South Tyrolean specialties
Visitors to South Tyrol can look forward not only to breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality but also to a unique culinary experience that will delight any food lover. A holiday in the Tyrolean Alps is one to be enjoyed with all the senses. The distinctive features of South Tyrolean cuisine are shaped by the region’s history and location.
In the following article, we have summarized some of the culinary delights of South Tyrolean cuisine for you. At SchartnerAlm, you’ll also find regional specialties for everyone, lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients.
South Tyrolean Cuisine
Traditional South Tyrolean cuisine has a long history. In the past, South Tyrol was part of the Habsburg Empire, later belonged to Austria, and is now part of Italy. As a result, both Alpine and Mediterranean dishes can be found here.
Due to the region's border location, numerous traders from all over Europe passed through South Tyrol over the centuries. Here, the German-speaking and Italian-speaking worlds meet, and this blend influences not only the language but also the tastes of its visitors.
Bolzano, in particular, became a meeting point for nobility, merchants, and travelers. They brought traditions, language, and a constant cultural exchange to the South Tyrolean Alps, including a rich culinary heritage. This ongoing cultural fusion is why South Tyrol offers such culinary variety.
South Tyrolean dishes are mostly inspired by rural cuisine. The ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced. This is why you will find freshly prepared dishes with seasonal and native ingredients in almost every South Tyrolean restaurant.
A Diverse Selection
The combination of Mediterranean and Alpine cuisine in South Tyrol is unique. The variety of dishes is so extensive that listing them all would be impossible. It's best to experience the delicacies yourself and plan your next holiday in South Tyrol. We've summarized some of the best and most popular dishes for you.
Hearty Dishes
South Tyroleans love hearty and regional cuisine. Due to South Tyrol's close connection to nature, game dishes are very common, often served with seasonal fruits and vegetables. The influence of Austrian and Bavarian cuisine is also evident on South Tyrolean plates, with popular meat recipes enjoyed here.
In South Tyrol, you can find dishes like:
• Game goulash with pears or various jams
• Venison roast with cranberries
• Veal schnitzel
• Lamb dishes from the famous Passeier sheep farm
• Onion roast beef
South Tyrol could almost be called the land of dumplings, enjoyed in countless variations. These hearty delights are a staple in the region:
• Schlutzkrapfen
• Cheese dumplings
• Bacon dumplings
• Pressed dumplings
• Liver dumplings
• Porcini mushroom dumplings
Vegetable lovers and vegetarians are also well-catered for in South Tyrol, where the variety of fruits and vegetables seems endless. The region's fertile soil is perfect for cultivating a wide range of produce, grown seasonally. In autumn, you'll find juicy apples, apricots, and grapes, while summer brings fresh desserts with sweet strawberries. Besides exceptional wines, South Tyrol is also famous for its excellent apple cider, available in every local winery.
Typical Dishes
As mentioned, South Tyrol is the land of dumplings. Strudel, omelets, and Kaiserschmarrn are also traditional staples, highlighting the connection to German-speaking cuisine. After hikes, sweet dishes like dumplings and strudels are especially popular.
Strudel varieties in South Tyrol include:
- Apple strudel, pear strudel, curd strudel, and fried apple rings (Apfelkiachlen).
A unique sweet dish is MUAS, a traditional farm dish made with milk, water, salt, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and the right pan.
In South Tyrol, celebrating with good wine is as integral as the mountains and warm hospitality. During the autumn Törggelen season, you’ll find plenty of delicious treats and the famous wine. In wineries, good wine is traditionally paired with hearty side dishes such as speck, barley soup, and the traditional Schlachtplatte (meat platter).
The Mediterranean influence from Italy is also evident in South Tyrolean cuisine. Italy is famously known for its rich food and drink culture. One widespread specialty is Schüttelbrot, a crispy bread served as a side with hearty dishes.
Modern Cuisine in South Tyrol
The South Tyrolean cuisine we know today has evolved over centuries, and this change continues. Sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental protection have become increasingly important to consumers. Awareness of nature, food origins, and ethical animal husbandry has grown over the years. This mindset has long been a tradition in South Tyrol, enabling sustainable food production and seasonal ingredients to thrive.
Experienced Chefs and Culinary Diversity
Many chefs in South Tyrol bring international experience to the region, setting high culinary standards. At SchartnerAlm, you’ll experience this diversity with local products. Our AlmBistro and the "Feines Eckl" restaurant are highly popular for this reason.
The culinary variety of South Tyrol is evident in the above examples. If you’re torn between a vacation in Northern or Southern Europe, South Tyrol offers an ideal blend of diverse culinary delights.
Remarkably, South Tyrol boasts a high density of excellent restaurants. Over 20 establishments are annually awarded by the renowned Guide Michelin. In addition, there are numerous inns and restaurants offering high-quality cuisine, along with many alpine huts that provide excellent dining experiences, even at high altitudes.
Specialties at SchartnerAlm
At SchartnerAlm, there’s something for every taste. We offer traditional dishes with a modern twist, almost around the clock:
The Alm Bistro
Join us for a delicious breakfast or a hearty brunch at our Bistro. For lunch, enjoy seasonal appetizers, pasta dishes, or classics like veal Wiener schnitzel. Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee or unwind with a glass of wine on our sunny terrace.
Feines Eckl
At our gourmet restaurant "Feines Eckl," chef Jakob Eckl cooks with passion. The experienced chef has gathered culinary knowledge from across Europe and brings the best recipes to us. With great dedication, seasonal and local specialties are prepared, making it a favorite for birthdays, weddings, and baptisms.
Delicious Pizza
Want to experience the Alps but dine like in Italy? No problem. Visit our SchartnerAlm Pizzeria. Our stone oven pizza has a deliciously crispy crust. If you still have room for dessert, you’ll find a fine selection of refreshing ice cream and Italian sweets.
Conclusion
South Tyrolean cuisine is shaped by various cultural influences, a dynamic that continues today. South Tyrol is a place of encounters and cultural exchange, combining flavors from Northern and Southern Europe. Your palate will be in for a treat, and the central location and infrastructure make SchartnerAlm an ideal destination for a South Tyrol journey.
For reservations: 0039 0471 1421292
