Food & Drinks In Damüls-Mellau
Taste traditional alpine food that captures the culture, history, and scenery of the Vorarlberg, Austria, ski resort area of Damüls-Mellau.
The inhabitants that have lived in this steep area for a long time have adapted and been inventive to produce the alpine cuisine of Damüls-Mellau. The meals are prepared using seasonal and altitude-specific items like cheese, meat, dairy, bread, fruits, and herbs. Additionally influencing the food are preferences and trends worldwide as well as Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, which are neighbors. Simple, substantial, and full, the cuisine is also varied, subtle, and really good.
Cheese: The Star of the Alpine Cuisine
One of the most unique and renowned items in Damüls-Mellau cuisine is cheese, which has been made there for generations. Its unique taste and aroma come from the milk of sheep, goats, and cows that graze in alpine pastures. While there are still traditional methods of making cheese, contemporary technology and hygiene standards are also applied. Local farmers, craftspeople, and cooperatives who follow stringent sustainability, animal welfare, and organic agricultural standards make the cheese.
More than sixty distinct cheeses, from soft to hard, mild to spicy, fresh to aged, are produced by more than 90 cheese dairies in the Damüls-Mellau region. Among the most well-known are Bregenzerwälder Emmentaler, a kind of Swiss cheese, Bregenzerwälder Alpkäse, an alpine cheese. Distinguished by their quality in food production and gastronomy, the Austrian government has awarded these cheeses the designation of “Genuss Region” (area of culinary pleasures).
Among the dishes that employ the cheese are soups, salads, sandwiches, fondues, raclettes and gratins. Among the most well-liked delicacies is the Bregenzerwälder Käsespätzle, a kind of egg noodle topped with crispy bacon pieces and cheese and fried onions. The cheese can be enjoyed by itself, with a glass of wine or beer, or with bread, butter, jam, honey or cold meats. At the cheese dairies, guests may taste and buy the products in addition to learning about the background and culture of cheese-making.
Meat: The Source of Protein and Flavor
A further characteristic of Damüls-Mellau cuisine is meat, especially hog and cattle, which is raised on small farms that adhere to the animals’ natural cycles. The meat is prepared by neighborhood butchers who create sausages, ham, bacon, salami, and smoked meat using every part of the animal. Meat that has been cured, smoked, or dried retains and improves taste. Soups, stews, roasts, schnitzels and dumplings are just a few of the dishes that incorporate meat products.
Among the most popular meals is the Bregenzerwälder Rindfleischsuppe, a beef broth with noodles, veggies, and meatballs. An other traditional dinner is the Bregenzerwälder Sura Kees, a sour cheese soup with potatoes, bacon, and herbs. Additionally made from the meat are Bregenzerwälder Brotsuppe (bread soup with cheese, cream, and herbs) and Bregenzerwälder Knödel (bread dumplings with cheese, bacon, or spinach).
Dairy: The Basis of Creaminess and Sweetness
Dairy goods including butter, yogurt, cream and sour cream are also produced by Damüls-Mellau cuisine and are used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. To manufacture dairy products, cows, goats, and sheep fed hay and natural fodder provide their milk. Delightful, creamy, and fresh dairy ingredients give the dishes body and richness.
Dairy products are used in two savoury dishes: the Bregenzerwälder Käsefleisch, a cheese and meat casserole with potatoes, onions, and spices, and the Rahmsuppe, a cream soup with mushrooms, bacon and herbs. Two dairy treats include the fluffy pancake with raisins, sugar, and plum jam called Bregenzerwälder Kaiserschmarrn and the butter and apple sauce-topped cornmeal pudding called Bregenzerwälder Riebel.
Bread: The Staple of Every Meal
Every meal needs bread, and Damüls-Mellau cuisine has a history around it. Made using wheat, rye, spelt, and buckwheat among other flours, the bread often include seeds, nuts, herbs, and spices. Because the bread is baked in wood-fired ovens, its crumb is soft and the crust crunchy. Bread can be made into sandwiches, toast, or croutons or served with butter, cheese, jam, honey, or cold meats.
Additionally prepared with bread are Bregenzerwälder Knödel (bread dumplings with cheese, bacon, or spinach) and Bregenzerwälder Brotsuppe (bread soup with cheese, cream, and herbs). In addition, the bread is used to prepare the Bregenzerwälder Zopf, a twisted bread with butter, eggs, and salt, and the braided bread with raisins, almonds, and sugar.
Fruits: The Touch of Freshness and Color
Apples, pears, plums, cherries, berries and almonds are among the fruits farmed for the Damüls-Mellau cuisine and used to manufacture jams, compotes, juices, wines and spirits. Well-liked appetizers and pastries such pies, cakes, tarts, and strudels are also made using the fruits. Among the most well-known desserts is the Bregenzerwälder Apfelstrudel, a little pastry stuffed with apple slices, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar and served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Further classic sweets are Bregenzerwälder Nusstorte, a nut cake with walnuts, honey, and cream, and Bregenzerwälder Birnenbrot, a pear bread with dried pears, nuts, and spices. Furthermore made from the fruits are the fruit brandy Bregenzerwälder Obstler, the clear spirit Bregenzerwälder Schnaps, and the liqueur Bregenzerwälder Likör.
