Condiments & Sauces

Discover the Best Condiments & Sauces in Denmark: Pandasia, Worldmart and More

Why condiments and sauces transform everyday cooking

Think of condiments and sauces as the secret paintbrushes in your culinary toolbox — a swipe of soy, a dollop of chutney, or a drizzle of chili oil can change the entire mood of a dish. Whether you're jazzing up leftovers, building a weeknight dinner, or experimenting with global flavors, the right sauce makes food sing. In Denmark, stores like Pandasia and Worldmart specialize in international condiments that help home cooks explore new taste territories without flying across the globe.

What to know before you shop

Before you fill your cart, ask yourself a few simple questions: Do you want bold or subtle flavors? Are you cooking Asian, Mediterranean, or fusion dishes? Will the sauce be a marinade, a dip, or a finishing touch? Knowing the role the condiment plays helps you prioritize shelf-stable jars, fresh herb-based pestos, or stronger fermented items like fish sauce and soy.

Top five sauces every kitchen should have

There’s no single “right” list, but a core set of versatile sauces will cover most meals. These five are dependable workhorses: soy sauce, fish sauce, chili oil or chili sauce, pesto, and chutney. Together they unlock stir-fries, dressings, marinades, and cheese boards. Let’s break down why each deserves a place on your shelf.

Soy sauce — the umami backbone

Soy sauce brings salty umami depth to everything from fried rice to vinaigrettes. Light soy works well for seasoning without darkening food too much, while premium or aged soy sauces add complexity to sauces and glazes. Brands like Sempio and Golden Boat (found at specialty stores) offer reliable, authentic options for different dishes and dietary needs.

Fish sauce — small bottle, big punch

Don’t let its strong aroma scare you off — a dash of fish sauce adds savory complexity to Southeast Asian dishes, dressings, and even simple soups. Fish sauce is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Look for varieties with clean fermentation and minimal additives for the best flavor.

Chili oil and chili sauces — heat with texture

Chili oil or chunky chili sauces like Lao Gan Ma bring heat and umami in a spoonful. They’re fantastic on noodles, eggs, and dumplings. Some chili oils include crunchy fermented bits that add texture; others are pure oil infused with spices. Pick one that matches the level of heat and aromatics you enjoy.

Pesto and herb-based sauces — bright and fresh

Pesto is the shortcut to fresh herb flavor without having to blitz basil each time. It’s not only for pasta — try it on roasted vegetables, sandwiches, or stirred into soups. Store-bought pestos vary, so check for olive oil quality and whether pine nuts or alternative nuts are used for a different flavor profile.

Chutney — sweet, tangy and versatile

Mango chutney and similar fruit-based condiments are the bridge between sweet and savory. They’re excellent on cheese boards, grilled meats, or stirred into curried dishes for a bright counterpoint to rich flavors. A jar of good chutney can make a simple snack feel celebratory.

Pandasia picks: authentic Asian pantry essentials

Pandasia specializes in Asian groceries, and its range highlights sauces that bring authentic regional flavors into your home kitchen. You’ll find everything from Korean marinades to Japanese tonkatsu sauce and large-format soy sauces for serious home cooks who use them frequently.

Ajumma Republic Japchae Sauce — Korean noodle magic

Japchae sauce is tailored to the classic Korean glass noodle dish, delivering the balance of soy, sesame, and a touch of sweetness that makes japchae so addictive. It's a shortcut that saves time without sacrificing authenticity — perfect when you want that restaurant-style result with minimal fuss.

Tonkatsu sauce Otafuku (vegan) — sweet and tangy for fried dishes

Tonkatsu sauce is a thick, fruity, slightly sweet brown sauce that pairs perfectly with breaded cutlets. Vegan versions of popular tonkatsu sauces capture the original taste profile without animal-derived ingredients, making the sauce accessible for plant-based diets.

Golden Boat and Sempio soy sauces — light vs. premium

Golden Boat offers reliable light soy options for daily cooking, while Sempio’s premium soy provides depth for finishing sauces and marinades. Choosing between light and premium products depends on whether you need salt to season or flavor to elevate.

Thanh Ha fish sauce with chili & garlic — flavor-forward fish sauce

Flavored fish sauces combine the anchovy ferment core with garlic and chili for a ready-to-use dipping or finishing sauce. These are particularly handy for quick dressings or to spoon over grilled seafood when you want an instant hit of Southeast Asian flavor.

Chung Jung One Korean Galbi Marinade — for effortless barbecues

Pre-made marinades take the guesswork out of Korean-style barbecues. Galbi marinades typically blend soy, pear, garlic, and sugar to tenderize and flavor beef. They’re a great shortcut for dinner parties when you want authentic taste with minimal prep.

