Bormio at the table: what to eat to truly experience winter in Valtellina
Food
Valtellina cuisine is perfect in winter because it was created to warm you up, give you energy, and accompany long days in the mountains. In Bormio, you can eat very well without anything feeling complicated: clear flavours, familiar ingredients, and dishes that make perfect sense after a morning on the snow or a long stop at the thermal baths.
Here is what is worth trying, and what you can take home as a tasty reminder of your trip.
Pizzoccheri della Valtellina
Pizzoccheri are one of the area’s signature dishes. They have a bold flavour and a texture that sets them apart from traditional pasta, thanks in part to buckwheat in the dough. They are even better when you eat them slowly, at dinner, in a calm and cosy setting.
Sciatt
Sciatt are round fritters made with a buckwheat batter and filled with cheese. They are crisp on the outside and soft inside. They are usually ordered as a starter, but they often become the most memorable part of the meal because they are simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.
Bresaola della Valtellina
If you want a typical product to buy, bresaola is a safe choice. The best advice is to buy it freshly sliced, because it is noticeably better than the packaged version. A slightly thicker cut makes it more aromatic and enjoyable.
Valtellina Casera and Bitto
Among local cheeses, these are the most representative names. Ideally, try them at different ages so you can notice how the aroma and intensity change. All you need is rustic bread and a simple pairing such as honey or fruit preserve—nothing more.
A typical finish
After dinner, many people choose an Alpine herbal liqueur to round off the meal. It’s a simple way to extend the atmosphere of the evening and end with a gesture that feels truly “mountain-made.”
A perfect day of food and mountains
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Lunch: a board with bresaola and local cheeses
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Afternoon: a pastry break with a typical local sweet
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Dinner: pizzoccheri and a simple main course
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After dinner: an herbal liqueur and a short walk
If you want to experience Bormio through its food as well, starting from a comfortable hotel base for the town centre, the slopes, and the thermal baths, explore our affiliated hotels.
