BMO and the Art of Simplicity
- Ofer Bar-Lev
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
How can something as simple as a small bread roll with some cheese and butter become such a cultural trend? Leave it to the Danes to make it so! BMO — short for Bolle Med Ost — may have started as a humble snack made with simple, good-quality ingredients, but in recent years, it has become a full-blown phenomenon. There’s even an Instagram account dedicated to it, calling itself both a tribute to Denmark’s remarkable bread culture and the ultimate guide to the best cheese bun. And in 2024, it even got its own book!
The classic version is a regular round roll (sometimes topped with poopy seeds), spread with butter and a slice of Danbo — a mild, semi-soft cheese that is one of Denmark’s national staples. In recent years, a more refined version has emerged: the plain roll replaced with a a sourdough bun (often sprinkled with grains or seeds), and the traditional, mild cheese for something richer and nuttier, like Vesterhavsost. Whichever version you choose, both make for a wholesome(-ish) on-the-go breakfast or snack.
In a way, its popularity reflects a broader Danish mindset — valuing simple, high-quality food made with good ingredients. Perhaps it is that appreciation for simplicity that sparked the debate around the use of the abbreviation BMO. Some Danes see it as a slightly pretentious label for something so humble.While the debate continues, one thing is clear: the Bolle Med Ost has become a kind of a “litmus test” for cafés and bakeries. You can find excellent versions both in cozy neighborhood cafés and in well-established bakeries across the city. For many of them, offering an outstanding BMO is a way to stand out and attract clientele — it’s not just a bun with cheese anymore.
I’d be remiss to leave you without any recommendations — so here are a few of my favorites (in no particular order):
Located in the quiet neighborhood of Østerbro, Juno has built a devoted following - more than 174,000 Instagram followers, and for good reason.
Known for their Instagram-worthy dishes, its BMO is no exception - featuring whipped butter an a 24-month-aged Comté cheese.
A simpler and heartier danish bakery offering rustic breads and pastries. Located along Enghave Plads, it’s the perfect spot to grab a BMO and a cup of coffee, then enjoy them on a bench in the square.
A combined bakery and deli serving excellent sourdough-based BMOs, along with pastries and focaccia sandwiches.
Unlike the others, this one is a Café in Nørrebro — and one of my personal favorites in all of Copenhagen. They bake their own sourdough buns and serve them with whipped butter, homemade rhubarb jam, and a local Vesterhavsost-style cheese. It’s my special breakfast treat once a week.
Have you found a BMO that speaks to you?
Share your favorite spots in the comments — I’d love to hear your picks!
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