What to drink and what to eat typical in Innsbruck, what to order locally during your holiday in Austria, both as a snack and for breakfast, or after dinner in the most fashionable places in the city.
Never give up on taste, especially in a place that offers delights for any time of day. You cannot say that you really know a place, or at least that you have visited it thoroughly, as long as you don't taste its most characteristic flavors. The moment some of these flavors become our favorites, then that place becomes home.
That's what happened to me InnsbruckIn the heart of the Tyrol. The delightful town is a concentration of serenity, fresh air, sun, mountains and of course tastes. Here are the ones that I carry in my heart: three drinks and three foods that you cannot miss if you want to put yourself in the shoes of a true citizen "aus Tirol".
What to drink in Innsbruck
A Radler à la Theresien Bräu: as in many other Central European countries, beer is drunk lighter and sweeter when combined with lemonade, a Radler is therefore suitable for any time of day. Along the main street in the center, proceeding from the Altstadt (old town) towards the arch in Maria Theresien Straße does not go unnoticed the most popular brewery by locals and visitors. Rustic room, divided into two rooms, the Theresien Bräu it is both a brewery and a diner. The beer is brewed in the adjacent laboratory and is served with very hot savory Bretzels. Please don't ask for a small mug.
Just order "one", "einmal, bitte!", So refreshing it will never be too much!
Wein-süß: the drink of glamorous evenings at the Hofgarten disco bar. White and carbonated wine, a simple and very “süß” mix, to be sipped slowly for a very sweet early evening. For a modest amount, less than that of a smooth wine glass, you will be served a large cup. It's a perfect continuation of dinner (which is eaten early in Austria) if you want to hang out for a little while longer.
Mulled wine: the taste of Christmas! You can find it in the square, on the streets, at the stands of the Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas market. Excellent for warming up on very cold winter evenings, based on red wine enriched with spices. It boils in large pots to be served in pretty decorated cups. Attention: for the first glass you pay a Pfand (bail) of 2 €. If you return the mug, get the Pfand back, otherwise feel free to keep the mug as a souvenir.
What to eat in Innsbruck
A breakfast: indispensable companion of my Tyrolean stays is the Nußschnecke freshly baked by the baker. A snail of brioche pastry enriched with a hazelnut and cinnamon cream. Excellent those of Bäcker Ruetz, a chain of bakeries scattered around the city.
For lunch or dinner: Rahmschinken Spätzle, gnocchi (white or with spinach) dressed with cream, ham and plenty of chives. They are served directly in the pan (be careful, they are very hot!). Excellent with a mug of Radler are just those of the Theresien Bräu brewery.
A snack: in Innsbruck, as in all regions of Austria, the afternoon break rhymes with Konditorei. The noteworthy pastry shops are different, but only one serves a very tasty hazelnut and chocolate cake with cream and flavored tea. My favorite snack is right at the Katzung café, the “pastry shop of the Cat” in the heart of the historic city, at the foot of the famous Golden Roof. The sweet of the house is therefore there KatzungTorte, delicious when served with a black tea with pear and vanilla.
So have a good trip and good appetite! Or rather Mahlzeit!
