Austria is renowned for its diverse cuisine, which offers a great selection of traditional dishes that highlight the nation’s unique flavours and cultural traditions. Every appetite will be satisfied by Austrian cuisine, which features everything from delicious sweets to hearty comfort foods. In this article, we will explore the best Austrian food, including traditional recipes, famous dishes, street food delights, and more.
The most famous traditional dishes
Embark on a gastronomic journey through Austria’s most famous local dishes, exploring the country’s culinary heritage and uncovering the flavors that have become synonymous with Austrian cuisine. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we delve into the best traditional and popular foods that Austria has to offer.
Wiener Schnitzel – A Classic Austrian Delight
I just had to start this list with the Wiener Schnitzel, as it is probably the most iconic Austrian food known to foreigners.
This iconic dish features breaded and fried veal or pork cutlets, served with a slice of lemon. The crispy exterior gives way to tender meat, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Tafelspitz – A Regal Boiled Beef Dish
Tafelspitz, a traditional Austrian recipe, showcases the country’s love for beef. This dish features tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin or rump, boiled to perfection with root vegetables. Served with a flavorful broth and accompanied by horseradish sauce, it is a true delight.
Käsespätzle – Cheesy Delight
Käsespätzle is the Austrian answer to macaroni and cheese. Soft egg noodles are mixed with grated cheese, caramelized onions, and topped with crispy fried onions.
This hearty dish is a must-try for cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Apfelstrudel – A Sweet Slice of Austria
Indulge your sweet tooth with Apfelstrudel, a mouthwatering Austrian dessert. This pastry treat is filled with spiced apples, raisins, and breadcrumbs, wrapped in a flaky pastry crust.
Served warm with powdered sugar, it pairs perfectly with a side of vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Sachertorte – The Quintessential Austrian Cake
Famous worldwide, Sachertorte is a Viennese chocolate cake that showcases Austria’s pastry prowess.
It consists of layers of dense chocolate sponge cake, apricot jam, and a glossy chocolate glaze. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
What about Austrian Christmas cuisine?
Christmas is really important in Austria. Anyone can figure that out just by seeing how many Christmas markets are organized every year in Vienna, let alone in Austria. Austrian Christmas cuisine is rich in tradition and flavor, featuring a variety of dishes that add warmth and joy to the holiday season. Here are some traditional Austrian Christmas foods:
Christstollen
This is a festive fruitcake made with a rich dough, filled with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and often marzipan.
The stollen is baked until golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar, creating a delightful treat enjoyed during Advent and Christmas.
Vanillekipferl
These delicate crescent-shaped cookies are a staple of Austrian Christmas baking.
Made with ground almonds or hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar, they are melt-in-your-mouth delights with a hint of vanilla.
Lebkuchen
These spiced gingerbread cookies are popular during the holiday season.
Lebkuchen can come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small cookies to large heart-shaped cakes. They are often decorated with icing or glaze.
Weihnachtsgans
Roast goose is a traditional centerpiece for many Austrian Christmas dinners.
The goose is seasoned with herbs, roasted until golden and crispy, and served with rich gravy, red cabbage, and dumplings.
Kletzenbrot
This dense and moist fruit bread is packed with dried pears, figs, dates, nuts, and spices. It is typically enjoyed sliced and spread with butter or served alongside cheese during the Christmas season.
Maroni
Roasted chestnuts are a popular street food during the Christmas season in Austria.
The chestnuts are cooked over an open fire, creating a warm and aromatic treat that is often enjoyed while strolling through Christmas markets.
Heiliger Abend Suppe
Holy Night Soup is a traditional Christmas Eve soup, typically made with beef or vegetable broth, root vegetables, and often served with small dumplings or semolina noodles. It is a comforting and nourishing dish enjoyed before or after the Christmas Eve church service.
Punsch
Austrian Christmas markets are famous for their warm, spiced punch known as Punsch. This hot beverage is made with a combination of red wine, rum, fruit juices, and spices like cinnamon and cloves, creating a festive and aromatic drink to keep you warm during the winter months.
I know, I know, it’s not food, but nevertheless, its too iconic for Christmas time to leave it unmentioned.
Popular Street food in Austria – A taste on the go
One of the most beloved street food items is the Würstel, which includes a variety of sausages grilled to perfection and served with a generous portion of mustard and bread. From the classic Frankfurter to the spicy Käsekrainer filled with melted cheese, these sausages make for a satisfying and flavorful snack.
