Food in the Dolomites
Italy’s Dolomites Mountains, with breathtaking landscapes and old-world traditions, offer some of the most beautiful and unique travel experiences on earth. Visitors can commune with nature, enjoy amazing mountain views, and participate in countless outdoor activities. But the Dolomites aren’t only about skiing and sightseeing. They also boast some of the most delectable cuisine the world over – a unique combination of Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladino.
One of the highlights of taking a trip to the Dolomites is experiencing the ancient culture of the Ladin people, who have inhabited this region for generations. They are a friendly, peaceful community who pride themselves on carrying on centuries old tradition in both the language they speak and the food they prepare. Traditional Ladin dishes such as “canederli“ (bread dumplings), barley soup and “tutres“ (ricotta cheese, spinach or sauerkraut pancakes) are made fresh, with ingredients indigenous to the area which have been used for centuries. It’s a great way to truly experience the Dolomites as they have existed for hundreds of years.
Another excellent way to sample the tastes of the Dolomites is to visit one of the many rifugios located throughout the region. These mountain huts offer shelter and many different amenities to travelers, including world-class cuisine. Some even feature top chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants who create gourmet dishes using traditional ingredients of the region. Dishes like tortelli pasta stuffed with Speck ham paté or pork shank in honey and black pepper each paired with a local wine offer an unforgettable gastronomical experience for even the most discerning of guests.
The valleys of the Dolomiti Superski skiing regions also offer a wide variety of local cuisine for diners seeking a taste of the Dolomites. In fact, areas such as Alta Badia, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Gardena, and Val di Fassa are host to more star-rated restaurants than most European capitals, and boast menus offering an incredible five different cultural cuisines. For this reason, the Dolomites have become one of the most popular destinations for affluent gourmets.
In addition to the delicious food, the Dolomites region is also home to some of the world’s best wine. The natural layout of alpine valleys, combined with the climate of the area, creates the perfect environment for vineyards to flourish, and flourish they do. With three grape varieties native to the area, red and white wine connoisseurs alike will find everything they are looking for. Some areas, like the village of Trentino, have earned their reputations as some of Italy’s largest wine producers. A trip to the Dolomites wouldn’t be the same without a taste of the exquisite local wines.
And for those of you with a sweet tooth – the cakes pastries that come at the end of each meal are simply divine! Sample one of several kinds of Austrian streudels, or homemade cakes.
Whether visiting the Dolomites to relax, experience the amazing mountainous views or tackle an outdoor adventure, a taste of the delectable local cuisine is something all visitors can share. Enjoying a traditional dish paired with a native wine, all set to the backdrop of incredible natural beauty of the Dolomites creates a truly unforgettable encounter that will be savored for years to come.