The Revival of Folk Food in Trento: A Delicious Pairing with Beer

From Bolzano, I travel 60 kilometers south to the capital of Trento, in the province of Trentino. When I ask the locals about the typical folk dishes, their answer is unanimous: canederli. These bread dumplings, seasoned with bacon, cheese, or vegetables, are a real delicacy in Trento. But what sets the region apart are dishes like tortel di patate and smacafam, which are unique to the province and not found in Alto Adige.

To experience these traditional foods, I have to seek out historical trattorie or birrerie, as they are not commonly offered in regular bars or restaurants. Recently, there has been a revival of these beloved dishes, but with a twist—they are now often paired with beer. In fact, the region is witnessing a remarkable growth in its brewing industry, with beer companies reintroducing these folk foods in a new context.

One such beer company is Forst, which has embraced this trend by reviving traditional dishes alongside its brews. The concept has been a great success, and Forst has expanded its presence with nine locations across the Trentino-Alto Adige region, including one in Trieste. In other major cities like Milan, Verona, and Venice, the company operates under the name Spiller.

The Birreria Forsterbräu in Trento is a reference point for this food-and-beer pairing trend. According to manager Nicola Malassoni, the brewery serves up to 1,000 meals a day during the season. “Tourists make a special stop here on their trips, eager to enjoy the warm atmosphere and traditional food paired with beer,” says Nicola.

Address: Via Paolo Oss-Mazzurana, 38, Trente www.forst-trento.it/

(1) Tortel di patate (2) Smacafam (3) My gorgious view every morning at the camp site in Calceranica Al Lago

Practical Tips:

  • Where to Eat: For a true taste of Trentino’s folk dishes, head to historical birrerie like Birreria Forsterbräu in Trento. Address: Via Paolo Oss-Mazzurana, 38, Trente.
  • What to Try: Don’t miss the tortel di patate, smacafam, and canederli, paired with local Forst beer for an authentic experience.
  • Visiting Tip: Plan a stop at one of Forst’s locations, especially in the summer season when traditional dishes are in full swing.