South Tyrol (Südtirol/Alto Adige) is a region well renowned for its high-quality local produce and delicious cuisine. Nestled within a serene alpine setting in the foothills of the Dolomites, the region of South Tyrol is located in north Italy, close to Lake Garda and in between Milan and Venice.
Most of the places within South Tyrol have more than one name, this is as a result of the region being annexed to Italy from Austria during WW1. Many of the locals are bilingual speaking both Italian, German and Ladin (local dialect).
The valley of Lana in South Tyrol produces some of the best apples in Italy, the perfect pairing of a Mediterranean climate and an alpine environment creates the best place for produce to thrive.
Many of the hotels and restaurants serve incredible culinary dishes leaving you with the one regret that you only wish you’d tried more!
After visiting the region of South Tyrol in spring, the culinary experience was worthy of its own story and in this article, we share the best food and our favourite dishes that you must try when you visit this spectacular and special place.
If you are planning a trip to the Dolomites, read our guides on whether it’s worth visiting the Dolomites in April, a detailed guide to visiting the Dolomites and our experience staying at the eco-friendly Leitlhof hotel in San Candido/Innichen.
What is so special about the food and Drink in South Tyrol?
Alongside growing world-class apples, conditions in the valley are also perfect for grape varieties grown for wine. The valley produces high-quality wines and there is a vibrant viticulture worth discovering upon your visit.
The locals in South Tyrol take pride in their produce, they also take the time to develop and perfect growing processes and recipes over many generations to create the cuisine that is served on the tables today.
Many of the farmers in the region are connected to nature, growing produce in a way that is in harmony with its surroundings and many restaurants adopt a farm to table approach, only using the freshest and finest local ingredients.
Make sure to read our guide to Lana which includes visiting a fantastic winery and recommendations of places to eat in the region.
What are the best traditional foods to try in South Tyrol?
Apfelstrudel
As the region of South Tyrol produces some of the best apples in Italy, it only makes sense that they are used to create a delicious dessert in the form of an apple strudel. This is traditionally made with a shortcrust, served warm with a vanilla sauce.
Knödel or Canderli
These dumplings were created when locals had leftover bread and discovered a delicious discovery of the South Tyrolean dumplings. Typically dumplings are made from stale bread, milk, eggs, speck ham, onion, flour and spices. Dumplings are usually served in a broth or with vegetables.
Strauben
A delicious, sweet and popular desert found in South Tyrol made from a batter of flour, eggs and milk and is fried in a spiral, shape and is perfectly paired with a cranberry jam and topped with icing sugar.
Pretzel
A well-known favourite that has spread worldwide, the Pretzel is a popular and traditional treat in South Tyrol. Pretzels are usually made from a dough that is a baked in a loose knot shape, sprinkled with salt on top. The outside is a warm golden brown with a lovely chewy and soft texture on the inside.
Speck
Speck is a cured, air-dried and slightly smoked meat made from pork and is seasoned with spices such as juniper, rosemary, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
Schüttelbrot
A flat, crunchy, circular shaped bread which is flavoured with fennel, fenugreek and cumin. This South Tyrol delicacy is a rye bread that is perfectly accompanied with a local mountain cheese or homemade butter.
Schultzkrapfen
These delicious little parcels of pasta are also known as Mezzelune. Schultzkrapfen is a semi-circle shaped pasta usually filled with potato, spinach and ricotta. This traditional dish in South Tyrol is usually enjoyed with a brown butter and covered in Grana Padano cheese.
Südtiroler gulasch
A beef stew with a rich meaty sauce, typically served with vegetables, polenta and dumplings or mashed potatoes. This is the perfect meal after a day out hiking in the mountains.
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More of Italy
South Tyrol is worth visiting for the food alone, its high-quality local produce, passionate chefs and growers create the perfect recipe for delicious cuisine. Take your time to discover the traditional dishes of the region and this guide will help you choose which ones you want to try on your visit.