What is a Marende?
South Tyrol's favourite snack
When you feel peckish in the afternoon in South Tyrol, there is only one right answer: the Marende. It is more than just a snack – it is a ritual, a pause in the middle of the day.
Traditionally, it consists of Schüttelbrot (cracker bread), cheese, Kaminwurzen (smoked sausages) and, of course, South Tyrolean speck. Accompanied by a glass of Vernatsch or Lagrein wine, or a light beer in summer. In the alpine pastures and farms, the Marende was once necessary to recharge your batteries for hard work. Today, it is a piece of culture that people like to share with guests.
The Italians say merenda, the South Tyroleans say Marende – and both terms mean the same thing: a small, tasty snack. But while the Italian merenda is often sweet, the South Tyrolean version remains savoury.
A tip for guests: if you want a coffee after your Marende, you should go for an espresso – a cappuccino in the afternoon is considered a faux pas. This is also part of the culture and shows how lovingly South Tyroleans pay attention to their eating habits.
In short, the Marende is pure South Tyrol – simple, honest, sociable. And that's exactly why it's so unforgettable.
