaper it is for the restaurant to but 7(for instance) main ingredients over 25 main ingredients needed for a larger menu

[@NaveedKhan-bs1sc]

Apart from jagger those guys are taking the piss. The portions are tiny.

[@GarmrsBarking]

back in 99 I was in New York at a sushi restaurant with a group of Danes... we had a good time and all that but we made a mistake... we didn't give any tips... we ended up walking down the block before our distorted waiter managed to catch up with us... he asked if there was something wrong with the food or if we didn't have a good time... and we answered that there was nothing wrong and we had a good time... only then did it dawn on us that that was how he made money... and of course we gave him a big tip after that.... it was the first time we came across that someone was dependent on tips for a living... it was before the internet so most people didn't know anything about such a thing...

[@RobeTrotting]

Oh wow, yeah it's funny to think of that time when it was less known

[@GarmrsBarking]

@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 first of all the legal minimum wage is very low in the US... it's around 7-15 dollars an hour depending on where you live... most people need at least 20-25 dollars an hour to get by ... so most have 2-3 jobs... secondly, the service industry has something called the gig economy which means that they can be paid less per hour and the employee is dependent on tips to achieve the difference... and the third part... unions have a bad reputation... partly because they are considered socialist/communist, have been controlled by the mafia and lobbyists for larger corporations have made it very difficult for unions to function... if there is someone from the US who thinks I have misunderstood something, please correct me...

[@LorteSandalerMedIs]

99 wasn't before the internet though, but yeah I get it. x) I almost did same mistake when I visited US.

[@GarmrsBarking]

@@LorteSandalerMedIs ok as we know it today... it was expensive, not everyone had it, it was slow, the websites were rubbish and it was hard to find the information you were looking for if it was there at all.... ;P

[@GreenLarsen]

@@GarmrsBarking A few small corrections, gig jobs are where you are "your own boss", so jobs like Uber etc. They do however share the poor income and tipping culture with the service industry. Different states have different minimum wage, but generally it is $2.13/h or just below 15 Danish Kroner pr. hour. And you are correct that this is so low that many cant make a living from it and have to get more then 1 job. You are also correct that unions generally are not a thing by the reason is a bit different then you might think. The main reason to the low unionization in the US is due to the "War on unions" by Nixon. And yes, one of the reasons he used was them being socialist/communist. Amusingly enough the US actually used to have a huge part of its labor force in unions and it was one of the main reason for the creation on the middle class after ww2. Also "fun" fact, the 2'nd first time bombs dropped from airplanes happened on US soil was the US military bombing US citizens due to them being part on a union and demonstrating for better terms (Their main demand was to be allowed to unionize). The first bobs dropped on US soil btw, was into a black neighborhood.

[@nubletten]

In Denmark, giving your credit card to a stranger would make your bank recommend to replace your credit card.

[@RobeTrotting]

I mean, an employee of a business you’re dining at isn’t a stranger

[@nubletten]

@@RobeTrotting The bank teller told me if its been out of my hands and in others i should request a replacement. Their intentions could be making money on me.

[@zymelin21]

@@nubletten technology has caught up with you in most cases. The waiter brings the bill to the table together with an electronic terminal. you stick the card in - he/she looks away, you punch in your 4 digits. payment follows. you get the card back. it has never been out of your sight!! bob's your uncle.

[@nubletten]

@@zymelin21 Not everywhere my buddy.

[@DiakosDelvin]

@@RobeTrotting That's a cultural thing I guess, anyone you wouldn't ask to come to your birthday is a "stranger". Heck I feel uncomfortable having my friends of 20+ years handle my card.

[@Phiyedough]

I've not been to Denmark or USA but the description of how things work in Denmark sounds fairly typical of Europe as a whole. I probably eat out 2 or 3 times a year unless I'm away from home for some reason. Part of that is because I live in the middle of nowhere!

[@RobeTrotting]

Sure, it makes sense if there are less options around - it's a hassle to go out to eat much more than that :)

[@Makarov934]

Where u live dough?

[@nicolaimalik]

About the size of the menu card, i work at a restaurant and if you have a big card with lots of options you need everything stored up and most likely frozen. Smaller menu everything is fresh.

[@FionaAstrologer]

When I lived in the U.S, I used to eat out about twice a week at a restaurant. When in Denmark I've eaten out a few times, but I just love regular Danish foods that we buy at the supermarket (leverpostei!) and eat at home. The regular, grocery store food in Denmark is both less expensive and better quality than my home country of Ireland.

[@RobeTrotting]

We eat out less, and cook at home more but we honestly find the quality of the grocery stores to be pretty bad here, both the food and the general upkeep of the store, especially for the price.

[@FionaAstrologer]

@@RobeTrotting Don't move to Ireland then 😆

[@bzdtemp]

@@RobeTrotting Not all stores are the same, some will even have like a butcher or fish market section - I highly recommend checking those out. Or even better instead of using the "big" grocery stores try shopping at the specialty stores ie. meat at a butcher, bread from a baker and so on. Takes time, but it is also sort of fun and something worth doing if time allows.

