Mitzie Mee - Food & Travel Blog

The best Korean Restaurants in Copenhagen – My friend Peter’s picks

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

People often ask me where to find good Korean food in Copenhagen because they assume that being adopted from Korea and all, I would have some insider knowledge. However, it’s been over a decade since I lived in Copenhagen, so I’m not the best person to ask. Instead, I reached out to my friend Peter, who is also adopted from Korea. Peter has a real (that is, non-adopted) Korean girlfriend, and they currently live in Copenhagen and eat out a lot. Here are Peter’s recommendations for the best Korean food in Copenhagen:

Sakura

After Miga closed, Sakura is the only place in Copenhagen, where you can get traditional Korean food, and it has become the go-to spot for my girlfriend, whenever she craves authentic Korean dishes. Their Kimchi jigae and yukgaechang soups are particularly noteworthy and taste just like they do in Korea.

Sakura, Møntergade 22, 1116 Copenhagen

Juju

Juju is a modern Korean restaurant run by Kristian Bauman, an adoptee from Korea, who is also the guy behind the fine-dining establishment KOAN. Juju is a bit more casual than KOAN, but it bears KOAN’s signature flair, so if you love KOAN as much as I do, Juju is a good substitute, while we’re waiting for KOAN to open again. The menu consists of various small plates, perfect for sharing among a group of friends. Seating is cozy, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

Juju, Øster Farimagsgade 8, 2100 Copenhagen

KOAN

KOAN is a modern Nordic Korean restaurant that has earned two Michelin stars for its exceptional cuisine. I’ve only dined there once as it’s rather pricey (and even more so now, when they got 2 Michelin stars (2024)), but it was amazing. The food, the presentation and the staff, – everything is just perfect. A great place to go for a special occasion.

KOAN, Langeliniekaj 5, 2100 København

Bulko

Casual Korean restaurant with authentic Korean food in trendy surroundings. There is a good selection of typical Korean dishes, such as bulgogi, kimchi jjigae, and bibimbap, and it is also one of the best places to order Korean take-away.

Bulko, Ny Carlsberg Vej 38, St.Tv, 1760 København V

Kopan

Kopan is a cozy and unpretentious restaurant that serves bibimbap, mandu, and other light dishes. The food is adapted to Scandinavian taste buds, but the restaurant was started by a Korean.

Kopan has a street kitchen/food truck branch (the original) located in Torvehallerne. You’ll find the food truck right next to the metro station entrance.

Kopan, Linnésgade 24, 1361 Copenhagen K

SSam

SSam is a popular Korean food bar with two restaurants in Copenhagen – one in Vesterbro and one in Fisketorvet. Although the food is quite Westernized to cater to Scandinavian tastes, it still tastes great. However, I don’t frequent SSam as much due to concerns over their work environment and the unhappy demeanor of their staff.

SSam is a popular Korean food bar, serving up trendy Korean food adapted to Scandinavian tastebuds. There are two Ssam restaurants in Copenhagen; one in Vesterbro and one in Fisketorvet. The food is delicious, but I don’t come there very often, as my impression is that the work environment isn’t the best, and the staff never seem to be in a very good mood.

SSam, Colbjørnsensgade 7, 1652 Copenhagen V

Koreansk BBQ

This Chinese-owned restaurant has one of the city’s best Korean BBQ deals: All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ for two hours for 249 kr. (February 2023). There are two branches of Koreansk BBQ; one at Flintholm station and one at Nordhavn. I don’t find the location at Flintholm very suitable for Korean BBQ as the ventilation is rather poor. The restaurant in Nordhavn is nicer and has better ventilation.

Koreansk BBQ, Hamborg Pl. 6, København

February 27, 2023 0 comments

Bangkok: Benchakitti Forest Park – A green oasis in the city

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Benchakitti Forest Park is one of my new favorite places in Bangkok. The park is right in the middle of the city, but it is so nice and peaceful it feels like you’re on another planet.

The park has been long underway, but I think most people would agree that it has been worth the wait. The well-maintained paths are perfect for a quick workout or a leisurely stroll, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the park’s resident wildlife, including a variety of birds and squirrels.

The park has quickly become popular among hobby photographers and young people looking for the perfect selfie spot, and it can get rather crowded, especially in the golden hour, just before sunset, when the park is bathed in a golden shimmer that transforms the settings into a magical wonderland.

One of the things that I really like about Benchakitti Forest Park, is that it is super easy to get there. You just take the Skytrain to Asok BTS Station, and from there, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to the park. If you walk from Asok Station, you will pass through Benchakitti Park on your way to Benchakitti Forest Park. Benchakitti Park is also nice, but if you have limited time available, I suggest that you proceed directly to Benchakitti Forest Park, which is by far the most spectacular of the two parks.

February 26, 2023 0 comments

NYC: Porterhouse steak at Smith & Wollensky

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Porterhouse steak at Smith & Wollensky, New York

I don’t eat steak very often, but when I do, I want something nice, and Smith & Wollensky is always a safe bet. Smith & Wollensky is an old school steak restaurant in a corporate part of Midtown, so the restaurant mainly attracts the busy business crowd, especially during the weekdays.

Smith & Wollensky isn’t exactly cheap, but if you’re in the mood to splurge on a really good steak, it’s a solid choice. For New York standards, it lands somewhere in the middle price-wise, and while it’s not a budget option, you get quality for what you pay. The steaks at Smith & Wollensky are dry-aged USDA Prime (the highest grade of American beef), and they are amazing.

The restaurant dates back to 1977, and I suspect some of the employees have been around for almost as long. They are experts when it comes to steak, so when they talk, you listen. On the staff’s recommendation, we had the porterhouse steak with béarnaise and pepper sauce, mac and cheese and sautéed spinach. One side dish would have been enough, because the portions are huge, but I can never say no to mac and cheese, so hooray for doggie bags. Another thing I rarely say no to, is dessert, but this time I had to pass. One more bite, and I wouldn’t have been able to walk out from the restaurant, but what a wonderful meal.