Another popular street food is the Langos, a deep-fried dough that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often topped with garlic, sour cream, cheese, and a variety of savory or sweet toppings, making it a versatile and indulgent treat. Please note that the Langos is actually a Hungarian food, but given the historical ties between Austria and Hungary, it is not surprising to find popular Hungarian street food like Langos enjoyed in Austria as well.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Vienna or strolling through a local market, the enticing aroma and flavors of Austrian street food are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Popular Austrian Party Food – Perfect for Celebrations
Austrian party food is known for its delicious and hearty offerings, perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive occasion, Austrian party food is sure to delight guests.
Finger foods like Blätterteiggebäck, which are savory puff pastry treats filled with various ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or ham, are a common choice.
Mini-Schnitzel, bite-sized versions of the famous Wiener Schnitzel, are also a hit among party-goers.
Liptauer, a spicy cheese spread made with quark or cream cheese, paprika, onions, and caraway seeds, is another popular appetizer. It is traditionally served on bread or crackers.
Other favorites include stuffed peppers, bacon-wrapped dates, and vegetable platters with flavorful dips.
Popular dishes that Austrians eat at home everyday
Austrians have a diverse culinary culture, and the dishes they eat at home vary depending on the time of day. Here’s a categorization of typical Austrian dishes based on breakfast, lunch, and dinner:
Breakfast
Frühstücksei: Soft-boiled eggs served with bread rolls, butter, and an assortment of jams.
Semmel or Brot: Fresh bread rolls or sliced bread, often accompanied by butter, cold cuts, cheese, and spreads like honey or jam.
Müsli: A mixture of oats, dried fruits, nuts, and yogurt or milk, often topped with fresh fruits.
Kaffee und Kipferl: A classic Austrian breakfast includes a cup of strong Viennese coffee and a croissant-like pastry called Kipferl.
Lunch
Suppen: Soups play a significant role in Austrian cuisine. Traditional favorites include beef consommé, goulash soup, potato soup, and cream-based vegetable soups.
Würstel: Sausages are popular lunch options. Whether it’s a classic Frankfurter or a Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage), they are often served with mustard, bread, and a side of sauerkraut or potato salad.
Schnitzel: While Wiener Schnitzel is renowned, Austrians also enjoy other variations like Schweinsschnitzel (pork schnitzel) or Putenschnitzel (turkey schnitzel), which are typically served with a side of potatoes or salad.
Knödel: Dumplings made from bread, potatoes, or semolina are commonly served as a side dish alongside meat or as a vegetarian main course.
Dinner
Tafelspitz: This boiled beef dish, often served with a flavorful broth, root vegetables, and horseradish sauce, is a popular choice for dinner.
Gulasch: Hearty beef or pork stew seasoned with paprika, onions, and various spices, served with bread dumplings (Semmelknödel) or buttered noodles.
Kasnocken: Small dumplings made with flour, eggs, and grated cheese, often served with caramelized onions and chives.
Zwiebelrostbraten: Pan-seared beef steak topped with caramelized onions, typically served with a side of potatoes or Spätzle (egg noodles).
Fischgerichte: Fish dishes such as Forelle (trout), Zander (pike-perch), or Saibling (char) are popular dinner choices, often accompanied by potatoes and vegetables.
It’s essential to keep in mind that these classifications are not set in stone, and there may be overlaps in the kind of foods eaten at various times of the day. As part of their meals, Austrians also enjoy various kinds of salads, seasonal vegetables, and sweets.
Wrapping up
Exploring the best of Austrian food is a delightful journey into the country’s rich culinary traditions. From the world-famous Wiener Schnitzel to the sweet indulgence of Sachertorte, each dish showcases the flavors and cultural heritage of Austria. Whether you’re visiting the country or trying these recipes at home, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the authentic taste of Austria. Prost!
FAQ
Austria is famous for its Wiener Schnitze, as well as other traditional dishes like Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). These iconic foods reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage and are beloved both within Austria and internationally.
People in Austria eat a diverse range of foods, with meals often featuring hearty and flavorful dishes. Popular choices include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and various types of sausages. Austrians also have a strong tradition of baking, with Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Sachertorte (chocolate cake) being favorite desserts. Meals are often accompanied by side dishes like potato salad, dumplings, and seasonal vegetables.
The most popular food in Austria is Wiener Schnitzel. This classic dish features a breaded and fried veal cutlet, often served with a slice of lemon, parsley potatoes, or potato salad. Wiener Schnitzel is not only a staple of Austrian cuisine but also a beloved symbol of the country’s culinary heritage.