Food Connects Us All
We started Ygraxmend because we noticed something missing in Denmark's culinary scene. Too many people felt intimidated by ethnic cuisines or stuck with the same rotation of dishes. Food should be an adventure, not a puzzle.
From Market Stall to Culinary Movement
Back in early 2023, we were running weekend cooking workshops from a borrowed kitchen in Nørrebro. Twenty people showed up to our first Ethiopian coffee ceremony and injera-making session. By summer, we had waiting lists.
What surprised us wasn't just the enthusiasm—it was the questions. People wanted to understand the cultural context, the regional variations, the family traditions behind each dish. They craved authenticity without pretension.
So we expanded. Not with a flashy launch or big marketing push, but by listening to what our community actually needed. More hands-on sessions. Better ingredient sourcing guidance. Real stories from the cultures we were exploring.
What Drives Our Work
We're not trying to reinvent cuisine or claim expertise we don't have. Instead, we focus on creating genuine connections between people and the food traditions that fascinate them.
Respect for Tradition
Every recipe we share comes from real people with actual family connections to the cuisine. We spend months researching regional variations and consulting with cultural experts before teaching a single workshop.
Learning by Doing
You won't find us lecturing from a stage. Our approach is simple: small groups, proper ingredients, enough time to actually understand techniques. Mistakes are welcome. Questions are encouraged. Perfectionism stays at the door.
Accessible Exploration
Ethnic cuisine shouldn't require specialty stores or mysterious ingredients. We show you where to find what you need in Copenhagen, suggest reasonable substitutions when necessary, and explain which elements are truly essential versus nice-to-have.
The People Behind Ygraxmend
We're a small team with big appetites for learning. Between us, we speak seven languages and have lived in twelve countries. But more importantly, we genuinely love sitting around a table with strangers who become friends over shared meals.
Stellan Bergqvist
Co-Founder & Cultural LiaisonStellan spent eight years working with refugee integration programs before co-founding Ygraxmend. His approach is straightforward: food creates conversations that formal programs never quite manage. He handles our cultural partnerships and makes sure we're honoring traditions properly, not just borrowing them.
Kasper Thorvaldsen
Co-Founder & Workshop DirectorAfter burning out from restaurant kitchens, Kasper discovered he preferred teaching to plating. He designs our workshops with a focus on practical skills you'll actually use at home. His philosophy: if you can't recreate it in a normal kitchen with reasonable effort, what's the point?
Find Us in Søborg
Our teaching kitchen is located in Søborg, easily accessible by metro and bus. We chose this neighborhood specifically because it reflects the diverse community we serve—you'll find ingredient shops and markets from a dozen cultures within walking distance.
Ready to Expand Your Culinary Horizons?
Our next round of workshops begins in September 2025. We're exploring West African coastal cuisines, Central Asian bread traditions, and regional Chinese hot pot variations. Space is limited because we keep groups small.
Get in Touch