Local Dainties from ‘Denmark’

: Porkchop Bun

When it comes to DANISH, you can either find buttery cookies in a round blue tin found in any supermarkets, or you can pick up one from a reputable patisserie in town. Burgers and Danish may not link together very well, but when you think and look close enough, it does. As the HK style burger is slowly diminishing off the foodie radars of many. The once-favorite local burger has lived through ages of popularity when people didn’t have much choice on the foreign imports, but since the new burger comeback, it remained rather clear that it has a place in the back of our minds. And there is one in the closest corner of Causeway Bay that delivers the strange familiarity that allows us to re-savour the joy of the local burger.

Garouper Sandwich (Fish-Fillet)

“Denmark Cake Shop” (which doesn’t really sell cakes) is one of many old establishments that stood past the trends and remained standing, in a corner of the old Causeway Bay. You can re-live the past with its authentic existence of the local burger here. The setting is simple. On one side is the arrangements where ready to serve breads are placed and sold, while the opposite side was the kitchen where burgers are flipped and foods are fried.

It’s important that we recognize ‘Denmark’s’ popular items. The porkchop bun($11), a simpler take of the Macau classic. The buttery bun split in half and quickly toasted on both cut sides, was fresh daily. As you order the pre-breaded porkchop is gently slipped into the steaming hot fat. The sizzles of frying meat, followed by the aroma of fried ones arise to fill an open kitchen (and into the street) a gush of essence of meatiness. The golden brown piece of thin porkchop is quickly picked out and settled on the toasted bun, followed by a generous squirt of ketchip. Voila! There you have it. The entire act was so systematic for the staff at Denmark and you’d know they sell at least hundreds of those a day. All it takes now is a gulp as you wolf down a bite into the scrumptious sandwich. The contrasting textures of bun and porkchop intersect with the clenching teeth. The porkchop was seasoned well, and surprisingly satisfying indeed.

Cheeseburger at Denmark

The “garoupa” sandwich ($9)…I couldn’t tell whether it’s the fish they claim it to be, but at this point I think it may not matter so much anymore. The key was it being crispily fried on the outside, while the interior remained moist. Also, pairing fish fillet in a bun with ketchuip was something rather unconventional for me, but it worked out just fine, as if a different rendition of the canned sardines (without the skin, bones, and the fish fried) The cheeseburger ($7) though, was a major disappointment. The patty was thin as it didn’t look or taste the part of a burger patty when compared to the grand standards.

Having tried some staples here I realized that Denmark really is the kind of favorites that truly make a neighborhood a great one. With long standing history serving up treats for foodies alike. It’s worth paying a visit at times when you feel like you need something quick and easy. For me, I’ll be back for it’s legendary fried Chicken leg that was sold out 2 days in a row.

Name: Denmark Cake Shop

Address: G/F, 106 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Telephone: 25767353

Recommendations: Garoupa Sandwich, Porkchop Bun, Deep-fried Chicken Leg.