What fans eat at football matches around the world

Danish football fans know the stadium experience isn’t complete without a stadionplatte—a hot dog in a bun. But what do supporters in other countries reach for at half-time?

Food and football are tightly linked in many nations, says Hannibal Hoff, a food culture expert and consultant at the knowledge organisation Madkulturen. “There’s something about food and tradition that pairs perfectly with the football experience. A match follows a set narrative, and food has become part of that story,” he explains.

Hoff, a dedicated football fan himself, has sampled stadium fare worldwide. His standout memory? Italian stadiums, where queues might be longer but reward fans with arancini—crispy, soft risotto balls served with dipping sauce. “I remember thinking I couldn’t get better arancini even at an Italian restaurant in Copenhagen,” he says.

In Italy, areas around stadiums transform into pre-match food hubs, with crowds gathering for snacks, beer, and wine. German stadiums impress Hoff with their efficiency, serving large crowds quickly without long waits—though he notes the food itself may not be gourmet.

Stadium menus often reflect local food culture. Hoff points to Østerbro Stadion in Denmark, which offers natural wine to fans. “It shows how the offerings align with what the fanbase wants,” he says.

The commercialisation of football has also shaped stadium food, with vendors capitalising on the captive audience. “Many people gather in one place for a good experience, so of course there’s money in selling food,” Hoff adds.