Austria’s culinary scene is as rich and varied as its cultural heritage. From hearty meats to sweet desserts, there’s no shortage of delicacies to discover. If you’re wondering what food Austria is known for, or specifically, what to eat in Vienna, you’re in for a delightful gastronomic journey.
The National Dish of Austria: Wiener Schnitzel
Austria’s national dish is the famous Wiener Schnitzel. This classic dish comprises a tender veal cutlet, pounded thin, breaded, and deep-fried to golden perfection. The key to a great Wiener Schnitzel lies in its light, airy, and crispy exterior. You’ll find this dish throughout Austria, but Vienna, the country’s capital, is undoubtedly the best place to enjoy a traditional Wiener Schnitzel.
Traditional Austrian Breads: A Bread-Lover’s Paradise
Austria is a bread-lover’s paradise, boasting a wide variety of traditional bread. One popular type is Semmel, a hard, white bread roll that Austrians often enjoy for breakfast. For a darker, denser option, try a slice of Schwarzbrot, a rye bread that pairs well with Austrian cheese or cold cuts.
Hearty Main Dishes: Tafelspitz and Goulash
When it comes to main dishes, the Austrian cuisine doesn’t disappoint. Tafelspitz, a savory boiled beef dish served with horseradish and apple sauce, is a must-try. This dish is a favorite of Austrian households and a staple in Vienna’s traditional restaurants.
Austrian Goulash, a hearty stew made with tender chunks of beef, onions, and a rich paprika sauce, is another iconic dish. This comforting food is perfect for cold Austrian nights and is one of the best foods in Vienna to warm up with.
Austrian Cheese: A World of Flavor
Austria’s cheese scene is remarkable. From soft and creamy to hard and sharp, there’s an Austrian cheese to suit every palate. Bergkäse, a hard mountain cheese, and Camembert-style Käserei Champignon are just two of Austria’s famous foods in the cheese category.
Sweet Delights: Strudel and Sacher Torte
Austrian cuisine shines in the dessert department. Apple strudel, or Apfelstrudel, is a national favorite. This delightful pastry is filled with tart, spiced apples, and served warm, often with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The Sacher Torte is another sweet treat you shouldn’t miss when deciding what to eat in Austria. This famous chocolate cake was first created in Vienna and is a favorite in Austrian cafes. The Sacher Torte is a dense chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, topped with a dark chocolate icing.
Delicious Austrian Beverages: Coffee and Beer
Austria, particularly Vienna, is famous for its coffee culture. Viennese coffee houses have long been places of relaxation and conversation, and the coffee itself is just as important. Try a Melange, similar to a cappuccino, or an Einspänner, a strong black coffee served with whipped cream.
For beer lovers, Austria offers an array of local brews, with styles varying by region. Märzen is the most commonly found style, but there are also regional specialties like the Styrian bitter beer and the Viennese lager.
Famous Austrian Sausages: Würstel
No food tour in Austria would be complete without indulging in a few of the country’s famous sausages, or Würstel. Austrians have a penchant for their Würstel, with Vienna, in particular, being a hotbed for Würstelstand (sausage stands). These range from the traditional Frankfurter and Burenwurst to the spicier Käsekrainer, filled with chunks of cheese. Grab one with a side of mustard and freshly grated horseradish to really eat like a local!
A Taste of the Sea: Austro-Hungarian Fish Soup
While Austria is a landlocked country, it doesn’t mean they shy away from seafood. One of the vestiges of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is the popularity of the Fisherman’s Soup, or Halászlé. It’s a spicy, bright red soup made of river fish and a generous amount of paprika. This dish is a testament to Austria’s culinary ability to adopt and adapt various food influences.
The Art of Austrian Pastries: Vanillekipferl and Palatschinken
Austria’s pastry scene is arguably one of the best in the world. Vanillekipferl, a crescent-shaped biscuit dusted with vanilla sugar, is a delightful bite you’ll find in most Austrian bakeries, particularly around Christmas.
Another must-try is Palatschinken, a thin pancake rolled with apricot jam, nuts, or sweet cheese filling. You might notice a similarity to French crêpes, but Austrians have put their unique spin on it, and it’s an absolute must-try when in Vienna.
A Sip of Austrian Wine
Austria has a vibrant wine scene, with the country producing some excellent white wines, like the Grüner Veltliner, and red wines such as Blaufränkisch. A visit to a local Heuriger, a wine tavern in Vienna where local winemakers serve their most recent year’s wines, is a delightful way to spend an afternoon in the city.
Austrian Street Food: Käsekrainer and Leberkäse
When you’re on the go in Austria, you’ll find that the street food is just as enticing as the sit-down meals. Käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage, and Leberkäse, a type of baked sausage, are popular street food items. They’re typically served in a roll with mustard and pickles – perfect for a quick and satisfying snack as you explore.
Traditional Austrian Breakfast
Austrians take their breakfast seriously. A traditional Austrian breakfast usually consists of a range of bread with butter, marmalade or honey, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs. Add to that a cup of strong coffee or tea, and you’re off to a good start for the day!
The Quintessential Austrian Dining Experience: Beisl
To truly experience Austrian food, you need to dine in a Beisl, the Austrian equivalent of a bistro. These traditional small restaurants serve hearty local food in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the Austrian food culture.
Vienna’s Culinary Scene: Modern Takes on Traditional Cuisine
Beyond the traditional dishes, Vienna’s food scene has been evolving with chefs putting modern twists on classic Austrian dishes. In establishments like Steirereck and Konstantin Filippou, you’ll find reimagined Austrian dishes that push culinary boundaries. These spots are worth checking out for those interested in gourmet dining experiences.
Modern Eateries in Vienna
If you are looking for a modern take on Austrian cuisine, check out these restaurants in Vienna:
Steirereck
Steirereck is one of Vienna’s most acclaimed restaurants, boasting two Michelin stars. This elegant eatery located in Stadtpark offers a modern interpretation of Austrian cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.
Konstantin Filippou
Konstantin Filippou is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a menu inspired by Austrian ingredients but prepared with a Mediterranean touch. The result is a unique fusion that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in Austrian tradition.
Where to Eat in Vienna
When it comes to places to sample these delightful dishes, Vienna offers a mix of traditional eateries, modern restaurants, and bustling food markets. A few to consider are:
Figlmüller
For the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, head to Figlmüller. This institution has been serving up Austria’s national dish since 1905 and is a must-visit for any food lover in the city.
Café Sacher
For a chance to taste the original Sacher Torte, visit Café Sacher. Located within the famous Sacher Hotel, this café provides a quintessential Viennese café experience.
Naschmarkt
Finally, for a taste of everything Austria has to offer, head to Naschmarkt. This vibrant food market is packed with stalls selling everything from Austrian cheeses and breads to ready-to-eat Tafelspitz and Goulash.
Final Thoughts
Austria’s culinary scene offers a cornucopia of flavors that are sure to delight every palate. From its iconic Wiener Schnitzel and hearty Goulash to its indulgent Sacher Torte, the national dishes of Austria provide a flavorful journey through the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re dining in a traditional Viennese restaurant or sampling local produce at a bustling market, the question isn’t what to eat in Austria, but rather, how to fit all these incredible foods into one trip. So, when planning your Austrian adventure, remember to pack an appetite, and get ready to taste your way through some of Austria’s most delicious traditions.