In the heart of Innsbruck, nestled amidst the breathtaking views of the Alpine landscape, a culinary revolution is taking place that showcases the exquisite potential of plant-based cuisine. Das Blum, a unique vegetarian restaurant, breaks the mold of traditional fare by elevating vegetables to the forefront of culinary artistry. With a commitment to sustainability, locality, and creativity, Das Blum offers an inviting dining experience that redefines what vegetarian dining can achieve.
Das Blum is not just another vegetarian restaurant; it embodies a modern philosophy that respects the food’s origins while embracing innovative cooking techniques. Its menu reflects the richness of local produce blended seamlessly with international influences, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and exhilarating. Chefs at Das Blum are dedicated to bringing out the innate flavors of vegetables, transforming simple ingredients into stunning dishes that tantalize the palate.
This ethos is deeply rooted in the restaurant’s uncompromising commitment to sustainability. By sourcing ingredients from local farms, Das Blum minimizes its carbon footprint while supporting regional agriculture. This aspect of their philosophy not only enhances the flavors in their dishes but also connects diners to the Tyrolean landscape. The restaurant’s approach serves as a reminder that vegetarian dining can be as rich and fulfilling as any omnivorous meal, puncturing the misconceptions often associated with plant-based diets.
Upon entering Das Blum, guests are enveloped by a warm and lively energy. The ambiance is a harmonious blend of relaxed intimacy and lively conversation, making it an ideal spot for both casual diners and special occasions. The staff exude enthusiasm for the menu, creating an inviting atmosphere that instantly puts guests at ease.
The menu, presented primarily in German, might pose a challenge for non-native speakers, but the attentive staff, equipped with knowledge and tools for translation, ensures that everyone can savor the culinary delights offered. This dedication to hospitality further enhances the overall experience and speaks volumes about the restaurant’s commitment to creating memorable moments for its guests.
Dining at Das Blum offers a chance to embark on a culinary journey. The sharing menu, priced at €45 per person, serves as an excellent introduction to the restaurant’s philosophy. Starting with delightful bread accompanied by a mysterious yet delicious chutney—whose ingredients may remain elusive but are undoubtedly flavorful—guests are set on a path of discovery and delight.
The highlight of the appetizer is a roasted Brussels sprouts salad, which reinterprets a vegetable often seen as unappealing into a vibrant and enticing dish. Complemented by chestnuts, shallots, quince jelly, and a harmonious maple vinaigrette, this salad challenges preconceived notions about what vegetarian food can be.
The main course features a series of beautifully crafted sharing plates, such as celery root fritters, which are a delightful mix of texture and flavor, and a wirsing roulade that elegantly showcases traditional Tyrolean cuisine. The braised red cabbage adds an unexpected depth, enhanced with red wine foam and walnut crunch, proving that vegetables can be far more than side dishes—they can take the spotlight.
Although the planned side of creamy parsnip purée was unavailable during this visit, the substitute of roasted potatoes with kimchi seasoning provided an exciting twist, showcasing the kitchen’s flexibility and creativity, reinforcing the restaurant’s innovative spirit.
Closing the meal, dessert arrives in the form of “Armer Ritter,” a delightful play on tradition that highlights the restaurant’s ability to transform the commonplace into the extraordinary. Made with sourdough bread and accompanied by enticing accompaniments like vanilla peanut ice cream and salted caramel, this dish serves not only as a sweet ending but as an impressive finale to a remarkable meal.
With Matteo Wawerla at the helm, a chef whose expertise blends international influences with local traditions, Das Blum is poised to make waves within the Austrian culinary scene. His modern tavern cuisine approach reinterprets Tyrolean classics, leaving diners with an unforgettable impression that encourages both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests to reconsider their dining choices.
Das Blum stands as a testament to the shifting perceptions surrounding vegetarian cuisine. By embracing sustainability, creativity, and local farming, it offers an enriching experience that highlights the beauty and versatility of vegetables. For anyone visiting Innsbruck, a meal at Das Blum is not only recommended—it’s essential for exploring the delicious future of plant-based dining.
