The Tall Ships Races serve up a culinary adventure

When The Tall Ships Races 2025 drop anchor in Esbjerg from 6 to 9 August, it won’t be just the majestic sailing ships drawing people to the quayside.
A wide variety of food trucks and stalls offering food and drink from across the globe will tempt the ships’ crews and the thousands of guests at the maritime celebration.

Along the quay, the hungry and thirsty can quite literally taste the world – from fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs, bagels, pancakes, and pizzas to exciting delicacies from Danish, Greek, Turkish, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Thai cuisines. And it can all be washed down with coffee, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and other thirst-quenchers.

Diversity and quality

One of Esbjerg’s local food entrepreneurs, Ian Choe Nielsen from Gadens Gastronomer, has curated the food experience. He has focused on involving as many local suppliers as possible while ensuring sufficient capacity to feed the many guests at The Tall Ships Races.

“Culinarily, we’ve charted a course toward diversity and quality, and we celebrate the informal meal – where people gather around good food and a cheerful atmosphere in the middle of the world’s most beautiful sailing ships. I’m sure the ocean breeze combined with the many experiences on the harbour will awaken every sense and build a hearty appetite – and we look forward to satisfying both hunger and thirst on the harbour,” says Ian Choe Nielsen.

The culinary experiences will be spread throughout the area around Dokhavnen and Trafikhavnen, forming inviting oases in the maritime setting. Children can enjoy an ice cream between activities, and guests can settle at the tables to enjoy a meal or raise a glass at sunset with views of sails and sailors.