If you are looking for one of Copenhagen’s most exciting dining experiences, Koan should be near the top of your list. It is unlike any other restaurant in the city, blending Korean heritage with Danish ingredients and New Nordic techniques in a way that feels deeply personal.
Chef and owner Kristian Baumann was born in South Korea and adopted by a Danish family when he was an infant. After working in some of Denmark’s finest kitchens, he travelled extensively throughout South Korea to reconnect with his heritage. Koan is the culmination of that journey, beautifully expressing both his Korean roots and his Danish upbringing.
Koan is located in an unexpected setting, inside a beautifully restored waterfront warehouse at Langeliniekaj. Just ten weeks after opening in 2023, it was awarded two Michelin stars, an extraordinary achievement.
We were greeted outside and ushered into a beautiful space that feels minimalist, intimate and incredibly serene. Warm blond wood, high ceilings and sliding rice paper screens create an elegant atmosphere, while gauzy curtains soften the natural light and views of the harbour. With only 23 seats, we felt very privileged to be there. Even the ceramics have been thoughtfully selected and handcrafted by a Korean ceramicist.
The service was highly professional yet relaxed. We were fortunate to sit directly across from the open kitchen, where we could watch the chefs prepare their elegant and meticulous creations. The entire evening was perfectly choreographed, and with each table reserved only once per night, the experience never felt hurried.
The 17 course tasting menu focuses on seasonal Danish seafood, vegetables and locally sourced produce, interpreted through Korean flavours, techniques and fermentation. Each dish was artistic, technically brilliant and deeply flavourful. I loved our first bite of delicate shrimp. Other highlights included the lobster and noodle dish, the beautiful langoustine and an elaborate rice presentation.
The wine program is exceptional, combining classic European producers with more adventurous selections chosen to complement the Korean inspired flavours. Koan also offers a creative non-alcoholic pairing that receives every bit as much thought and attention as the wines.
Koan is not simply another Michelin starred tasting menu. It is a destination for dedicated food lovers and an experience that manages to feel engaging, memorable and genuinely unique. Every course was beautifully executed without ever becoming gimmicky. This was a deeply personal and artistic dinner, cooked with precision, soul and passion.
Koan is open Tuesday through Friday.
Highly recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
09/04/2026
