Nørrebro is perceived because the rougher aspect of Denmark — nevertheless it’s really the hippest and spot in Copenhagen that’s surprisingly Muslim-friendly.
Picture credit score: The World Via My Digital camera through Twitter
“Assalamualaikum!” greeted a person as he wound down his window.
Whereas travelling in Denmark again in Could 2022, my household was stopped by a sweeper truck.
Seems, the person was a Muslim immigrant who had been dwelling in Copenhagen for over 30 years. We chatted for a bit and I requested the place we may discover a Halal Danish Scorching Canine stand.
“It is best to go to Nørrebro, everything is Halal!”
That neighbourhood popped up a bunch once I was researching about Halal meals in Copenhagen — together with a whole lot of unhealthy rep…
Learn additionally: 7 Professional-Tricks to Discovering Halal Meals Simply in Non-Muslim International locations
A Ghetto in Copenhagen
Picture credit score: Mads Christensen Images through Fb
Nørrebro’s vibe is distinct.
Stroll the streets of Nørrebro and also you’ll see that almost all of its residents are a mixture of ethnically Center Japanese, African, and South Asian folks.
Most are first or second-generation migrants and whereas the entire space isn’t essentially thought of a ghetto, this ethnic variety, historical past of riots and housing estates like Mjølnerparken have sadly landed it in Denmark’s ‘ghetto checklist‘.
Picture credit score: Finn Rasmussen through Google Photographs
Previous to my journey to Denmark, I even got here throughout The Authorities of Canada’s journey recommendation stating Nørrebro as a neighbourhood the place gang-related violence was prone to happen in Copenhagen.
At that cut-off date, it actually appeared like everybody knew about Nørrebro’s fame as a ghetto.
Nørrebro immediately
Picture credit score: Sam Srinivasan through Google Photographs
“We even name it Little Istanbul!” replied a employee as we expressed our amazement in direction of Nørrebro’s Muslim-friendliness.
After spending a little bit of time in Copenhagen and the Faroe Islands, seeing the number of Halal meals and Center Japanese nook shops (akin to mama outlets in Singapore) in Nørrebro was a breath of recent air.
Picture credit score: Armando Mareña through Google Photographs
Nørrebro can also be culturally numerous — so seeing Hijabis simply biking on their merry means made me really feel rather less misplaced.
Picture credit score: Stine Hvid through Fb
Then again, Nørrebro is a energetic and artsy neighbourhood the place road artwork and murals are a standard and virtually definitive sight.
Once we ventured to the extra gentrified areas (accidentally), there was a transparent youthful vibe contributed by artistic areas, stylish outlets, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife.
Experiencing Nørrebro Firsthand
Picture credit score: Khalid Bin Sattar through Google Photographs
Our major objective in going to Nørrebro was to fill up on Halal meat and go to the Halal Danish sizzling canine stand.
As we drove from Copenhagen metropolis centre into Nørrebro, the panorama and infrastructure slowly transitioned from polished to edgy and barely tough across the edges.
Picture credit score: Giuseppe Liverino through Go to Copenhagen
Some say Nørrebro’s the damaging aspect of city and I perceive why. Nothing outrightly threatened my security however there was a vibe that saved me weary and on guard. Maybe it was as a result of others had been on guard too.
Regardless of that, I used to be pleased to see many ethnic minorities and Muslim institutions!
Pleasant folks
Picture credit score: @danny_maiorca through Instagram
I observed folks had been tight-knit with one another.
At one of many Center Japanese grocers, the shopkeeper was detached to me and my household. When their mates got here, the temper rapidly lightened up.
So, I used to be stunned to even obtain a little bit of Nørrebro hospitality at Alhoda Slagter — a Halal butchery with meats born, raised, and slaughtered in Denmark.
We tried the lamb ribs right here and it was actually recent. It was moderately priced and one of many butchers gave us a free reusable bag despite the fact that we initially needed to pay for it!
On our final day in Denmark, we needed to buy a selected sauce solely obtainable at Alhoda Slagter however after we arrived, they had been closed and already cleansing up. We tried saying that we solely needed to purchase a bottle of sauce however they apologetically shook their head “no”.
Determined, I went to the window and confirmed them “It’s our final day in Copenhagen” on my notes app. In all probability amused, one of many butchers (the identical one who gave us the reusable bag) unlocked the door and allow us to in.
We scrambled for actual change to pay for the sauce however he ended up giving it to us as a parting present :’)
Alhoda Slagter
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Deal with: Nørrebrogade 223, 2200 København, Denmark
Tips on how to get there: 3 minutes stroll from M3 Nørrebro Station
Nørrebro positively has a unique vibe from the remainder of Denmark. There’s a way of group and closeness the place persons are energetic, pleasant, and appear to look out for one another.
Issues to do in Nørrebro
Picture credit score: Daniel Rasmussen through Go to Copenhagen
Regardless of it being a non-touristy spot, there are fairly a variety of cool issues to do in Nørrebro!
Superkilen
Picture credit score: @bratosiewicz through Instagram
Reflective of the completely different communities dwelling in Nørrebro, Superkilen is a park furnished with gadgets from over 50 completely different nationalities. You’ll discover cultural artifacts and gadgets like a boxing ring from Thailand, a fountain from Morocco, and a donut signal from the US.
