07/11/2026: It was incredibly delicious!!!🤤😍🔥
02/11/2026: A delicious cardamom roll, but where did the cardamom go?
I have now tasted and compared about 30 different cardamom rolls in Copenhagen, so I have gradually gotten a pretty good feel for what separates the best from the rest.
Holms Bageri definitely deserves a review, especially for tourists and visitors who want to experience Danish pastries.
I visited the bakery specifically to taste their cardamom roll, and let me start with the positive. It tastes good! Especially if you love sweet, crunchy pastries with lots of crunch.
But as a cardamom roll, I unfortunately think it hits a bit too far.
Where is the cardamom?
The first thing I noticed was how little cardamom I could actually taste. On the other hand, there was plenty of sweetness and crunch, and the taste experience reminded me more of a classic Danish brownie than a traditional cardamom roll.
It had a relatively thick, sugary layer with an almost caramelized character. I don't know if they use brown sugar, but that was the flavor I experienced.
And don't get me wrong. I love it when bakers experiment and give classics their own touch. But personally, I think this version strays a little too far from what I associate with a really good cardamom roll.
The appearance was quite nice, albeit also on the very sloppy side.
A little practical tip: Don't expect to come out of here with clean fingers! There is so much sticky sugar and remonce that even a good napkin will have a hard time doing the job. You almost end up having to lick your fingers clean. 😂
Where does it rank among the best in Copenhagen?
Out of the approximately 30 cardamom rolls I've tested in Copenhagen, I would immediately place Holms Bageri around 7th-10th place.
It's certainly not bad when the competition is so great. But it lacks the distinct, aromatic cardamom flavor and balance that, in my opinion, characterizes the very best.
What about the bakery itself?
Holms Bageri is fantastically centrally located by Illum, which makes it an obvious stop if you're visiting Copenhagen.
The shop looks inviting, and even though there were lots of customers and hustle and bustle, we received quick and friendly service. Either we were lucky with the timing, or the staff is simply really good at their job.
My boyfriend is also a big fan of their sourdough bread and sourdough buns, which I haven't rated myself yet.
I haven't gone through their ingredient lists yet either. That's something I personally value, especially when it comes to additives and the quality of the ingredients.
My overall assessment:
Holms Bageri is definitely worth a visit. Their cardamom roll is delicious, especially for those who love sweet and savoury pastries. But if you are specifically looking for a cardamom roll where cardamom is the main character, in my opinion there are better alternatives in Copenhagen.
Good location, friendly service and a cardamom roll that, despite my criticism, still ranks in my personal top 10.
I would love to come back, and next time I will definitely try some of their sourdough pastries too!
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