The story revolves around two elderly and devout Protestant sisters, Martine and Filippa, who reside in a quaint village on the isolated western coast of Jutland during the 19th century in Denmark. They are the daughters of a late pastor who established his own Pietistic congregation, now facing a decline in their elderly flock due to the absence of new converts.
Decades earlier, the sisters had a multitude of admirers, but their father prioritized his pastoral work over their romantic endeavors. Martine was charmed by a young Swedish cavalry officer, Lorens Löwenhielm, visiting from Sweden, while Filippa attracted the attention of the renowned baritone, Achille Papin, associated with the Paris Opera, who was taking a break from his career. Ultimately, both sisters chose to reject their suitors, remaining steadfast in their commitment to their father and his mission.
Years later, a woman named Babette Hersant appears at their doorstep, armed with a letter from Papin, recommending her as a maid after escaping the turmoil of revolutionary Paris. Although the sisters cannot afford to hire Babette, she insists on working without pay, becoming their devoted cook for fourteen years. Over time, Babette transforms their unremarkable meals into delightful dishes that earn her the respect and admiration of both the sisters and the local community. Despite her efforts, tensions escalate among the congregation, leading to frequent conflicts, which upset Babette and compel her to intervene with a stern warning.
The only connection Babette maintains with her previous life is through a lottery ticket, which a friend in Paris renews annually. Fate shines on her when she wins 10,000 francs and decides to create an extravagant feast for the sisters and their small congregation in honor of their founding pastor's centenary. This meal symbolizes Babette's deep gratitude and her selfless nature.
The sisters are initially apprehensive but ultimately consent to accept both the offering and the extravagant French meal Babette wishes to prepare. She enlists her nephew to procure the rare ingredients from Paris, igniting both excitement and apprehension among the villagers as they witness the arrival of luxurious and unfamiliar supplies. As preparations begin, the sisters fear that indulging in such opulence could be sinful, leading them to privately agree to partake in the feast while suppressing any expressions of enjoyment.
During the dinner, Lorens, now a distinguished general and married to a member of the royal court, attends as a guest without knowledge of the congregation's austere expectations. With his worldly experience, he becomes an unexpected commentator on Babette's culinary artistry, drawing comparisons to a memorable meal he had at the famed Café Anglais in Paris. Although the other diners refrain from openly discussing the pleasures of the meal, Babette's extraordinary cooking transcends their reservations, allowing for forgiveness of past grievances and a rekindling of old affections. A sense of mystical redemption envelops the guests, lifting their spirits.
When the feast concludes, the sisters face the possibility that Babette may wish to return to Paris. However, she reveals that her fortune has been spent entirely on the dinner, leaving the sisters in shock. Babette discloses her secret past as the head chef at the Café Anglais, where an exquisite dinner for twelve would cost the same amount she used. As Martine weeps, she expresses sorrow for Babette’s newfound poverty, prompting Babette to reply, > "An artist is never poor." Filippa tenderly reassures her, saying, "But this is not the end, Babette. In paradise, you will be the great artist God meant you to be," embracing her with tears, and exclaiming: "Oh, how you will enchant the angels!"
