The Taste | Indulge in a Luxurious Christmas Culinary Experience at Rosewood

The Essence of Christmas, Redefined 

Sipping on hot Glühwein, punch, or port wine in the frosty winter air is an essential experience. Whether you’re in Salzburg, Munich or Vienna, discover festive dining like never before at Rosewood Hotels which blends regional traditions with gourmet creativity, ensuring every bite is an indulgent celebration. 

At Rosewood, holiday dining is an art form. From locally inspired dishes like Salzburg’s Vanillekipferl to Munich’s truffle-infused sausage, each offering is thoughtfully crafted to capture the magic of Christmas. The menus seamlessly combine fresh, high-quality ingredients with luxurious touches, ensuring every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Christmas Market Favorites
Rosewood reimagines classic Christmas market foods with a luxurious twist:

• Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Salzburg: Stroll through the hotel’s exclusive Christmas market, open from November 16 to January 6, where you can savor Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies), a beloved Austrian holiday treat. Pair these with artisanal mulled wine for a quintessential Salzburg Christmas experience.

• Rosewood Munich: Enjoy a festive afternoon tea with locally inspired dishes like Lebkuchen (soft gingerbread) and Weihnachtsstollen (Christmas fruit bread). Both are elevated with modern flavors, such as mandarin-infused icing or spiced fruit fillings.

• Rosewood Vienna: Delight in the hotel’s unique twist on Apfelstrudel, adding seasonal touches like caramelized nuts and cranberries, perfect alongside a warm mug of festive punch.

Signature Christmas Menus with Local Flavors
Each Rosewood destination features festive dishes that celebrate regional culinary traditions, blending authenticity with refinement:

• Salzburg: Experience a classic Austrian holiday feast with roasted goose, Semmelknödel (bread dumplings), and Rotkraut (braised red cabbage). The goose, a centuries-old festive staple, is paired with fresh herbs and a rich, flavorful jus.

• Munich: Brasserie Cuvilliés serves Weihnachtsente (Christmas duck) with truffle-infused potatoes and cranberry sauce. For dessert, try Baumkuchen, a layered cake often called the “king of cakes,” made festive with a drizzle of spiced chocolate.

• Vienna: Neue Hoheit Brasserie’s Christmas menu features Wiener Schnitzel reimagined with a luxurious wild mushroom sauce and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with chestnuts. The festive finale is a decadent Gugelhupf, Vienna’s iconic bundt cake, enriched with seasonal spices and dried fruits.

These dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, offer a taste of Central Europe’s finest Christmas traditions.

Festive Stories and Traditions
Each Rosewood property draws from the rich history of its region’s holiday traditions:

• Salzburg’s Vanillekipferl: These crescent-shaped cookies date back to the 17th century, symbolizing the crescent moon of the Ottoman Empire. The delicate buttery texture and vanilla sugar coating make them a holiday favorite.

• Semmelknödel: The tradition of roasted goose also has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where the bird was enjoyed during celebratory feasts. The goose was particularly prized after the harvest, as it was the fattest and most flavorful, making it a centerpiece of holiday meals. This tradition has been preserved for centuries, becoming a festive favorite across Europe.

• Tea with Swarovski: At Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, a special afternoon tea collaboration with Swarovski honors the tradition of using cherished family chinaware, adding a touch of elegance and heritage to the dining experience. Historically, families in Europe have kept special, majestic chinaware passed down through generations, which is brought out especially for festive celebrations.

• Munich’s Lebkuchen: Originating in Bavaria, this spiced gingerbread has been a Christmas staple for over 600 years. It was popularized by the Grimm Brothers' tale of "Hansel and Gretel," with the story's iconic gingerbread house sparking bakers' creativity. At Rosewood Munich, gingerbread houses are decorated with a twist, incorporating candied citrus and dark chocolate.

• Vienna’s Apfelstrudel: Known as Austria’s national dessert, Apfelstrudel is synonymous with Christmas celebrations. Rosewood Vienna enhances the tradition by using hand-rolled pastry and local apples, paired with a dollop of spiced whipped cream.

Personalized Festive Experiences

One standout festive dish is the venison rack from Gustloff Polting, served with salsify and Brussels sprouts. This dish embodies the warmth and comfort of the holiday season, offering a sense of home and belonging. The rich, gamey flavors of the venison, combined with the earthiness of salsify and the freshness of Brussels sprouts, create a celebration of seasonal ingredients, making it the perfect comfort food for a festive gathering.
Additionally, Rosewood offers exclusive and intimate holiday celebrations tailored to its guests: 

• Rosewood Schloss Fuschl: The Winzer Dinner features wine pairings with locally inspired dishes like smoked trout and herbed dumplings. Cozy up at an Advent brunch while enjoying the property’s serene lakeside views.

• Rosewood Munich: Weekly Advent tasting menus highlight Bavarian specialties like crispy-skinned Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) served with festive accompaniments. Pair the meals with warm Glühwein at Bar Montez, which also hosts mulled wine receptions.

• Rosewood Vienna: Savor the warmth of the season with punch gatherings and a grand Christmas feast, featuring Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings) for dessert—a traditional Austrian treat that is reimagined for the festive season.

Innovative Twists on Holiday Classics
Signature dishes include seasonal specialties like smoked salmon, roasted goose, and foie gras mousse, offering a taste of traditional holiday fare. Rosewood’s chefs reimagine festive dishes with modern flair, ensuring each menu is a blend of tradition and luxury:

• Munich: The classic Bavarian Christmas sausage is served with truffle-infused mustard and artisanal bread.

• Schloss Fuschl: The Mont Blanc dessert comes with Austrian cranberries and delicate chestnut cream, embodying the festive season’s rich flavors.

• Vienna: Wiener Schnitzel is paired with black truffle risotto, blending tradition with indulgence for an unforgettable holiday dish.

Explore Salzburg’s artisanal treats, savor Munich’s festive teas and indulge in Vienna’s creative cuisine. Each Rosewood property in Salzburg, Munich and Vienna features a unique festive menu that celebrates the region's culinary heritage.

Planning a trip to celebrate the festive holidays? Rosewood Hotels is a must-stay for anyone who enjoys vibrant, customized Christmas treats. Contact us to book your stay at Rosewood and plan your trip this December.