Worldmart highlights: global condiments for diverse palettes

Worldmart leans into global pantry staples, offering chutneys, pickles, olives, and chili sauces that suit a variety of cuisines. If your cooking hops between Indian, Mediterranean, and East Asian dishes, Worldmart often has the crossing points that let you mix flavors creatively.

Pasco sweet mango chutney — fruity and aromatic

Mango chutney adds a sun-kissed sweetness and tang that complements spicy curries and cold cheeses alike. It’s an easy way to add complexity to sandwiches and wraps, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats as a glaze or a side condiment.

Lao Gan Ma crispy chili oil — cult favorite with crunch

Lao Gan Ma isn’t just hot — it’s textural. The crunchy chili bits and fermented soy fragments add an addictive layer that transforms plain rice, noodles, or toast. Many cooks keep a jar in the fridge because a small spoonful elevates so many dishes.

Brokar pickled cucumbers and other preserved goods

Pickles, olives, and preserved vegetables contribute acidity and crunch. They’re ideal for building contrasts on a plate: fatty meats, creamy cheeses, or rich spreads all benefit from a tart, crunchy partner that cuts through and refreshes the palate.

Victoria green pesto and other Mediterranean staples

Mediterranean condiments like pesto and high-quality olives are staples for bright, herb-forward cooking. They work well beyond pasta — try pesto as a marinade binder or a quick sauce for roasted fish, and use olives to add brine and texture to salads and stews.

Other Danish stores worth checking out

While Pandasia and Worldmart are treasure troves for international flavors, many Danish grocery chains also stock a surprising variety of sauces. Meny, Føtex, Bilka, Superbrugsen, Netto and Rema 1000 often carry both mainstream brands and artisanal or imported condiments — especially in larger stores or their online shops.

Specialty versus supermarket: finding rare items

If you’re hunting a particular regional sauce — like Malaysian sambal, Indonesian kecap manis, or certain artisanal pestos — specialty Asian or Mediterranean stores will likely have the most authentic options. Supermarkets are great for staples and well-known brands; combine both to build a diverse pantry.

How to choose the right sauce: practical tips

Choosing a sauce is about matching taste, texture, and function. Read labels to understand salt, sugar, and preservative levels. Consider whether the sauce will be cooked — which concentrates and mellows flavors — or used cold as a dip, where brightness matters more. And don’t be afraid to experiment: mixing a bit of pesto into a tomato sauce or adding a spoon of chutney to a salad dressing can produce surprising, delicious results.

Check ingredients and dietary needs

Look for allergen information and dietary claims such as gluten-free, vegan, or reduced-sugar if you have specific needs. Many brands now offer alternatives that maintain flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Price per use: thinking long-term

Buy in the jar size that matches your usage. Large bottles of soy or fish sauce can be economical for frequent cooks, while small jars of specialty chutneys or pestos are better if you’ll only use them occasionally. Consider shelf life and how quickly you’ll finish a product to avoid waste.

Storage tips to preserve flavor and reduce waste

Storing sauces correctly keeps them tasting fresh longer. Refrigerate opened pestos, mayonnaise-based dressings, and any sauce that the label recommends chilling. Fermented or high-acid sauces (like many soy or vinegar-based sauces) often last longer in the pantry once opened, but refrigeration can extend quality. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination, and keep lids tightly closed.

Simple recipes and pairings to try tonight

Want to put your new sauces to work? Here are quick ideas that let the condiment shine: stir-fry veggies with soy and sesame oil, glaze chicken with tonkatsu sauce, mix fish sauce with lime and sugar for a tangy dipping sauce, dollop mango chutney over grilled halloumi, and toss pesto with warm new potatoes. These are fast wins that highlight what each sauce does best.

How to compare prices and source the best value

Comparing prices across stores helps you spot bargains, especially for imported or premium items. Look at price per 100 ml or per 100 g to make fair comparisons between jar sizes. Local specialty stores may stock unique or higher-quality brands, while larger supermarket chains often offer competitive prices and their own private-label versions that can be surprisingly good.

Final thoughts on building a sauce-forward pantry

Curating a pantry of condiments is like collecting musical instruments — each one has a role. The more you explore, the better you’ll get at composing meals that balance sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. Start with the essentials, add a few regional specialties from stores like Pandasia and Worldmart, and then let curiosity guide your next purchase. A well-chosen sauce can turn a routine meal into an adventure.

Conclusion: Sauces and condiments are the culinary shortcuts and secret weapons that make everyday cooking exciting. With the variety available from Pandasia and Worldmart — plus options at major Danish supermarkets — you can build a pantry that supports everything from quick weeknight dinners to experimental weekend projects. Taste boldly, store wisely, and let your sauces lead the way.