[@kille-4B]

Leverpostej !❤

[@dortemarquardsen481]

@@RobeTrotting In my opinion the grocery stores in Copenhagen are generally the worst in the country. Of course there are good and bad stores but I've only seen that kind of mess in our capitol...

[@comanderfriis1]

as a chef and an avid watcher of your channel this video was so much fun to watch! i am happy that you guys have not been discouraged by the huge culture difference, and that you can appreciate the food scene we have in Copenhagen. alot of us in the industry really are passionate about our craft and its awesome to see that you are enjoying dining in copenhagen. btw congrats on the sponser! you guys deserve it

[@cakemanjefferson9893]

I'm a dane. Never heard of not customising. But I guess the customisation is often very simple

[@RobeTrotting]

That’s more what I meant - some Americans specialize their order so much it’s like they rewrite the recipe for the chef and tell them how to prepare it haha

[@bentebunting9568]

My brother-in-law was disgusted regarding the doggybag, but after seeing the oversize of the meals he understood. After that his disgust turned to the size of the meals and the enormous waste plus the rush. Another thing to mention is the removal of the dishes aren't done until all have finished and the utensils are moved to the right side of the plate.

[@saftevand]

I really recognise the customisation bit - used to work as a waiter in a restaurant that was frequented by a lot of America tourists, which all wanted to swap the sauce for the fish with the one for the meat etc. The chef would be out of his mind and it often took a lot of persuasion for me to get him to comply. It would also be quite normal for them to drink coffee with their fish, which also raised a few eyebrows, They were all super-friendly though 🙂

[@denmark23]

​@@williamjones4716 technically canadians are Americans as well

[@denysenielsen8115]

@@denmark23 Do not say that to a Canadian. "Them's fightin' words" 🤣

[@tlangdon12]

@@williamjones4716 Smaller portions.

[@janandersson9411]

Tipping… I live in Sweden and I guess it`s pretty much the same here as in Denmark. When I feel that the restaurant (or cab if that’s the case) has provided me with a service/experience that is above going through the motions I always tip. Not by percentage, usually rounding off the amount. In Sweden the norm in restaurants is that all the people working a shift (waitresses, chefs and what have you) share the tips equally. They are all paid regular (albeit quite low) wages, but the tip is welcome. And they share it. Why should the waiters/waitresses reap all the benefits if the chefs have an especially inspired day?

[@fenrisulv66]

You have to remember that what you see as midrange in the US, is mostly lowrange in DK. There is a lot of midrange restaurants relative to Danish standarts :)

[@RobeTrotting]

I disagree, there’s not between low end and high end dining in Denmark and I don’t think Danish standards are any better.

[@martinskovpoulsen2736]

@@RobeTrotting In Denmark the midrange restaurants are mostly take-away. American midrange is lowrange or below in Denmark. I've been to lowrange American restaurants where the food was so horrible I couldn't eat it

[@knudsandbknielsen1612]

In 2021, I took a walk with an old school mate (from back in 1973). We got hungry and went to a semi-basement restaurant. We both had a "stjerneskud" which is breaded plaice on white bread with mayo and skrimps and caviar, not russian, but stone chunk roe, all garnished with lemon slices et cetera. It was just delivious. Enough said. I have never had to reserve a table. But then, this was my first visit to a restaurant in 18 years. A grill bar is my choice, I'm single... BTW, The next year we took another walk, and went to another restaurant, also not reserved. But perhaps in some talked about places there's lot's of people wanting to see what it's all about... Hype is unripe. Just so you know. Love you guys! Chill!

[@persephone213]

Yeah, I hate whenever I feel rushed during meals in the US. As someone who really values slow living and eating mindfully, I refuse to rush through my meals. Often times, I’m the last one eating because I really try to take my time and savor each bite along with the surrounding atmosphere. I think this is a healthy habit and will not apologize for it. Americans, in general, just need to slow their role a bit.

[@shadowmaster335]

on the topic of customizing your meals, yeah, it's not a thing here in denmark EXCEPT, if you have allergies, then it isn't frowned upon, considering we're talking about health risks here, on a side note, outside of a few times, i havn't had to reserve a table whenever i went dining, the exceptions where when it was bday related, or we where a group of ppl, and that was in places like horsens (over 65k citizens, last i checked), and viborg (no clue the amount but probs slightly bigger count than horsens), so i expect you only REALLY need to reserve tables if you 1. go to a big and "famous" restaurant, or 2. if it's in one of the bigger cities, like copenhagen, aarhus and odense

[@teotik8071]

It is your leisure time, you are the boss. So why not calling (decent) for the waiter if you need him ? That is service in my eyes.

[@RobeTrotting]

Yeah, we don't much in the US because the idea is that they're popping in more often and very busy - I guess that's the idea.

[@freyjasvansdottir9904]

The first time I went out to eat at a restaurant in the US I hated how the waiter introduced himself and stood around chatting instead of just bringing us our food. You aren’t our friend, we aren’t interested in hearing about your day. Here in Europe we like the waiter to be anonymous. Also the waiter kept asking if we were done eating.

[@traver1965]

I think most Danes would like to have adjustments to their meals. Like gorgonzola instead of danish blue cheese. But if you ask for that at a "better" restaurant, the chef will hunt you down with his chef knife. Even adding salt on a dish can make a chef furious. Btw I asked chatGPT about the Doggybag. It answered: "The exact origin of the term "doggy bag" is not entirely clear, and there is no definitive answer to which theory is the most accepted. However, the theory that the term originated in the 1940s or 1950s when people would take home scraps from their meals at restaurants to feed to their dogs seems to be the most commonly cited explanation. This theory is supported by a 1949 article in The New York Times that uses the term "doggy bag" in the context of taking home leftovers for a pet. Additionally, the first recorded use of the term in the Oxford English Dictionary dates back to a 1964 article in the New York Herald Tribune that mentions the practice of taking home leftovers for a pet."

[@Google_Censored_Commenter]

Like others have mentioned, you can change the menu when you dine out. But generally the rule is that you can only subtract, you can't add. Unless it's something like "extra cheese" on something that already has cheese on it.

[@mcmariager]

The same laid back, happy to throw 1000.- after a nice meal, danes, will go absolutely batpoo insane over a 100.- buffet. Im talking piling food up and eat like its the only meal we’ll have in a fortnight, because we HAVE to get our money’s worth!!

[@RobeTrotting]

That's true, I have witnessed this a few times haha

[@christiankaiser3885]

The pace and attention the waiters have here in Denmark is different for sure. As a Dane myself, I have often been shocked traveling abroad, with how much the serving staff will interupt conversations, hower around the table seming kind of impatient or taking away your plate the moment you finish a dish. I prefer the slower tempo here. A good meal should never be rushed.

[@ThomasAabyBerdal]

I knew a guy, working a restaurant with a lot of American tourists. He almost never touched his actual pay because of the insane tips Americans left. He was very happy about the lost in translation scenario 😅

[@JRBendixen]

The typical tipping in the US is now 16% 20% and 24%

[@JRBendixen]

10% tip in Denmark is about as high as it goes. It would show you are very very satisfied. And by satisfied I mean you had an excellant experience.

[@Wotun]

I want to add that when we (Danes) want to eat out on a whim, the expectation is street food, which tends to be queite good

[@Hitokiri2000]

What you failed to mention about the billing in Denmark is that the "tip" is already included in the listed price for the meal. Tipping was phased out in 1969. If you look it up, this is what you will find. I Danmark har det siden 1969 været bestemt ved lov, at den pris, der oplyses til forbrugeren, skal være inklusiv service og at arbejdsgiveren skal betale de ansatte fast løn. Derfor er det ikke længere udbredt at give ekstra drikkepenge i Danmark. Translation: In Denmark it has since 1969 been declared by law, that the price listed for the consumer must include all services and the employer must pay the employees a fixed salary/wage. There for it's no longer widely used to give out tips in Denmark.

[@jakeforrest]

You are absolutely right ! That is also the reason that I hate it, when waiters try to get a tip in Denmark by handing you a terminal, that suggests that. The reason for abolish tipping was that the Danish tax authorities were afraid the waiters would not pay tax of the tips.

[@sixxdog]

Yeah I've been cooking 350 days/year for the last 25 years. My parents did too and generations before them. It's just the danish way I guess. I'd like to eat out more, but I just get cheap, when I know I can do it better myself. So when I do eat out, it's always food/cuisine that I don't master myself, and maybe stuff I haven't tasted before. It'll be thai, chinese, middle-eastern.

[@AxelQC]

We had some really good meals during our week in Copenhagen last summer.

[@ChristianW1975]

Thank you, for not having a 20-30 second long intro 🙂

[@RobeTrotting]

Sometimes they're fun if we do a skit or something , but we like to cut to the point and save that kind of thing for Shorts

[@ChristianW1975]

@@RobeTrotting those skits are fun, but i dislike the standard YT intros 🙂

[@unkn0wnpers0n]

I remember ordering ribs in Odense. I totally forgot about the “mandatory” knives and fork custom. I knew all eyes where on me being the only savage devouring delicious ribs with my hands lol Cole

[@RobeTrotting]

Haha, so true - we still have no problem eating many thing with our hands LOL

[@Duspende]

Nah. Ribs are definitely meant to be eaten with hands. If you use a knife and fork for ribs, people will probably look at you weird.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

I always eat ribs as you do. I think it tastes better like that and easier to eat. I can't stop giggling when other Danes fight for their bites. II've seen some attempt to eat small shrimps with knives and forks. It's entertaining 🤣

[@WolfieSilveira]

as a dane, no one cares if you eat with your fingers or if you use your knife and fork, especially in odense, most places often gives you a wet towel to clean up after, depending on the place ofc.