I love a good steak, but with more and more friends going vegan or vegetarian, finding someone to join me for a steak dinner Friday night was not an easy task (thank you April, for coming along), and just writing about steaks almost feels controversial. I’ve been playing with the thought of giving up meat myself too, but I’m far from there yet, and in the meantime, I will allow myself to fully enjoy my porterhouse steak.

Smith & Wollensky, 797 Third Ave (crossing street E. 49th Street), Midtown, New York

February 26, 2023 0 comments

NYC: A Night Out at Public – Popular and the Roof

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Last time I met with Ana, she suggested that we went to Public for cocktails and dinner. Public is one of the new, fancy hotels that seem to be popping up everywhere in Lower East Side, where Ana and I used to share an apartment. All those sleek, high-rise buildings have definitely changed the vibe of the neighborhood and I’m still a bit undecided regarding whether I think that kind of gentrification is a good thing or something to mourn. Though for a Saturday night, Public is great. You can go there for dinner and then make a smooth transition to drinks without any Uber-ing involved, as you have everything at the same spot. I’ve really come to like that kind of places, especially now when I’m older and I’ve realized that life is too short to be stuck in traffic or waiting in line.

Taking the escalators felt like entering a tunnel of magic red light, and I was so intrigued I considered going back for a second ride and a selfie, but I’m not sure Ana would have approved, so instead we went straight to Popular, which is the Peruvian restaurant at Public.

We ordered a couple of dishes to share including a very nice ceviche and some really nice grilled oysters. I don’t know about you, but I’m not always a fan of grilled oysters. It’s as if the heat brings out all the fishy notes in the oyster flavor, which can be a little too much sometimes for someone like me, who would usually be drenching her raw oysters in mignonette sauce and tabasco:)

After dinner, we went for (more) drinks at the Roof, which is Public’s stunning rooftop bar. The skyline views were breathtaking, and the ambiance was lively and energetic. We stayed a lot longer than we had planned, and had a really great time. As we made our way back down, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I’ve really missed those NYC nights out and I promised Ana and myself that it should be too long until next time.

Public Hotel, 215 Chrystie St, New York

February 26, 2023 0 comments

Fuerteventura: Sicasumbre Viewpoint – A short trip from La Pared

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Sicasumbre is a popular stargazing location in Fuerteventura. It’s renowned for its incredibly clear skies, making it a favorite for astronomy enthusiasts and photographers. Though Sicasumbre is also a fantastic viewpoint, even during the day, offering sweeping panoramic views of Fuerteventura’s rugged landscapes.

When we were on our way to Corralejo, we passed by Sicasumbre viewing point, but since we were hungry and therefore eager to reach Corralejo by lunchtime, we did not stop. Instead, we decided to go back the following day, when we would have proper time to explore the place.

From our hotel at La Pared, it took about 15 minutes by car, and it was a beautiful drive through the island’s dramatic landscape. When we arrived, there were only a few other visitors, and it wasn’t a problem finding a vacant parking space at the foot of the hill, but more cars arrived, and when we left, it was completely full, and people were waiting in their cars to park, so try to go early in the morning, if you don’t want to wait for a parking spot.

The hike to the top is relatively easy and not too strenuous, but I would still recommend that you wear sport shoes or at least closed, flat shoes to reduce the risk of stumbling.

From the top, there is a fantastic view of the hilly, mountainous landscape and the beautiful coastline. However, we only stayed up there for a short while, as it was rather cold and windy, so if you’re going, remember to bring a sweater or a light jacket.

Sicasumbre is originally an astronomical viewpoint for stargazing enthusiasts, and if you come at night, you should respect those who are there to look at the stars and avoid using flashlights and other disturbing light sources.

February 23, 2023 0 comments

Absinthe – My first Vegas Show

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Considering how many times I’ve visited Las Vegas, it’s actually strange that I had never seen a show before. But, truth be told, I was always too busy hitting up the city’s famous bars and restaurants to even think about taking in a show. Though when Tina and I were in Vegas, our flight back to New York was early Sunday morning, so we had to look for an alternative to our usual Saturday night dinner + clubbing routine.

A friend recommended that we went to watch Absinthe, and since we both remembered hearing a lot of nice things about the famous Spiegelworld show, we decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, it was a wonderful experience.

We had planned going for dinner before the show, but our afternoon nap had turned into a marathon sleep, so we were running late, and our dinner ended up being shawarma at the food court at Caesars Palace before rushing to the circus tent, where the show was taking place.

The dimly lit space was decorated with vintage posters and chandeliers, creating a whimsical atmosphere that was perfect for the show. I won’t reveal too much in case you haven’t seen the show, but Absinthe is not your average Vegas show, and I was quickly caught up in the excitement of the evening. The show was funny, raunchy, and full of incredible stunts and acrobatics. From the moment the performers took the stage, I was on the edge of my seat, completely captivated by their skill and daring. Some of the performances were so bold and daring that I had to close my eyes because I was scared the artists would fall and get hurt. From aerial acts to contortionists, and even a roller-skating duo, the show was such an impressive display of strength, grace, and skill.

So was it worth the money? Definitely yes! I have been raving about Absinthe ever since we came back, and I regret that it took me so long, before I finally went to watch a Vegas show (ok, I’ve seen Chippendales and Thunder from Down Under, but I’m not sure they count..). If you go to Vegas, make sure to go see a show, and if you’re not sure which show to watch, I can definitely recommend Absinthe. The venue is fantastic, the performers are incredible, and the show itself is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences I’ve had in Vegas.