Celebrating Fastelavn Danish Lent at Ole and Steen
Fastelavn is the Danish Lent, which actually means the night before the fast. It is celebrated across Denmark, Sweden and Norway, the week before lent begins.
In Denmark, it is a bit like Halloween, where children dress in costumes and go trick or treating. Wikipedia calls it a Northern European version of Carnival. It is traditional to eat these big cream-filled choux buns called Fastelavnsboller.
Ole and Steen Danish Coffee Shop in London
I learnt about Fastlevn and discovered Fastelavnsboller in Ole and Steen, the Danish cafe chain that seems to be all over London now. I taste-tested three flavours, a plain vanilla, a mocha bun featuring a salted caramel cream and dark chocolate shards and a pink raspberry bun stuffed with raspberry cream and chocolate mousse. They are massive cream filled choux pastries. As big as your face and there is not polite way to eat one.
These buns are light but filled with flavoured cream. Best to be eaten as soon as you buy it.
Ole and Steen also offer a brisk lunch service. They have a variety of open sandwiches and toasties on their menu.
In the front window of their flagship store on Haymarket, you will see baskets of freshly baked sourdough and rye loafs. Having tasted the sourdough loaf, this is where I will be buying my bread.
Celebrating Danish Festivals in London
St Katharine’s is a Danish Lutheran church in Regent’s Park London. They hold year round Sunday services and even have a cafe on the premises.
There will be a Shrove Tuesday party for families. in addition to special Sunday service.
4 St Katharine’s Precinct, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4HH
Ole and Steen can be found all over London
Their flagship store is in St James’ London.
EatCookExplore was a guest of Ole and Steen
