“The Ultimate Active Experience in the Dolomites”

If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to the Italian Dolomites, you’re in for an amazing treat. Breathtaking views, serene pastures and ancient villages will provide experiences you’ll never forget and the endless activities in the area will leave you with stories for years to come. One thing you’ll want to add to your to-do list is which foods to try while you’re here. 

The Dolomites are rich with delectable treats and endless traditional fare for visitors to feast on. But there are 5 foods in particular that should be considered “must try” items.

Tris di Canederli (3 tastings of canederli) This is basically 3 delicious balls of bread (farm-style dumplings approaching the size of tennis balls!). The canederli usually contain speck, a type of cured ham similar to proscutto, produced only in South Tyrol. They are served “en brood” or in a soup-like broth.

Game meat  If you truly want to get a taste of the land, you must try the local game meats prevalent in the Dolomites: cervo (deer), daino (fallow deer), capriolo (roe buck), Camoscio (chamois, a goat-antelope native to Europe) and stambecco (ibex, or mountain goat).

Tris of Pasta of Rifugio Averau This is a specialty of cozy Rifugio Averau, which also offers affordable accommodations.

Polenta Often referred to as “the bread of the Dolomites,” this versatile dish made from yellow maize (corn) is served a number of different ways depending on the season. Enjoy it cut into slices and fried or grilled during summer, accompanied by Parmesan cheese or freshly picked mushrooms. On a cold winter day, a steaming bowl of polenta with sausages or tomato sauce or goulash (a tasty meat stew) can't be beat!

Apfelstrudel You’ve probably tried this treat—apple strudel in English—but you’ve never had it prepared as good as the Italians make it!

There are a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in the Dolomites. Some, like Rifugio Averau, have specialties that are not to be missed. In fact, the area boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Alps. Noteworthy eateries to check out include Siriola in San Cassiano, Stüa de Michil in Corvara and St. Hubertus in San Cassiano.

While a visit to the Dolomites will most certainly entail unforgettable adventures and brushes with nature at its most magnificent, to truly get the most out of your trip you must experience the unique food the area has to offer. 

Bon appétit!