Wong’s Grill, which first opened in 1972, reinvented itself in 1984 as Denmark’s first Chinese grill infused with breakdance culture. Under Wong’s leadership, the modest grill bar evolved into a cultural hub, now celebrated in international tourist guides as a cornerstone of Hvidovre’s hip-hop history. At its peak, Wong operated six grill bars across Zealand and became an unlikely sponsor of the Hvidovre Breakers, where even the future national team goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel danced actively between 1984 and 1987.
Today, Wong’s niece Mei carries on the tradition at the last remaining grill, where the aroma of spring rolls and wok dishes continues to unite generations across cultures. The place hums with energy as local rappers, graffiti-painting families, and beatboxing pensioners gather in this one-of-a-kind venue where food culture meets street art. A yellowed photograph of a young Schmeichel and Wong hangs proudly on the wall—a quiet testament to the grill’s extraordinary history.
The now elderly Wong, affectionately nicknamed " Substitute Dad" by loyal regulars, finds it hard to let go of his life’s work. However, the grill’s future seems secure, having been nominated for preservation on the cultural heritage list. As the regulars like to say, with a glint of humour: “If the grill closes, Hvidovre closes.”
“Hvidovre Makes Good Times Better” An exhibition by Kristoffer Ørum at Hvidovre Central Library 16 January - 28 February 2025 Opening Hours: Monday: 10:00-19:00 Tuesday-Friday: 10:00-18:00 Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-16:00 Venue: Hvidovre Central Library, Hvidovrevej 280, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark A2 prints available for 50 EUR each at oerum.tpopsite.com This counterfactual art project merges AI-generated imagery with human-written narratives to explore an alternative history of Hvidovre. Through this reimagining, the exhibition examines how the cultural intersection of local DIY hip-hop culture and labour movements might have shaped this Danish suburb differently. Supported by: Danish Arts Foundation, Hvidovre Municipality Discretionary Fund, and Hvidovre Libraries Acknowledgements: Svend Vibe Dahlgren, Trine Friedrichsen, Majken Hansen, Dorte Bach, Henriette Laura Astrup, Rasmus Hurtig, Tania Ørum, Miriam Boolsen, Michael Boelt Fischer, and all hip-hop artists and labour movement participants in Hvidovre.
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