Beer and Wine: The Drinks of Choice
Another long-standing, Middle Ages-era tradition in Damüls-Mellau cuisine is the production of beer and wine. The German purity law, which prohibits the use of any additives or preservatives, is followed in the production of the beer and wine, which are made from local water, malt, hops, yeast and grapes. Drinks of choice at bars, restaurants, and festivals, beer and wine are cool and pleasurable for every occasion.
A number of breweries in the Damüls-Mellau region produce lager, pilsner, wheat, bock, and ale among other beers. Usually served in glasses, mugs or bottles, beer is often paired with cheese, sausages, or pretzels. A cheese, cream and egg soup called Bregenzerwälder Biersuppe is also made using the beer.
Numerous vineyards producing white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines are also located in the Damüls-Mellau area. Usually poured into glasses, carafes, or bottles, wine goes well with cheese, meat, or seafood. Along with the spiced mulled drink Bregenzerwälder Glühwein, the wine is also used to produce the apple or pear cider Bregenzerwälder Most.
With so many foods, goods, and drinks to fit every taste and desire, Damüls-Mellau gastronomy is a trip through alpine tastes. The food captures the history, culture, and natural beauty of the area that the people have kept and valued. A way of life, the food helps one to appreciate the abundance and beauty of the highlands. There is Alps influence in the cuisine.
Damüls-Mellau Restaurants
Not only are skiers and snowboarders welcome in Damüls-Mellau, but also gourmets and foodies who want to experience the region’s distinctive and first-rate cuisine. The area is renowned for its superior, locally grown products, which include cheese, meat, dairy, bread, fruits, and herbs. These are used to create dishes that are simple, filling, and comfortable as well as varied, sophisticated, and delicious. The region’s culinary scene is enhanced by the bordering nations of Germany, Switzerland, and Italy as well as by international trends and preferences.
Dining options in Damüls-Mellau are many and include everything from traditional to international cuisines, rustic pubs to contemporary pizzerias, and charming mountain cabins to fine restaurants. From a quick snack to a romantic dinner or a large feast, Damüls-Mellau has something to suit every taste and budget.
Restaurant Walliser Stube
One of Damüls’ most well-known and reputable restaurants is Walliser Stube, which is housed in Hotel Walliser Stube. A fireplace, wooden furnishings, and alpine décor give the restaurant a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. Serving Swiss and Austrian food, the restaurant specializes in cheese dishes like Käsespätzle, raclette, and fondue. Soups, salads, meat, fish and sweets prepared using regional and fresh ingredients are also offered at the restaurant. There is a wine cellar inside the restaurant where you may choose from a fine assortment of Swiss and Austrian wines. Everyday breakfast, lunch, and supper are served at the restaurant, which also offers a buffet on Sundays.Following a day on the slopes, the restaurant is the ideal spot to have a hearty and tasty dinner.
Pizzeria Da Sandro
Mellau family-run Pizzeria Da Sandro is housed at the Hotel Bären. A large dining room and a terrace give the restaurant a laid-back vibe. The restaurant specializes in pizza, spaghetti, and salads among other Italian fare. Soups, meats, seafood and sweets prepared with premium, fresh ingredients are among the other items offered at the restaurant. The wood-fired oven of the restaurant allows you to see your pizza being prepared. A drink or a cup of coffee may also be had at the bar. Everyday lunch and supper are served at the restaurant, which also offers delivery and takeaway.The restaurant is a great spot to have a delicious and real Italian lunch if you’re seeking for something unusual.
Restaurant Alpenstern
Modern and chic, Restaurant Alpenstern is housed in Hotel Alpenstern. A sun terrace and a roomy, light dining room with a commanding view of the mountains are features of the restaurant. The restaurant specializes in international food, with an emphasis on Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Along with regional fare prepared with fresh and organic ingredients, the restaurant offers soups, salads, cheese, pig and fish. The restaurant has an extensive wine list with wines from all around the world. Everyday breakfast and supper are served at the restaurant, which also offers brunch on Sundays.The restaurant is a great spot to have a sophisticated and creative dinner if you’re seeking for something new and different.
Berggasthof Sonnenheim
At the top of the Uga cable car in Damüls is the charming and ancient Berggasthof Sonnenheim. The hut provides a stunning view of the valley from its large sun porch and rustic, lovely dining room. The hut specializes in meat dishes, such sausages, schnitzels, and roasts, serving regional cuisine. Soups, salads, cheese and handcrafted, regionally sourced sweets are among the other dishes offered at the hut. A refreshing drink or hot chocolate may be enjoyed in the beer garden of the hut. Every day lunch and supper are served in the hut, and Wednesdays feature a buffet.If all you want for a classic and authentic alpine meal is something straightforward and substantial, the hut is a great option.
Gasthaus Zimba
In Damüls’ town centre sits the quaint and ancient Gasthaus Zimba. A fireplace, wooden beams, and antique furnishings give the 17th-century pub a warm and nostalgic feel. The restaurant specializes in game dishes like hare, wild boar, and venison among other German and Austrian fare. Other dishes prepared using local and fresh ingredients at the pub include soups, salads, cheese, pig and fish. Within the pub is a wine cellar where you may select from a selection of regional and foreign wines. The tavern has a daily menu and is open for lunch and supper every day.When looking for something unique and romantic, the tavern is a great option for a traditional and delicious meal.
