A glimpse into daily life with international trainees in a Danish kitchen
In a busy professional kitchen, it’s not just about recipes or ingredients. It’s about people – about chemistry, timing, and trust. When the pace picks up and the pressure builds, it’s the team you rely on that makes the difference.
More and more Danish restaurants are welcoming international trainees – and they’re not just filling positions. They’re becoming an essential part of the team.
A Culture of Humor and Togetherness
“Vi tager pis på dem dag ud og dag ind… Men de elsker det, og vi elsker dem.” “We tease them day in and day out… But they love it, and we love them.”
These words, spoken by one of the chefs, say it all. In this kitchen, humor and camaraderie are just as important as precision and timing. Newcomers aren’t just hired to work – they’re welcomed into a community.
Support When It Matters Most
“Vi har haft en periode, hvor vi har været rigtig travle. Der har vi som kokke været nede og hente dem her.” “We’ve had times when it was extremely busy. That’s when we chefs went down and brought them in.”
Trainees have become a reliable resource – not only during daily routines but especially when things get tough. Their willingness to step in and support the team is not something taken for granted.
“De yder og hjælper os, når vi er presset. Den her form for arbejdskraft er utrolig.” “They step up and support us when we’re under pressure. This type of workforce is incredible.”
Hands You Can Count On
“Deres hænder ved vi, hvor de sidder. De kan finde ud af at arbejde. De kan finde ud af at gå til, og de kan finde ud af at lave sjov med os.” “We know exactly where their hands are – they know how to work. They know how to take initiative. And they know how to have fun with us.”
This quote says so much about the trust built between staff and trainees. It’s about more than skills – it’s about rhythm, communication, and mutual respect.
“Det er virkelig en god arbejdskraft at have. Og vi kommer til at savne dem helt exceptionelt meget.” “They’re truly valuable workers. And we’re going to miss them exceptionally much.”
When trainees leave, they don’t just leave an empty position – they leave a gap in the team.
A Word from the Trainees
Their gratitude and joy are just as heartfelt. Take Thi Nhu, for example:
“Denmark is a wonderful place and very everyone here helps me a lot when I work at the restaurant.”
Or Quang, who shared his thoughts with a smile:
“In Denmark, if you like the cooking, the happiness and the country Denmark, you can come here and work and travel and have help with everything.”
Their stories are filled with appreciation – and hope for others who might follow the same path.
Conclusion: Work Meets Openness
When professional opportunity meets human openness, something extraordinary happens. International trainees don’t just bring skills. They bring energy, kindness, cultural perspective – and joy.
And when they leave, they’re not just remembered as coworkers, but as friends.
