Everything to eat on your tour through the Alps
Alpine delicacies
The Alps is known for its comforting, hearty dishes that are packed with flavour. There’s plenty of traditional meals for you to sink your teeth into during your Alpine adventure.
Below, you’ll find some specialities you might want to try, listed by country:
Germany
Sausages: Germany is known for its sausages, with some of the most popular varieties being Bratwurst and Bavarian weisswurst.
Sauerbraten: the national dish of Germany, Sauerbraten is a hearty pot roast served with a rich gravy. It’s the perfect dish for dunking some crusty bread into!
Cakes and desserts: “kaffee und kuchen” (“coffee and cake”) is a tradition in Germany, and because of this they’re big on baked goods. Try an authentic Black Forest gâteau or apple strudel.
Switzerland
Fondue: it doesn’t get much more indulgent than a fondue. A pot of melted cheese is placed in the centre of your table, surrounded by breads and vegetables to be dipped into it.
Raclette: similar to fondue, this is another dish centred around melted cheese. The main difference is that you’ll get an individual plate with potatoes, meats, and vegetables to pour a layer of freshly melted cheese over.
Tartiflette: this rich gratin features slices of potatoes and onion layered with bacon lardons and topped with reblochon cheese. It’s a seriously luxurious dish.
Austria
Wiener Schnitzel: this classic breaded veal dish is considered a national dish in Austria. Pair it with a stein of local beer for an authentic meal.
Knödel: if you’re on the hunt for something warming, look no further than Knödel. These meat-and-bread dumplings are cooked in a meat broth, for the ultimate comfort meal.
Liechtenstein
Ribel: traditionally served at breakfast, Ribel is a staple in Liechtenstein’s cuisine. It’s made from cornmeal and is the perfect savoury accompaniment to sweet dishes.
Käsknöpfle: Liechtenstein’s national dish, Käsknöpfle, is a simple dough made from flour, eggs, water and seasonings. It’s traditionally served with cheese, fried onions and apple purée.
Italy
Osso buco: this decadent veal stew is a must-try. The meat is braised until tender and falling apart, the vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth, and the broth is rich with umami.
Risotto: the north of Italy is known for its rice, which means you’ll find risottos on almost every menu. Make sure you try the famous “risotto alla milanese”, which is made with golden saffron.
Polenta: this is a staple of northern Italian cuisine. It’s a cornmeal made from maize which is cooked, cooled, and shaped into a loaf to be fried or baked. It’s often served alongside soups and stews.
