Tirolean Delicacies around Christmas Time
I have to admit, my favourite food of the holiday season is Kiachl (the sweet version with cranberry jam!). And what about you? Do you always opt for the same as well or do you try something new every time? While you’re visiting one of Tirol’s Christmas Markets, seek out a couple of the following local food and drink specialties, some available only at Christmas time:
”Tiroler Kiachl”
The Classic. Kiachl is a traditional fried yeast dough pastry that are deep fried in boiling lard. They say the best Kiachl are served at the stall of Christoph Fischler on the Hall Advent Market. He has been operating Stall No. 1 in front of Town Hall and next to the Christmas Tree for more than 15 years. His adorable Kiachl are either eaten savoury with sauerkraut or sweet with cranberry jam, dusted with confectioner’s sugar.
Advent Wine and Advent Beer
Warms from Inside Out. The Rattenberg Advent Season even has a delicious Advent Wine (with elder!) and a special Advent Beer named after it. The amber coloured, naturally cloudy ale is brewed by Josef Moser at local “Kristallbrauerei Alpbach” brewing company. It is also available as a gift set with an exquisite 750ml stoneware beer mug.
“Zillertaler Krapfen”
Hearty. This mouth-watering, traditional Zillertal dish comes with a tasty grey cheese filling in a crispy exterior, best enjoyed at the Christmas Market in the midst of the picturesque, medieval town center of Innsbruck (“Zillertaler Krapfen” Stall on Kiebachgasse Lane). The stall is run by “Weisses Rössl” Inn, deeply rooted in tradition and the recipe, of course, has its origin in Zillertal Valley.
“Lienzer Lebzelt”
A Centuries-Old Tradition. You can shop for the Original Lienz Lebzelt at the Lienz Advent Market from Joast Bakery’s Stall. The marzipan topping depicts “The Adoration of the Kings” and is made with a mold that dates back to the year 1644.
“Seidlalm Burger”
A Modern Twist. A different kind of pork roast is served at Auracher Loiberl on the Christmas Market in Kitzbühel. The updated version is an adorable burger with pulled pork, smoked and slow braised.
“Achensee Stollen”
Sweet Christmas Greetings. Stollen is a cake-like fruit bread made with yeast, water and flour, and usually with zest added to the dough. The special recipe for the Achensee Christmas Stollen was created by local Adler Bakery and comes with a sweet chocolate surprise. Available at the atmospheric Mountain Christmas event at Fischergut Farm in Pertisau.
“Mauthner Würstl”
Yummy Home-Cooking Style. These wonderful sausages, called “Mauthner Würstl” are prepared from scratch once a week by Gasthof Mauth Inn, using only the freshest, carefully selected locally sourced ingredients. Moreover, all the food served by the Christmas Market innkeepers at the St. Johann Christmas Market is excellent hood home cooking style.
Dumplings
A Real Tirol Favourite for Generations. Don’t miss the flat bread dumplings in beef broth that are served at the Christmas Market in the Town Park of Kufstein by the local fire department.
Whether it’s a lesser-known destination or a random trailside attraction, nature lover Eva Thöni will be there with her camera in tow, eager to share her greatest mountain moments with you.