[@Vradica]

Dane here, I don't think i've ever seen anyone eat ribs with knife and fork :P anywhere

[@Joliie]

The 2-3 hours is mainly a Copenhagen thing, on a busy Friday night you may get told outside Copenhagen that you can have the table for this amount of time, but on most week days you are not, but always good to reserve a table, so you know you got one. The small menu, in the Gorden Ramsey kitchen nightmares, they talk about that simplify your menu, so you don't need a million things in your inventory and be good at those 5-8 main courses, it is also a common thing to see the days special or week, typically something in season. Danes are not good a getting a doggybag, or maybe its just me and friends, but typically you are not going home afterwards, so leave it in the car or carry it around with you is not a good option :)

[@RobeTrotting]

Yeah, I think a lot has to do with tourists and business dinners and the fluctuating seasonal flow of both - that's my guess at least :)

[@johndododoe1411]

​@@RobeTrottingAnother thing with doggybags is that Danish Health inspectors can get very strict with food being a few hours too old. So restaurants may be scared away from providing doggy bags for food that cannot legally be served later.

[@sifrasmussen2315]

@@johndododoe1411 I think you have a good point there.

[@Joliie]

@@johndododoe1411 never had any trouble getting a doggybag when requested, it just not something we are not custom to.

[@Zandain]

In the US, on my last visit I had had it with the 'pushy' waiter syndrome! 😡 I told the waiters at the last restaurants, I ate at, that if they wanted a tip, stop hassling, rushing, pushing, asking me the 20 questions!! I'll leave a good tip, just leave me in peace!! (fx: $20 meal = $20 tip) hello from Hundested 🌸

[@tlangdon12]

The tipping culture in the USA promotes extra attentiveness from servers.

[@KamillaMirabelle]

In Denmark, you are not a costumer in a restaurant, your are their guest. Yes you are paying, but as in other places we don not want to be intrusive

[@KamillaMirabelle]

@@williamjones4716 Yes, they where those guest that just out of nowhere rings on your door, do not listening when you did not needed company 🫣 you know the kind 😅

[@lrander]

My theory for the term "doggybag" is that people are (or were) a bit embarrassed to admit that they took it home for themselves, so they claimed it was for the dog, so it could also have some good food... 🙂

[@treefrog1018]

In the PNW, we just call it "to-go bag" or "take this to-go". Super rare to hear someone call it a doggie bag here.

[@roguebanshee]

The few times my family was out eating in the 80s when we had a dog, one of my parents would sometimes ask for a small bag for the leftovers for the dog. And the dog would get those. This was in Denmark with Danish portion sizes, and not the US "meal for a week" portion sizes.

[@Ernoskij]

It's called a doggy bag because originally it was just a small bag for you to get the scraps for your dog.

[@JCook-li9vi]

As a German I'm having a culture shock of America rather than Denmark!

[@RobeTrotting]

Well yeah, it’s a more similar culture

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

Too many options on the restaurant menu means the food isn't fresh, but pre prepped frozen. And you'd never know for how long it's been in the freezer.....😳 I've been to hospital twice with food poisoning. Once from a burger. The other time a takeaway pizza. Both of wich had salmonella ! 🤢

[@drumstick74]

I knew about the tipping in US, but a lot of the other comparisons were new. I didn't know that in the US they rush you in the restaurant, to serve a new customer. That would be difficult for me, as going to a restaurant is a rare thing for me, and I want to enjoy it, not stress out. I'm not a cook, but I think the fewer items on the menu in DK is because they want to keep fresh ingredients and try to limit food waste. If you watch Gordon Ramsay help out struggling restaurants, that's always what he does....he limits the items on the menu.

[@johnnimalm6844]

I was in Luisiana for 3 weeks to celebrate Christmas and new year with my wife’s family (I’m danish) and we was out eating half the time …. Almost. I was a bit chocked over how much food you get, I took half my food with me home every time 😅 and yes I had a good laugh over how weird it is to pay😂 back and forward, back and forward

[@RobeTrotting]

The paying back and forth is SO strange now - or opening a tab at a bar and sometimes just giving them your card to hold. It's a weird process LOL

[@BetaTestingUrGf]

There are definitely places where you can sit at a white tablecloth at night. Mostly in Copenhagen centrum. But it's not usual and definitely not in every corner.

[@LorteSandalerMedIs]

My father taught me, that if you enjoyed the service and the food, leave a 10% tip.

[@hammermorify]

Same here - AND/OR add up (e.g. the bill says 178 kr.; pay 200 kr. - say: "keep the change")

[@michaelgask]

Great video... always interesting... and I love your fridge 😍

[@luffegasen7711]

In the steak house chain, Bones, they have doggy bags hanging around their restaurants! The only place I've noticed it in Denmark! ^^

[@alleveddet118]

Thank for sharring experiencec..from your view .it's usefull knowledge

[@mjoelnir1899]

I am quite often in Denmark, I have never had a problem finding a table walking down the road where several restaurants are in a row. I do of course not talk about selecting one special restaurant beforehand. I also do not feel as hurried eating out in Europe as at an restaurant in the USA.

[@JRBendixen]

Yep. But its way harder if you are 5+ people. I still think its good advice to people, just in case.

[@zoolook666]

The "doggy bag" was literally bringing home excess food to your dog.

[@Bexar2204]

Being from Denmark myself, I really found this video interesting. Many of the points you mentioned about resturants, had to do about you living in our capital.

[@jimmywayne983]

I see many people mention that the waiter in USA comes by every few minutes, contra in Denmark where the waiter dosnt come around that often to interrupt the meal. Its not just because Danes value eating without interferens, i think part of it is that American waiters rely on tips as part of their income and try hard to be noticed and give the impression that they are there for you.. to make sure you remember to tip.. thinking less about just letting people eat in peace.. In Denmark the waiter dosnt have to rely on those tips, tips are extremely rare here and that add the bonus that the waiter wont come disturb you every few minutes.. Danes just call the waiter over when needed.

[@dortemarquardsen481]

Some restaurants just have one big jar on the counter for any amount you'd want to tip and they'll either split the money or use it for their Christmas party or whatever!

[@martinomburajr.5905]

Currently living in Cape Town, South Africa and I feel we get a bit of the best of both US and Danish options: 1. Reservations are not a hard requirement, and you can find great walk-in restaurants most times (reservations are recommended especially on busier days) 2. Food Portions are sizeable but depends on the type of restaurant and cuisine 3. Tips here are very common usually 10% but the food prices are relatively cheap compared to Europe/US 4. Most restaurants won't rush you so long as you've gotten something to eat/drink ... unless there's a reservation on your table for later. Waiters/Waitresses wont come and check on you every few minutes to find out if you're ok. I experienced this in the US and kinda felt I was being rushed 5. Refills aren't common here 6. The price on the bill is what you pay + 10+% for the waiter. For large tables the tip will already be included in the meal

[@KHValby]

Totally agree. Have traveled in the US many times. I hate it when a waiter - constantly - hovers over the table. If you try to customize the menu, you're just showing that you're American🤣. The rest of us consider it disrespectful to the chef. We eat what is served. After all, we chose the restaurant and the menu, beforehand🙄. It's just a matter of etiquette and good manners. And make no mistake. You Americans are typical - well-liked and respected, for your politeness and good manners. We Danes are (mostly) humble folks. It is neither good nor bad. We just don't like "show offs". We go to a Restaurant, well knowing what will be served. TIP though. Certain restaurants - with a fixed menu - will let you make minor changes. Meat instead of fish (for example). Just be your polite self, and ask 😊.

[@BenjaminVestergaard]

Those walk in bar/restaurants do exist in DK, but in inner city Copenhagen real estate is too precious, you need to book in advance unless you're one of those showing up in the afternoon. For a last minute non-fast-food your best bet would be something like Jensen's Bøfhus or Bones... But those are considered family restaurants, it's not where you'll be blown away by their own speciality or anything... Pretty much like TGI Fridays. Regarding the shorter menus. I believe that it's because many places here have listened when Gordon Ramsay has been telling failing businesses "it's better to have 5 things that you master, than 30 things that taste and look like sh!t". Edit: about tipping, yeah it's not really necessary, but as you also say in the beginning, when we go out it's about the experience. So, if it's been easy to get service when needed and peace in between, if the waiter has been good at answering questions regarding items on the menu etc. If it's been a good experience out of the ordinary, there'll be a tip... But not one I've calculated from the total price, more like "what would I like to give?".

[@RobeTrotting]

Agree across the board, I always forget about Jensen's Bøfhus, it's a decent option for just a quick unplanned meal out.

[@metteksnebjerg5062]

Sometimes some believe, that leaving a little bit of food, you show that the portion was fine, and I am full. A tribute to the restaurant and the chef. Sometimes you say give the chef my respect.

[@denmark23]

Don't waste food on purpose

[@YOUTUBEACEHBERDIKARI]

Nice and inspiring story about Denmark

[@rikkejohansen7298]

Your love for Danmark is shining through every word coming out of your mouths :)

[@johndittmer8488]

Just be careful when you have American friends and family come over from the States. One time, I was at an Italian restaurant in Viborg with my mother-in-law. After an hour, we just had drinks, soup and rolls and she was getting impatient. I asked if we could just pay for the what we had and leave. the owner got so mad and threw us out. He didn't even take our money.

[@tlangdon12]

That's a great story and a cautionary tale of what can happen when you come a cultural differences unexpectedly. One of the great things about this channel is the way that these differences are highlighted so that we can be aware of them.

