The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Liechtensteiner Foods. If you manage to be in an Liechtensteiner restaurant or you are visiting Liechtenstein, I recommend the following:
1. Smoked Meats
A corned beef product obtained by marinating and smoking juicy, fatty breasts and then coating them with various spices and peppercorns. When it comes to bacon, fresh seasonings are very useful. Freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika give your meat an extra kick.
2. Rösti
Potato-based foods also come from the kitchens of neighbouring Switzerland. Originally eaten for breakfast, it is now eaten as a side dish. To prepare, grate the potatoes, shape them into not too thick slices and fry them lightly. Variations include adding onions, bacon, cheese, herbs or apples.
3. Muesli
It is a dish that is always served cold. The main ingredient is oatmeal and then any number of other ingredients can be added, such as dried fruits, fresh fruits, seeds, nuts and grains. Because there is no set recipe, you will find that it has various twists in different regions. It can also be combined with liquids such as fruit juices, milk, water, yoghurt or vegetable milks.
4. Schnitzel
Also known as part of Viennese cuisine, the speciality is simply a thin slice of veal breaded and fried in lard. Curiosity: This dish is at the centre of a debate with Italian cuisine, which considers it just a variation on ribs Milanese.
5. Käsknöpfle
They are usually spätzle (dumplings) with cheese and are a national highlight. Their origin is a rustic, simple but hearty dish made of dense, small, irregularly shaped dough. There are several versions, and in Liechtenstein they are topped with melted cheese and sometimes added to fried onions.
6. Wurst
Wurst is a great snack that is often accompanied by sauerkraut. It has its roots in German cuisine, but this hot and tasty sausage is worth a try in Liechtenstein. You can enjoy it in a sandwich or on its own. Either way it is delicious.
7. Yogurt
Often referred to as one of the world’s oldest fermented ingredients, yoghurt is produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. Today, yoghurt is produced all over the world, and all its varieties and regional variations, even with different toppings, are now available almost everywhere. Yoghurt can be enjoyed as a drink, garnish or topping for a variety of foods.
8. Asparagus
Asparagus is Liechtenstein’s most popular vegetable and can be cooked and eaten in many ways. They can be used as an accompaniment to meat dishes or as a main ingredient in soups.
9. Hafalaab
Haffalab is a traditional Liechtenstein dish and is considered one of the country’s national dishes. It usually consists of a soup or broth containing wheat and cornmeal dumplings, often flavoured with bacon or prosciutto. Once on the menu of the local poor, simple dishes like this are now only prepared at home and rarely in restaurants.
10. Ribel
Until the 1970s, ribel was a poor man’s dish in Liechtenstein. Today, you will find many restaurants serving this traditional Liechtenstein breakfast dish. As described, it is made from corn and wheat cooked in boiling water and milk before being roasted with butter. It is often enjoyed with applesauce or other sauces and fruit compotes.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional European Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.