Here are ten traditional Austrian dishes you should try, along with brief descriptions, where to eat them, and suggested accompaniments:
Wiener Schnitzel
Preparation: Thin slices of veal or pork, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.
Where to eat: Figlmüller in Vienna is renowned for its traditional Wiener Schnitzel.
With what: Typically served with potato salad, lingonberry jam, and a slice of lemon.
Apfelstrudel
Preparation: Thin layers of pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon.
Where to eat: Café Landtmann in Vienna offers delicious Apfelstrudel.
With what: Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
Sachertorte
Preparation: A rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate icing.
Where to eat: Café Sacher in Vienna is famous for its original Sachertorte recipe.
With what: Pair with a cup of Viennese coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Kaiserschmarrn
Preparation: Fluffy shredded pancake pieces, often served with powdered sugar and fruit compote.
Where to eat: Café Central in Vienna serves a delicious Kaiserschmarrn.
With what: Enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of Austrian wine.
Tafelspitz
Preparation: Boiled beef served with root vegetables and horseradish sauce.
Where to eat: Plachutta in Vienna is renowned for its Tafelspitz.
With what: Accompanied by boiled potatoes and creamed spinach.
Goulash
Preparation: A hearty stew made with tender beef, onions, paprika, and spices.
Where to eat: Gasthaus Reinthaler in Vienna offers authentic Austrian Goulash.
With what: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or dumplings.
Käsespätzle
Preparation: Soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese, topped with crispy onions.
Where to eat: Zum fidelen Affen in Salzburg serves delicious Käsespätzle.
With what: Pair with a side salad or pickles for balance.
Erdäpfelsalat
Preparation: Austrian potato salad made with boiled potatoes, onions, vinegar, and oil.
Where to eat: Gasthaus Pöschl in Vienna is known for its excellent Erdäpfelsalat.
With what: Enjoy as a side dish with sausages or Schnitzel.
Brettljause
Preparation: A rustic platter featuring an assortment of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, and bread.
Where to eat: Heuriger Zum Martin Sepp in Vienna offers traditional Brettljause.
With what: Pair with a glass of Austrian wine or beer.
Marillenknödel
Preparation: Dumplings filled with apricots, boiled, and coated in toasted breadcrumbs.
Where to eat: Café Hawelka in Vienna serves delicious Marillenknödel.
With what: Drizzle with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Austria offers a rich culinary tradition with a variety of delicious dishes to try. Here are some must-try Austrian foods:
1. Wiener Schnitzel
Description: A breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet, usually served with a slice of lemon, potato salad, or lingonberry sauce.
Where to Try: Figlmüller or Plachutta in Vienna.
2. Sachertorte
Description: A famous chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam and a smooth chocolate glaze, typically served with whipped cream.
Where to Try: Hotel Sacher or Demel Café in Vienna.
3. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
Description: A traditional pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Where to Try: Café Landtmann or Café Central in Vienna.
4. Tafelspitz
Description: Boiled beef served with horseradish, apple sauce, and spinach, accompanied by roasted potatoes or creamed spinach.
Where to Try: Plachutta in Vienna.
5. Kaiserschmarrn
Description: A fluffy shredded pancake, typically served with powdered sugar, apple sauce, or plum compote.
Where to Try: Tiroler Bauernkeller in Innsbruck or traditional Alpine huts.
6. Gulasch
Description: A hearty stew made with beef, onions, paprika, and other spices, often served with dumplings or bread.
Where to Try: Gasthaus Pöschl in Vienna.
7. Knödel (Dumplings)
Description: These can be sweet or savory, made from potatoes, bread, or flour, and served in various forms such as with roast pork or in soup.
Where to Try: Heurigen (wine taverns) in the Wachau Valley or Gasthaus Pöschl in Vienna.
8. Brettljause
Description: A traditional cold platter featuring a variety of cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and bread, often enjoyed with wine or beer.
Where to Try: Buschenschank (wine taverns) in Styria or the Wachau Valley.
9. Frittatensuppe
Description: A clear beef broth with strips of pancake, typically served as a starter.
Where to Try: Any traditional Austrian restaurant.
10. Topfenstrudel (Curd Cheese Strudel)
Description: A pastry filled with a sweetened curd cheese mixture, often enjoyed as a dessert.
Where to Try: Café Demel or Café Central in Vienna.
11. Beuschel
Description: A traditional dish made from veal lungs and heart, cooked in a creamy sauce with herbs and spices.
Where to Try: Plachutta in Vienna.
12. Leberknödelsuppe
Description: A liver dumpling soup, where the dumplings are made from liver and served in a rich beef broth.
Where to Try: Traditional Austrian restaurants and inns.
13. Marillenknödel
Description: Apricot-filled dumplings, typically made with potato dough, rolled in breadcrumbs, and served with powdered sugar.
Where to Try: Wachau Valley during apricot season.
14. Buchteln
Description: Sweet yeast buns filled with jam or poppy seeds, often served warm with vanilla sauce.
Where to Try: Bakery chains or traditional coffee houses in Vienna.
15. Eierschwammerl
Description: Chanterelle mushrooms sautéed with onions and herbs, often served with bread dumplings or pasta.
Where to Try: Seasonal specialties in restaurants across Austria.
Austrian cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, reflecting the country’s rich cultural history. Enjoying these dishes is a great way to experience Austrian traditions and hospitality.