Food in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein may be one of the world's smallest countries, but its culinary scene is rich with flavors that reflect a blend of Alpine traditions and the influence of its neighbors, Switzerland and Austria. Visitors to this charming principality can expect to indulge in hearty dishes that satisfy after a day of exploring the picturesque landscape. Discover the must-try local delicacies that embody the essence of Liechtenstein's culture and will leave you with a lasting taste of its unique gastronomic heritage.

Liechtensteiner Dishes

Käsknöpfle

Often considered Liechtenstein's national dish, Käsknöpfle is a hearty meal that features small dumplings made from flour, eggs, water, and salt. These are then mixed with grated cheese, typically a combination of Swiss varieties, and layered with fried onions. The dish is usually served with a side of apple sauce or a fresh green salad.

Ribel

Ribel is a traditional porridge-like dish made of cornmeal or wheat semolina. It is cooked with either milk or water and often enjoyed as a warm, comforting breakfast. Ribel can be served sweet, topped with sugar, cinnamon, and applesauce, or savory, accompanied by cheese or smoked meat.

Tatsch

Similar to a potato pancake, Tatsch is a beloved dish in Liechtenstein made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and seasonings. These ingredients are formed into small patties and then fried until golden brown. Tatsch is typically served with a side of compote or salad.

Schnitzel

While Schnitzel is widely associated with Austrian cuisine, it is also a staple in Liechtenstein. This dish consists of a thin slice of meat, usually veal, that is breaded and fried to a crisp golden brown. It's commonly served with a lemon wedge, potato salad, or French fries.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually of beef (but other meats such as lamb, mutton, pork, and traditionally, horse), marinated before slow cooking as pot roast. The meat is marinated for several days in a mixture of vinegar or wine, water, herbs, spices, and seasonings before being slow-cooked. The result is a tender roast that is typically accompanied by potato dumplings (Knödel) and red cabbage.

Liechtensteiner Desserts

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy shredded pancake, which has its name from the Austrian emperor (Kaiser) Franz Joseph I, who was very fond of this kind of fluffy shredded pancake. It's made from a sweet batter using flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk, baked in butter, and then torn into bite-sized pieces. The dish is usually dusted with powdered sugar and served with fruit preserves or compote.

Apfelküchle

Apfelküchle are apple rings that are dipped in a batter made of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar, then fried to a golden brown. This dessert can be found throughout the region and is particularly popular in Liechtenstein during the apple harvest season. It's typically sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Ribelmais

Ribelmais is a sweet variant of the savory Ribel dish, prepared with cornmeal or wheat semolina cooked with milk and served as a dessert. It is usually sweetened with sugar and can be flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or fruit sauces.

Prinzenrolle

While not originally from Liechtenstein, Prinzenrolle has become a cherished treat in the country. This dessert consists of a roll cake filled with whipped cream and often coated with chocolate glaze. The roll is sliced into pieces and served as a delightful end to a meal or with afternoon tea.

Birnbrot

Birnbrot is a traditional fruit bread that combines dried pears with a variety of other dried fruits and nuts. The mixture is encased in a rye pastry and baked. This dense, sweet bread is typically enjoyed during the holiday season and can be found in many Liechtenstein bakeries.