Hi Reader,

The 2026 Winter Olympics are coming to Cortina d'Ampezzo, and we're officially jealous of anyone heading to the Dolomites. But here's what you might not know: the food in this corner of Italy is completely different from what you'd expect.

Sud Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until after World War I, so the cuisine is Italian-meets-Austrian-meets-Hungarian. Think bread dumplings, smoked ham, and torn pancakes instead of pasta and pizza. Heavy, hearty, and perfect after a day in the mountains.

Five Foods You Absolutely Have To Try

Canederli (Knödel)

Large, fluffy bread dumplings made with speck, cheese, or spinach — served in broth or with melted butter. The ultimate comfort food.

Speck

Smoky, salty cured ham that's everywhere for a reason. Order a brettljause (wooden board with speck, local cheeses, pickles, and bread) and you'll get it.

Schlutzkrapfen

Half-moon ravioli stuffed with potato and spinach, tossed with butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Like pierogi met Italian pasta and fell in love.

Kaiserschmarrn

Austrian torn pancake with powdered sugar and lingonberry jam. Sweet, fluffy, and the perfect post-ski treat (though it feels like breakfast to Americans).

Apfelstrudel

Thin, flaky pastry wrapped around sweet spiced apples from the region's famous orchards. Best eaten warm from a bakery.

Ready To Experience It Yourself?

You'll find these dishes everywhere from cozy mountain huts (rifugi) to village trattorias. Want the full story? We put together a guide to 20 traditional Dolomites foods, including wine soup and fried pastries you won't find anywhere else in Italy.

If you're thinking about a trip to the Dolomites (or anywhere in Italy) we'd love to help you plan an itinerary that goes beyond the guidebook. Or keep exploring from your couch with more Italy inspiration: