As soon as winter drapes the Pustertal/Val Pusteria valley in a pristine blanket of snow, the cosy taverns turn into the perfect retreat for a delightful and recreational break. Whether in characteristic alpine huts and shelters, traditional trattorias and excellent restaurants, Kiens/Chienes offers a rich culinary experience that spoils you with local specialities made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Some of the must-try dishes are cheese dumplings, the “Schlutzer” – half-moon shaped ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta – or the deep-fried pasta pockets with savoury fillings called “Tirschtlan”. Pair these delights with an excellent South Tyrolean wine, a homemade schnapps or a local crafted beer to round off your taste experience. What makes the gastronomy of our valley so special? It's the harmonious encounter of Austrian, Italian and Ladin traditions, which blend to create a unique culinary culture, narrating the story of this territory through its flavours.
Winter brings even more mouth-watering surprises: as the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla fills the air and the Christmas magic cast its enchanting glow throughout the towns, local bakeries, cafés and taverns treat you to the season’s irresistible temptations: flavoursome Christmas biscuits, the traditional ‘Zelten’, a South Tyrolean fruit bread, and a cup of mulled wine or aromatic tea will bestow you with moments of authentic winter magic.