[@Dovndyr13]

Yup the bill/tipping etiquette are quite different. Once for a meal the bill was like 50$ I gave the waiter 100$ and asked to get 40$ back. The waiter gave me some cash back and I wanted to leave. Then the waiter asked me if I dont wanna pay the bill first. The waiter just had changed the 100$ note in to smaller notes I know "doggy bags" are popular in the US, I know elderly people ask for a "Hundetüte" in Germany. But eating out/working as a waiter i never met costumers asking for a "hundepose". So not sure if its a thing here in DK

[@RobeTrotting]

Yeah, I feel like you CAN get something wrapped maybe, especially if they have to-go service anyway, but it's a rarity compared to the expectation in the US. OHHH and it sounds like the old waiter trick, they just gave you small bills hoping you would leave more of a tip if given the option.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

@Robe Trotting or have the To Good To Go sticker in the entrance. I usually get a doggy bag. When u do they look genuinely happy that I like the so much that I want the food with me back home. 🙂

[@LorteSandalerMedIs]

It's becoming a thing in Denmark, you see/hear it more and more... But you don't need to go more than 10 years back, and it would definitely not be a thing.

[@Dovndyr13]

@@LorteSandalerMedIs i know that buffet restaurants offers boxes of the rest of the buffet for a cheap price before they close But interesting. Most times I go out most people can finish their steak/duck breast/burger. As portions are not as big as in the US or in Germany Bavarian restaurants. But i think it's great that, if people can't finish their meal, they can take it with them

[@ullapetersen8340]

That depends on where you're going. There are a lot of mid-range eating places, if you stay away from the touristy areas, and most of them serve decent food at reasonable prices. 🙂

[@RobeTrotting]

ok

[@KHValby]

Regarding paying and tipping in DK. Your bill won't come automatically. You mostly have to flag your server down and ask for it. If I feel that the service and experience was really nice, I tend to tip 4-5% or round up to a fair amount. About tipping or not. You pay for the service - not the smile 😍 !

[@IngeliseEaston]

Your candle stick behind you is very cool. You are getting so Danish 🇩🇰

[@tabbymrp]

It’s interesting despite the geographical distance, how the UK’s eating out culture is similar to the US, rather than the closer Denmark- apart from the tips/service charge thing in the US, is doing my head in.

[@ArtemisRaven3110]

some places you CAN ask to avoid things you dont like (for example when i order nachos i ask them to avoid jalapenos, the green and the red dips and they comply) 🙂

[@ErikBongers]

One other thing I noticed in the US: "Please leave your fire arms at the entrance." I was shocked! In NY! And not a 100 years ago!

[@svalk2009]

Most restaurants in Europe will show the diner the door rather than have the guest change ingredients on the menu.

[@sandreid87]

I was brought up in Denmark, to tip 10% to the server - Not because they need it, but out of good will. So Ill usually do that, unless the service was horrendous.

[@ConfusioNIntrusioN]

hi love your vidoes, have watched many of them. just wanted to suggest something for a better experience (i make music on my pc myself and deal with audio). do you master your audio when making your videos in a software that can handle vst's? if so you should consider getting a plugin called Acon Digital DeVerberate 3 or a similar plugin that can tone down the reverb of the room in the recording, so your speech will get much clearer. 😊👍

[@hantra17]

No. You may change the menu. I don't like mushrooms or peanuts so if I order a menu with one or both, I can always ask to have the dish without it.

[@DietwinvonLengenfeld]

it is called doggy bag because people used to say they take the food home "for the dog", being ashamed to admit they will eat it. I remember it was frowned upon in Germany on the 80s to take the food, unless it was for the dog of course, but it has become more normal to not waste the food nowadays

[@helganielsen296]

I am from Denmark and when i listen to you i just think it is fun to see how you think of Denmark 😂😊

[@RobeTrotting]

So glad you enjoy it. Thanks for watching 😃🇩🇰

[@rollespil1000]

Gentlemen, you have excellent powers of observation! ❤ I always learn new stuff when I watch one of your videos

[@christianbechhenriksen898]

At least in Copenhagen there are a lot of "Middle range" restaurants, and they do have open until midnight. Those are also places, where you don't typecally need a reservation. It sounds in the video, that you have only tried the 'top range' or atleast up there. Asian restaurants are a good bet - and typically reastaurants in shopping malls or busy shopping streets also. For 1 person food and drink for about 150-220 kr. :)

[@Keloggs86]

Just a tip - since changing to credit card instead of cash, I've always looked at the bill first, if I want to tip, and then ask them if they can put in the total amount I want to pay. They'll usually do that and thank you for tipping. The ball is now in your court, and this is where you can go: "Oh, the food was excellant", or: "I really enjoyed the service". It's an opportunity to show gratitude and as a dane I love those terms. Also, I always round up the amount when using cabs because it does help them with their salary, and because they deserve it for bringing drunk danes back and forth from these special occasions while having to answer a gazilion stupid questions. I don't know how much you guys use cabs in CPH though 😊

[@kille-4B]

Their union fix their salery, we are not the US here !

