Sevag Aharounian.
A piece of Greece in Denmark Along the coast, slightly north of Aarhus in Egaa, you’ll find yourself being transported to a warmer place as soon as you step through the door of Sevag’s. This Greek restaurant has stolen the hearts of the locals with its delicious food, warm welcome and friendly service. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Sevags Grækeren
Sevag Aharounian, who is Greek with Armenian heritage, has lived and cooked in Aarhus since the 1990s. Seven years ago, he decided to open up his own restaurant: Sevag’s. “I wanted to open an authentic Greek restaurant in Aarhus and to transfer a little piece of Greece to Denmark, in order to show people what Greek food and hospitality truly are,” explains Sevag. As soon as you step inside, you are met with a welcoming smile, hug or even 32 | Issue 131 | December 2019
Sevag calling you by your name, if you are a regular. “My restaurant became my second home when I opened it. I spend a lot of time here and welcome familiar and new faces every day. It’s important for me to create a friendly, warm atmosphere. I truly want people to feel at home.”
Sevag the Greek of Aarhus Sevag is in fact famous in Aarhus and is more commonly called Sevag the Greek. The restaurant is run by Sevag himself and his son Garo and daughter Nannor.
“If you’ve never tried Greek food before, I’d suggest you try our meze. It’s lots of small hot and cold dishes, giving you the opportunity to try a good variety of Greek specialties, and it’s aromatic, tasty and colourful,” says the restaurateur. His own personal favourite starters are dishes such as kolokithokeftedes, pikilia, saganaki meli and Retsina wine. Sevag’s mix grill, authentic moussaka and arni sto fourno, which is slow-roasted lamb, are some of his favourite mains. He recommends enjoying them with ouzo or a glass of wine. “For dessert, I would definitely recommend Greek yoghurt with honey and walnuts, followed by a glass of samiotiko liqueur. Καλή μας όρεξη και στην υγεία μας. Οπαααm,” he smiles, the latter meaning ‘bon appetit, cheers and opaaa’.