Madkassen v/Allan Petersen, Silkeborg

A neighbourhood favourite in Tværgade

Madkassen v/Allan Petersen sits on Tværgade, a central Silkeborg street where small shops and eateries spill gently into the pavement. The frontage is modest and welcoming rather than flashy, with simple signage and a glimpse of the counter through the windows. Step inside and you are in a compact, functional space designed around the food rather than the decor. The atmosphere is that of a local canteen and takeaway rolled into one: shelves with drinks and small items, a chilled display showing today’s creations, and a busy prep area where sandwiches and tapas boxes are assembled at pace. It feels like a place built around regulars who know what they like, yet it remains unintimidating for first-time visitors.

From stacked sandwiches to hearty tapas

Madkassen’s backbone is its sandwiches, made on fresh bread with a clear emphasis on substance over show. Expect fillings like roast meats, cheeses, crisp salad, dressings and house-made elements that give each sandwich a distinct character. Portions tend to be generous, designed to carry you through a workday afternoon or a day exploring Silkeborg. Alongside sandwiches, the kitchen assembles cold tapas and box lunches. These might include small meat dishes, cured items, salads, dips and garnishes laid out for easy sharing. The format works equally well as an office lunch, a casual evening spread or as part of a more celebratory table for birthdays and family gatherings.

Catering for celebrations and work events

What happens behind the counter reaches far beyond the shop door. Madkassen has long specialised in catering, supplying everything from simple sandwich platters to multi-course menus for private dinners, confirmations, weddings and corporate functions. Buffets are arranged to be both practical and good-looking, with clear thought given to variety and pacing of flavours. The team is used to tailoring orders to different group sizes and occasions, whether it is a compact spread for a meeting or a more elaborate line-up for festive evenings. Attention to special requests, including common allergies and dietary needs, is part of the service, making it easier for hosts to look after a mixed group of guests.

Easy-going setting and practical details

Inside, seating is limited and simple, suited to a quick bite rather than lingering for hours. Many guests collect takeaway to eat back at the office, by the lakes or at home. The opening hours are tuned to the lunch and early evening crowd on weekdays, with a shorter window on Saturdays and a rest day on Sundays, so planning ahead is worthwhile if you want food for a specific event. Located in the walkable core of Silkeborg, the shop is convenient to combine with errands, shopping and sightseeing. Mobile reception is solid, making it easy to confirm orders or pick-up times on the go. With its moderate pricing, it hits a middle ground between everyday takeaway and special-occasion catering.

Planning your visit or order

If you are dropping in for lunch, arriving a little before or after the classic rush hours makes for a smoother experience. For catering, advance ordering is essential, particularly around holidays and weekends when demand peaks. Sharing a few details about the style of event, approximate appetite levels and any allergies helps the kitchen fine-tune quantities and selection. Madkassen suits a wide range of diners: families looking for an uncomplicated meal, solo travellers wanting something reliable, couples assembling a tapas-style evening at their accommodation, or local businesses needing food that arrives ready to serve. It is not a place for white tablecloths or tasting menus, but for well-prepared, satisfying food that quietly underpins everyday life and low-key celebrations in Silkeborg.