[@RobeTrotting]

Tipping exists in a lot of countries

[@RobeTrotting]

Oh yeah, we try to avoid cabs but when we do I agree, it's always very intoxicated evenings haha.

[@Elekristy]

About the tipping. I'm fairly certain that the servant is not allowed to accept tipping at all

[@stiglarsson8405]

Yes, its probably another mindset? As a scandinavian, I get to (better) resturants, as a guest to enjoy there high cooking skills, there atmosphere, there composition of there meals! Its like, if one want a big Mac, why did you go to KFC??? Yes its expensive, but the waiters salary (every others salary) and all VAT is included on your bill and printed on the meny! And then.. mayby its just me, but I belive that many other scandinavians hate to be harassed by waiters? One goes to a resturante as a guest and for trying out there cooking skills! One goes to Burger King to have it "your way" and one still ends up with a Whopper and fries!

[@spyro257]

and here's the vid, only 3 days later... tyty :)

[@RobeTrotting]

You're so welcome - we have been thinking about this one for a while :)

[@spyro257]

@@RobeTrotting just had an idea... if u ever have guests over, from the states, take them out eating, let them see the difference, without telling then the difference, up front, and then make a vid with them, talking about it... fun little experiment...

[@larsrasmussen2796]

Im actualy danish and I like your videos i think a meal you show try if u have not yet is millionbøf

[@kille-4B]

You should try the “Mange tout” (“eat it all”) / “Sugar snaps” , they are so fresh and delicious, even when blanched and turned in a bit of butter. ❤

[@RobeTrotting]

I don't like them either HAHA - I know it's bizarre, but my dad would only eat peas as his ONE single vegetable so I had them at almost every meal growing up and I had to eat one pea for every year old I was - it was hell haha

[@kille-4B]

@@RobeTrotting Now that you are free 🧚‍♂️ Try again 😘

[@KHValby]

In Dk you don't need to tip. But I always tend to do so anyway. I will usually round up to closest equal number or 4-5 %. Your bill includes the service.., not the smile 😍

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Question, what is that white-and-gold thingy in between you two? Is it a mic? Looks like one, all dolled up.

[@trefod]

I'd recommend always going with a tasting menu. It's the chef's chance to show off a balanced and delicious meal. It also makes the service streamlined for all the people at the table.

[@dengamleidiot]

Love the font animaton !

[@RobeTrotting]

Thank you :)

[@christofferlundbladjensen2735]

It is actually very sad that Americans are dependent on 2-3 jobs and tips. In Denmark the standard salary for a cashier under 18 years of age is around 11,13 dollars/ hour. Then we also have the different addendums depending on if you work at night, evening, holidays, weekends and even Sunday got its own addendum. This is around 356,58 to 713,7 dollars/ month depending on if you work 7 hours a week or 14 hours a week. This is all a salary for a cashier who are between 15 and 17 years old

[@RobeTrotting]

Who told you that 330 million Americans work 2-3 jobs?

[@anushkasekkingstad1300]

It’s the responsibility of the restaurant owner to pay their staff a living wage ~ not mine. When we used to visit the US. We simply refused to tip, not negotiable. We also found it objectionable to have waiters intrude in our conversation. Their function is to bring us food, not become our friends.

[@RobeTrotting]

I hate tipping but you should realize that when you do that, you’re not changing the system, you’re hurting the victim of the system. The restaurant owner isn’t impacted but that server suffers while you got a cheaper meal because the prices are lower.

[@anushkasekkingstad1300]

@@RobeTrotting I take your point but these unscrupulous owners don’t reduce the price of a meal and certainly not by the 30% or so they save on staff costs. Any staff prepared to work for some $2 per hour in the hope that I might be a soft touch, have miscalculated. I’m an advocate and my wife owns restaurants and gastropubs. She pays her crews fairly and customers pay the advertised menu price and no more. It does mean that we never return to the same restaurant twice in the US. Given the fact that we haven’t visited the US since 2015 and have no plans to return, it isn’t currently an issue for us.

[@AngelDust602]

Yeah ibwas in the US once at a restaurant my waiter was horrible at her job I paid for my meal and tried to leave and she literally grabbed my hand it scared the shit out of me and I knocked her ass on the floor if you want a tip be better at your job and don't grab people with anxiety and PTSD from behind because you will end up with a broken nose

[@Victor-fu4cp]

I disagree with the customizing of orders, they do it gladly here in Denmark. And not like in France where they ask you to get out if you try to. Even tho usually you have to pay a premium for it.

