Where to Find Authentic Gambian Dishes in Denmark

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but nothing hits harder than missing your favorite home-cooked meals. For Gambians living in Denmark, that craving for domoda, benachin, or tapalapa can feel like a longing for a piece of home. The positive thing? You don’t have to give up your favorite dishes just because you’ve moved to Scandinavia.

Denmark may be known for its pastries and hot dogs, but if you know where to look, you can find places that serve up the rich, spicy, and comforting flavors of Gambian food.

Let’s explore how and where you can enjoy authentic Gambian dishes across Denmark, especially in cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense.

Why Gambian Food Is Worth the Search

Gambian cuisine is bold, colorful, and packed with flavor. Many dishes use groundnuts, rice, fish, fresh vegetables, and just the right mix of spice to hit that perfect balance between hearty and homey.

Some all-time favorites include:

• Domoda,  a thick groundnut stew served with rice and meat or fish.
• Benachin,  also known as “one-pot,” it’s rice cooked with meat, tomato, and vegetables in one pot.
• Yassa, chicken or fish marinated in lemon, mustard, and onion, usually served over white rice.
• Tapalapa, a heavy, chewy bread eaten with beans, eggs, or sardines.

These aren’t just meals. They’re reminders of home, of family gatherings, and of culture. That’s why finding authentic Gambian dishes abroad matters so much.

Top Spots for Gambian Food in Denmark

While there may not be a huge number of dedicated Gambian restaurants in Denmark, West African food is gaining popularity. Many African restaurants carry Gambian-style dishes or flavors similar to what you’d find back home.

1. Pam’s African Restaurant – Copenhagen

Pam’sis one of the most trusted names when it comes to West African cuisine in Copenhagen. While the menu includes dishes from Ghana and Nigeria, you’ll also find staples familiar to Gambians—like peanut stews and jollof rice.

Why it's great

The portions are generous, and the spices are just right. You can also chat with the friendly staff, who know a lot about the different cuisines of West Africa.

2. Baobab – Copenhagen

Baobab is more than just a restaurant. It’s a cultural meeting point. While the dishes here lean toward Senegalese and Malian cuisine, there's a lot of crossover with Gambian food, especially when it comes to domoda-style stews and jollof rice. Their grilled chicken is marinated just like you’d get it in West Africa.

3. African Grocery Stores – Various Cities

Sometimes, the best way to get authentic food is to cook it yourself. Denmark has many African grocery shops where you can find ingredients like:

• Palm oil
• Maggi cubes
• Groundnut paste
• Okra
• Smoked fish
• Black-eyed peas

Look for shops in multicultural neighborhoods, especially in Nørrebro (Copenhagen) or Brabrand (Aarhus). Ask around, you’ll likely meet fellow Gambians or West Africans happy to share tips.

Home Cooking: Join the Community

Many Gambians in Denmark find comfort in community cooking. Whether it's weekend get-togethers, prayer groups, or family dinners, food brings people together.

Here’s what you can do:

• Join local WhatsApp or Facebook groups for Gambians in Denmark. People often share food events, cooking meetups, or even sell home-cooked meals.
• Attend cultural festivals or African events. Gambian food stalls are common at these events.
• Offer to cook. If you know how to make your favorite dishes, invite a few friends over and cook together. Ingredients are usually available—you just need to know where to shop.

Where to Buy Ingredients

Here are a few known shops where you can find African groceries:

• Tropical Marked (Copenhagen): Well-stocked with West African staples.
• Mama Africa Afro Shop (Aarhus): Friendly staff, fresh stock.
• AfroShop Denmark (Online): Great if you can’t find a local store near you.

Even Danish supermarkets like Bilka or Fotex are starting to stock products like plantains, cassava, and chili peppers.

Tips for Finding More Gambian Food

Following are the major tips for finding Gambian food in Denmark.

Ask Uber or Bolt drivers

 A lot of African expats drive ride shares and often have great recommendations.

Look at Google Reviews

 Type “West African food near me” and read the comments. You’ll often spot mentions of Gambian dishes.

Be open to neighboring cuisines

 Gambian food shares similarities with Senegalese, Guinean, and Sierra Leonean cuisines.

Make It a Business?

If you can cook, there’s an opportunity to share Gambian food with others. Start small, sell lunch boxes in your local community or during festivals. You’d be surprised how many people miss home flavors.

There’s a growing market for authentic African food in Denmark. And it doesn’t just help financially, it connects you with others and keeps the culture alive.

Why It Matters

When you live far from home, food becomes more than just fuel. It becomes a way to stay connected to your roots, to remember where you come from, and to share your story with others.

In a place like Denmark, where everything might feel new and different, finding a plate of benachin or sipping hot attaya can bring peace, joy, and a sense of belonging.

While living abroad, don’t forget to send money to Gambia from Denmark. Sign up on ACE Money Transfer and send support now!

FAQs

Can I find real Gambian food in Denmark?

Yes! While dedicated Gambian restaurants are rare, many West African places serve Gambian-style dishes.

Where can I buy Gambian ingredients in Denmark?

Look for African grocery stores in major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. You’ll find everything from smoked fish to Maggi.

Can I cook Gambian food at home in Denmark?

Absolutely. Most ingredients are available locally or online. And cooking at home lets you control the flavors and share meals with friends.

Is Gambian food popular in Denmark?

 It’s growing in popularity, especially in multicultural areas. Many Danes are open to trying new cuisines, including West African food.