All objects displayed are both originals or 1:1 replicas so take your time to discover and uncover the place every of the gadgets originate from.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Deal with: Nørrebrogade 210, 2200 København, Denmark
Tips on how to get there: 5 minutes stroll from M3 Nørrebro Station
Assistens Kirkegaard
Picture credit score: Sebastian Himmelstrup through Go to Copenhagen
Go the place the locals go — to the cemetary. Okay, hear me out.
Assistens Kirkegaard is primarily the ultimate resting place of many notable Danish figures like fairytale writer Hans Christian Anderson (The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea). Unexpectedly, it’s additionally a favorite spot amongst locals.
Within the serene ambiance and delightful foliage of the cemetery, you’ll discover guests jogging, sitting amongst gravestones or simply hanging out — treating it as if it had been some other park.
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
Deal with: Kapelvej 2, 2200 København N, Denmark
Tips on how to get there: 1 min stroll from M3 Nørrebros Runddel St.
Jægersborggade Purchasing Road
Picture credit score: Sebastian Himmelstrup through Go to Copenhagen
Initially a harmful and uncared for a part of Copenhagen, Jægersborggade has remodeled right into a buzzing and classy procuring road in Nørrebro.
A majority of retailers right here have an eco-conscious ethos — merchandise are normally locally-sourced, sustainable, and natural. Eating places and cafes right here promise high quality too with an revolutionary menu.
Halal Meals in Nørrebro
Picture credit score: Sheik’s Shawarma through Fb
As that man from the sweeper truck stated, every part actually is Halal in Nørrebro! At virtually each nook, you’ll discover a Halal kebab store.
However we didn’t journey all the best way to Denmark and Nørrebro only for kebabs.
Byens Pølser (Halal Danish Scorching Canine)
Halal standing: Muslim owned
As Jennifer Coolidge as soon as stated, “[Being in Denmark] makes me wanna hotdog actual unhealthy”.
One of many traditional Danish icons, you’ll discover a sizzling canine stand at each nook of Denmark. The Danish means of consuming one is to have it doused with mayonnaise, mustard, remoulade, ketchup, sprinkled with all of the toppings (fried onions, uncooked onions and pickled cucumber) and paired with a Cocio (Danish chocolate milk).
A Halal choice is Byens Pølser — a sizzling canine stand run by a Denmark-born Moroccan.
Picture credit score: @halal_byenspoelser through Instagram
I attempted the Beef and Lamb Ristet Scorching Canine (DKK32, ~S$6.15) which is the proprietor’s personal distinctive mix! It was snappy, juicy, smokey, and an absolute mess to eat.
Sitting on a wood chair proper subsequent to the new canine stand was actually a vibe. I used to be pleased to expertise one thing so quintessentially Danish in a Halal means.
On our final day in Denmark, we purchased some sizzling canines to convey house to my sisters in Singapore (my household tends to convey meals house as souvenirs LOL). The proprietor stated we must always simply get a pack of sausages from him subsequent time. Curious, I requested how a lot it price.
“No, I offer you now.” He gave us a complete 8-pack of lamb and beef sausages for FREE!
Value: From DKK20 (~S$2.90)
Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM
Tips on how to get there: 1 min stroll from M3 Nørrebro Station
Mexihagen
Halal standing: Halal meat
Picture credit score: MexiHagen DK through Fb
Halal Birria tacos must be sufficient to persuade you to strive Mexihagen.
This meals truck’s major specialty are birria tacos (DKK199 for a field of eight) — crispy and saucy corn tortillas crammed with tender stewed beef. It’s primarily based on a 47-year-old recipe from a Mexican Abuela so you’re getting the actual deal.
Mexihagen additionally has its personal tacky and flavourful tackle a quesadilla known as Quesabirria!
Opening hours: 12PM – 8PM
Deal with: Lygten 2, 2400 København, Denmark
Tips on how to get there: 2 min stroll from M3 Nørrebro Station
Ship Flere Krydderier
Picture credit score: Ship Flere Krydderier – Nørrebrohallen through Fb
This social enterprise goals to supply these ladies with employment and expertise to enter the Danish labor market.
Actually translating to ‘ship extra spices’, Ship Flere Krydderier is a group café run fully by ladies of ethnic minorities. Meals served is predicated on the traditions of the cooks’ nations of origin — so you’ll be able to count on to devour meals from nations like Somalia, Pakistan, or Lebanon.
Picture credit score: Ship Flere Krydderier – Nørrebrohallen through Fb
Moreover their normal each day menu, Ship Flere Krydderier holds folkekøkken (public kitchen) — a less expensive choice (DKK 65) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings of their Nørrebrohallen outlet. Folkekøkken menus are refreshed each day on their Fb web page — so there’s all the time a motive to return 😝
Opening hours: Varies
Deal with: Nørre Allé 7 and Nørrebrohallen
Is Nørrebro actually that scary?
Picture credit score: Martin Heiberg through Go to Copenhagen
Nørrebro might have a darkish previous however the district actually isn’t as intense because it appears.
I believe that we must always all the time give new locations a try to discover with recent eyes. It’s attainable that infamous locations are simply that — however if you enter with out prejudices, you permit your self to find a unique aspect.
I used to be solely in Nørrebro twice however my interactions with the locals had been fairly healthful. There’s a robust sense of group in Nørrebro that felt completely different from the remainder of Denmark and I’m pleased to have skilled only a fraction of it.
Cultures Defined is a collection the place we uncover and honour the cultural variations of communities everywhere in the world. What different cultures would you wish to know extra about? Tell us within the feedback under.
Like what you see? Comply with us on Fb, Instagram, and YouTube for extra journey updates!
