- Food & Wine
- Mountains
Typical Lombardy mountain dishes
Discover Lombardy's typical high-altitude dishes. Dive into traditional Alpine cuisine and its authentic flavours
Spending a few days in the Lombardy Alps means immersing oneself in limitless nature, where the diversity of ingredients is the driving force behind the region’s culinary traditions.
As we head towards the mountains, leaving the stress and bustle of the city behind, we find a network of valleys, glaciers and peaks that seem to touch the sky. These places invite us to explore their wonders and discover the gastronomic treasures they hold.
And to be discovered, we know that there are tasty stops, hearty breaks and crunchy interludes along the roads of Lombardy’s Alpine provinces, which with a food and wine treasure trove of hundreds of recognised, certified specialities represent an area of absolute national and international importance for the production of PDO and PGI products.
This, for our holiday, translates as an unmissable opportunity to savour food and wine excellences made using traditional systems, handed down and skilfully perfected over the centuries for the sole purpose of delighting our taste buds in the most inviting and succulent way possible.
Pizzoccheri: a Valtellina masterpiece to be enjoyed in Teglio and the surrounding valleys
Valtellina is famous for its Pizzoccheri, a typical dish made of buckwheat pasta, potatoes, Savoy cabbage, butter and cheese. To savour this speciality in its authenticity, we recommend a visit to Teglio, the heart of Valtellina. Here we can taste Pizzoccheri prepared according to the traditional recipe, jealously guarded at the Pizzocchero Academy, and discover the history of this dish that has always been part of the region’s gastronomic identity.
While in Valtellina, we cannot miss the opportunity to visit the spectacular Cascate della Boggia waterfalls, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty that surrounds this area. We can also venture into the Stelvio National Park, a true oasis of biodiversity that offers incredible views and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking and mountain biking.
Valchiavenna on the other hand, located in the northern part of Alpine Lombardy, is known for its “white” Pizzoccheri, a variant of the traditional dish prepared with white flour and stale breadcrumbs. This delicious version is the result of the ancient trade routes that once characterised the area.
During the visit, we can taste the “white” Pizzoccheri and enjoy the beauty of the Alpine landscape. In addition, we can explore the shores of the picturesque Lake Como visit enchanting towns such as Chiavenna, with its charming castle, and discover the cultural and natural wealth of this region.
Manfrigole: gourmet experience along the road from Sondrio to Bormio
As we head towards Bormio along the road from Sondrio, we can make a tasty stop to sample some Manfrigole, small cylinders of pasta filled with melted cheese and gratinated in the oven with béchamel sauce and Parmesan. This typical delicacy from Valtellina is a real treat for the taste buds and makes the little ones happy with its fun, inviting appearance.
Along this scenic route, we can venture into the Stelvio Pass, one of the most famous and spectacular Alpine passes, and admire its winding roads and cool breezes that carry away the summer heat. We can also relax in the renowned thermal baths of Bormio, famous for their beneficial, invigorating properties, and immersed in a relaxing atmosphere.
Sciatt and the rock engravings of Val Camonica and Lake Iseo
Moving on to Val Camonica, we can enjoy the Sciatt, crispy pancakes filled with melted cheese. These delicacies are a must for food lovers. While visiting this area, we cannot miss the opportunity to admire the famous rock engravings of Val Camonica a UNESCO World Heritage Site that testifies to human presence in the area since prehistoric times.
From here it is a convenient way to visit the charming Lake Iseo, a gem surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque villages, and enjoy a walk along its shores or a boat trip to admire the island of Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe.
Chisciöi, a tasty focaccia to be enjoyed in the Tirano area
In the Tirano area and in the villages along the Swiss border, we can discover Chisciöi, little cheese-filled focacce. This dish is prepared following a strict recipe, cooked in iron pans and using lard, which preserves the authentic tradition of the Alps.
During our visit to this area, we can also explore the surroundings and admire astounding places such as the Stelvio Pass or the Bormio Spa, where we can relax and regenerate in an unspoilt landscape.
Casoncelli, the historic centres of Bergamo and Brescia, and the Bergamasque Prealps
The provinces of Bergamo and Brescia are renowned for their Casoncelli, stuffed ravioli with a unique taste. We can enjoy Casoncelli alla bergamasca, prepared with butter, bacon and sage, or alla bresciana, with a thin pasta case and a delicate filling of bread, butter and cheese.
During our visit to these provinces, we cannot miss the opportunity to admire the fascinating historical centres of Bergamo and Brescia. In Bergamo, we can explore the upper city, with its imposing Cittadella and medieval streets, while in Brescia we can visit the majestic Duomo Nuovo and the impressive Brescia Castle. We can also venture into the Bergamasque Prealps, a mountain range that offers wonderful opportunities for hiking, climbing and nature walks.
Mariconda soup: a delicious, warm embrace
Minestra Mariconda occupies a prominent place among the culinary specialities of Brescia. This traditional soup is prepared with a rich meat stock and dough balls made of breadcrumbs, butter, eggs, salt and nutmeg. Minestra Mariconda soup, served piping hot and with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese, is a real comfort food that warms the soul.
Enjoying it in one of Brescia's typical restaurants will make you feel part of the culinary history of this fascinating city. During your stay, explore the historic centre of Brescia with its monuments, such as the Duomo Vecchio and the Piazza della Loggia and discover the rich history and culture of this city overlooking the shores of Lake Garda.
Torta Donizetti: a sweet melody in Bergamo
End your trip with a slice of Torta Donizetti in Bergamo This unique, doughnut-shaped cake is a tribute to the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti. Made with pineapple, candied apricots and a touch of maraschino, the Donizetti Cake will delight your taste buds with its mouth-watering flavours after a day spent wandering the streets of the city admiring the Duomo, the Colleoni Chapel or the Accademia Carrara.
Taste it in one of the renowned pastry shops in Bergamo Alta or in the province and you can immerse yourself in the sweetness of this local tradition with its sweet, fruity notes.
A journey through nature and culinary traditions
Cured meats, cheeses, apples, wines, chestnuts, honey and oils that are traded around the world and whose knowledge is preserved through countless Slow Food presidia spread throughout the area. Wine cellars, farmers' cooperatives, dairies and mills are the most wholesome part of an environment that has always been generous to people.
Through their culinary delicacies, the territories of the Lombardy Alpine chain tell us a story of work, family traditions, landscapes as far as the eye can see, and a community indissolubly linked to the land, which has been able to welcome us and transport us with its flavours to a place far removed from the urban world we are used to.