[@KibaSnowpaw]

Hey there, fellow furries and friends of the Furry Fandom! 🐾 Kiba Snowpaw here, your alpha Ice Wolf from the mystical ice world of HowlStrom. Today, I'm diving into a topic that's been on my mind lately, especially after watching the "Going Out to Eat in DENMARK vs AMERICA: Who Dines Better?" video on Robe Trotting's channel. 🍽🇩🇰🇺🇸 As a lifelong Danish resident, I've always been intrigued by the dining differences between Denmark and the US. It's fascinating to see how cultural nuances shape our eating habits and restaurant experiences. 🌍 In Denmark, dining out is often a planned event. We value the coziness of eating at home, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy a good restaurant meal. It's just that our approach is more laid-back. We don't rush to restaurants; instead, we savor the moment, whether it's a family gathering or a solo adventure. 🏠🍴 I've noticed that in the US, dining seems to be a more spontaneous affair, with a focus on efficiency and quick service. This contrast was highlighted in the video, where Robe Trotting shared their experience in a Danish restaurant. They were surprised by the waiter's infrequent visits, which is typical here. We Danes prefer not to be rushed or checked on too often. It's all about enjoying the meal at our own pace. 🐢 Now, let's talk about the food itself. In Denmark, we take pride in our culinary creations. Even though I'm no chef, I love experimenting in the kitchen. Sure, I've made a few cooking videos, but I'm still learning. Cooking is a form of art for me, a way to express my creativity and love for good food. 🍳🎨 But hey, I'm also a fan of fast food. As I'm writing this, I'm munching on a pizza, and it's delicious! 🍕 Sometimes, you just need that quick, comforting bite, right? The video also touched on the concept of 'doggy bags' and portion sizes. In Denmark, we're more about quality than quantity. Our meals are usually just the right size, reducing waste and focusing on the flavors. In the US, it seems like the portions are much larger, leading to the common practice of taking leftovers home. 🥡 One thing that really resonates with me is the relaxed atmosphere in Danish restaurants. We don't feel the pressure to leave as soon as we're done eating. We can sit back, chat, and truly enjoy the experience. It's a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of American dining, where everything feels more hurried. 🏃💨 Dining in Denmark and the US are two very different experiences, each with its own charm. As a furry, I appreciate the warm, welcoming vibe of Danish eateries, where I can enjoy my meal without feeling rushed. It's all about finding joy in the simple things, savoring every bite, and embracing the moment. 🌟 So, whether you're in Denmark or the US, remember to take a moment to appreciate your food and the company you're with. Life's too short for anything less! 🌌 Stay frosty, my friends, and keep howling! 🐺💙

[@janhjorth965]

I am Old enough (Born 1955) that I can remember when tipping became COMPULSORY for restaurants to add 15% tips and include same in prices…..it had two purposes….1) give servers a decent living wage. 2) make it TAXABLE…….nowadays the taxable part is less important, but I’d did become compulsory for restaurant bills to show that 15% tips were included in the bill.

[@anushkasekkingstad1300]

Tipping isn’t compulsory, even in the US. We’ve never done it.

[@Ernoskij]

I think you got a wrong sense of Danish restaurants, I often change the orders, and I have never really had any issues with it. It's not actively encouraged, but the vast majority of restaurants don't have a problem with changing your order.

[@RobeTrotting]

I’m thinking more of a high end, I wouldn’t get too picky and I’m the States you can customize almost EVERYTHING and almost tell the chef to create a new dish.

[@metteksnebjerg5062]

Servants should have a decient salary But sometimes we give tips,anyway. It is a polite thing to do… even though it is a small tip. But people have different ideas

[@Trex100]

Very true. Your "changing the menu" thing is totally true. Funny! In DK they're like, "Nah man, it comes with goat cheese." Stone cold. I have also noticed that getting a glass of water could end up costing you 6 bucks... The whole "doggy bag" thing is very interesting. One would think that in a country where they seem to value little waste, they have been slow to catch on. Also, when dining out, one has to research how to get to and from the eating establishment. "is this a bike/train combo?"

[@GarmrsBarking]

small portions... ; )

[@HANSIMUSMAXIMUS]

A fun titbit is that the danish word for tips, “drikkepenge”, directly translates to “drinking money”, subtly hinting towards what we think this little extra money is good for.

[@jacobriis7859]

I like to go up and pay at the cash register instead of asking for the bill at the table.

[@alleveddet118]

Thank for telling how it is from outside opinion

[@rawkclayton]

I enjoy eating out in Denmark, the one thing I can’t get used to is having to pay for water. As an American it just seems wrong

[@zymelin21]

If you are drinking american tap water beware. If it is bottled water, there is a price to pay!!

[@Saphie688]

U are totally allowed to tell them to not add something and u can custumize as much as u want in pizzerias

[@sarapanzarella97]

I am wondering if all the little shrimp I see in Copenhagen videos are local? I live in a coastal town in South Carolina and many people assume that the seafood in all the restaurants is fresh and local - but that is definitely NOT the case! Would a restaurant be offended if I asked the source of their seafood in Denmark?

[@larsne]

No they would not be offended

[@PopfizzyPop-c1p]

I love this video, but I think you missed something. What about there is no free water at the table. I disagree with this because the tap water is safe to drink but you can't get a free water while eating.