Isabelle Kube, a 29-year-old former London resident now living in Copenhagen, Denmark, has sparked attention by revealing her unique method of coping with homesickness: stocking her freezer with up to 60 Greggs sausage rolls. Every time she returns to the UK, Isabelle fills her hand luggage with the iconic British baked goods for the 610-mile journey back to Denmark, where she has resided for six years.
The Sausage Roll Obsession
Isabelle, who works as head of growth and community at BEATRIDERS, explained that despite Copenhagen's renowned food scene, she misses classic British staples. "As someone from the UK, you just really miss the classics," she said. "A good Greggs, a chippy, and a good jacket potato are just impossible to come by." Currently, her freezer contains 24 sausage rolls, equivalent to six packets of the "4 for 3" deal, but she often restocks to higher quantities.
Danish Alternatives Fall Short
In Denmark, a similar pastry called a "pølsehorn" exists, but Isabelle insists it doesn't compare. "It just does not come close in any way. You can't even compare it to a Greggs," she stated. This dissatisfaction drives her regular imports, which she carefully manages to preserve for special moments.
Freezer Management and Social Reactions
Isabelle's freezer drawer has become a hit among her Danish friends, though her boyfriend faces restrictions. "I try to keep them for emergencies, whenever I'm homesick or really craving one," she noted. "My boyfriend is currently banned from touching the drawer ever since he said they're hyped." She serves the rolls reheated in an air fryer, accompanied by HP sauce and ketchup for authenticity.
After sharing a video of her freezer online, Isabelle received numerous comments, including from Greggs itself, which responded, "This is like discovering treasure, but better." Others expressed amazement, with one person saying, "Cannot believe I never thought of this in five years," and another joking, "I'd pay to see you go through security and customs with your suitcase full of sausage rolls." A third remarked, "This is wild behaviour," highlighting the unusual nature of her culinary stockpiling.
Beyond Sausage Rolls
In addition to the sausage rolls, Isabelle also packs M&S hot cross buns in her luggage, further expanding her collection of British comfort foods. This practice underscores the deep cultural connection many expats maintain with their home country's cuisine, even when living in a city celebrated for its culinary offerings like Copenhagen.
Isabelle's story resonates with many who have moved abroad, illustrating how food can serve as a powerful link to one's roots. Her dedication to preserving this taste of home, despite logistical challenges, showcases the lengths people will go to for a slice of familiarity in a foreign land.
