German And Austrian Food: Similar Or Different?

German and Austrian food cultures have a lot in common, but there are also some notable differences. Both countries share a love for hearty meat dishes, with German Bratwurst and Austrian Wiener Schnitzel being prime examples. German and Austrian cuisines also feature a variety of sausages, potato dishes, and pastries. However, there are some regional differences within each country, with northern Germany favouring fish and dark bread, while southern Germany shares more similarities with Austrian cuisine, including meat dishes with rich gravies. Austrian cuisine also shows influences from neighbouring countries such as Hungary, Italy, and the Czech Republic, with dishes like goulash and strudel.

German and Austrian food: a comparison of regional differences

Austrian and German food cultures share similarities, with Austrian cuisine bearing greater resemblance to that of southern Germany than northern Germany. Both countries are known for their meat-heavy dishes, but Austrian food also shows the influence of neighbouring countries such as Hungary, Italy, and Switzerland.

Northern vs Southern Germany

There are notable differences between the cuisines of northern and southern Germany. Northern German cuisine features more fish and dark bread, while southern German cuisine includes meatier meals with rich gravies and "pasta" (like Spätzle).

German and Austrian Similarities

Austria and Germany share several dishes, including schnitzel, sausages, and strudel. Schnitzel, for example, is a thin cutlet of veal, breaded and fried, and served with a slice of lemon, potato salad, or French fries. It is a staple in both countries.

Regional Specialities

Austria has several regional specialities, similar to those found in Bavaria and other Alpine countries, but less common in northern Germany. Austrian cuisine also shares dishes with its neighbours, including goulash and palatschinken (pancakes) from Hungary, and Krautspätzle (sauerkraut noodles) from Switzerland.

Austrian Influence

Austria's culinary influence can also be seen in its neighbouring regions. For example, Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake, is popular in Germany, and Austrian recipes are often found in southern German cuisine.

Austrian Diversity

Austria's diverse landscape, from the Alps to the Pannonian Plain, contributes to its varied cuisine. The country's former empire status and central location in Europe have also resulted in a wide range of culinary influences.

While German and Austrian cuisines share similarities, there are distinct regional differences. Austrian food is heavily influenced by its neighbours and its diverse landscape, resulting in a unique blend of flavours and dishes.

How German food has evolved to include more plant-based options

German food culture has traditionally been centred around meat, with dishes such as bratwurst, weisswurst, and frankfurters forming a key part of the country's cuisine. However, in recent years, German food has evolved to include more plant-based options as the country's food culture changes.

This shift towards plant-based options can be attributed to a growing number of vegans and flexitarians in Germany. As of 2023, more than half of the German population wanted to reduce their meat consumption, leading to a decrease in per capita meat consumption from 62.8 kilos in 2011 to 55 kilos in 2021, the lowest since records began in 1989. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 64% of 14- to 29-year-olds in Germany having already purchased meat alternatives.

The rise in plant-based options is also driven by health and animal welfare concerns. Tofu sausages, seitan schnitzels, and veggie burgers are increasingly popular, with German companies producing 17% more meat substitutes in 2021 compared to 2020. The value of these meat substitutes amounted to EUR458.2 million in 2021, reflecting a 22.2% increase from the previous year.

While the value of meat substitutes is still relatively small compared to meat products, the German market for plant-based foods is one of the most important worldwide. This shift towards plant-based options presents opportunities for exporters from other countries, including the United States, to cater to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan alternatives in Germany.

In addition to specialised manufacturers, private labels, and start-ups, conventional meat producers have also recognised this trend. For example, PHW-Gruppe, a major German poultry farmer, partnered with US company Beyond Meat in 2018 to distribute their vegetable-based burgers in Germany. Other German manufacturers, such as Rügenwalder Mühle, have also successfully expanded their vegetarian and vegan offerings, with sales of vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives surpassing those of classic meat products in 2020.

German and Austrian bread and pastries

German pastries are also popular, with flaky layers of Strudel and sweet Berliner Pfannkuchen, often enjoyed during Kaffee und Kuchen, the time in the afternoon when Germans traditionally have their coffee and eat something sweet. The Pretzel, or "Brezel", is an icon of German baking, often enjoyed with a Maß of beer during Oktoberfest.

Austrian cuisine is also internationally known for its pastries, such as the Kaiserschmarrn and the Apple Strudel. Austrian cakes and pastries are a well-known feature of its cuisine, with the Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam filling, being perhaps the most famous. Austrian desserts are usually slightly less complicated than their elaborate cakes, with the most famous being the Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), layers of thin pastry with a filling of apple, cinnamon, and raisins.

Austrian breakfast is of the "continental" type, consisting of bread rolls with either jam or cold meats and cheese, accompanied by coffee, tea, or juice. A mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack of a slice of bread topped with cheese or ham is referred to as a Jause, and a more substantial version is called a Brettljause, akin to a British "ploughman's lunch", served on a wooden board.

German and Austrian Christmas treats

German Treats:

• Stollen – This fruit-filled yeast bread is a German Christmas tradition. It is often topped with icing, candied fruit, and almonds, and its shape resembles a giant Parker House roll.
• Lebkuchen – These dense and chewy gingerbread cookies are a German Christmas custom. They are packed with spices and molasses, making them a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
• Glühwein – Also known as mulled wine, this warm and soothing beverage is a blend of red wine, spices, and oranges. It's the perfect drink to warm up during the cold winter months.
• Bratwurst Supper – A hearty meal of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms, and carrots makes for an easy and delicious German-inspired Christmas dinner.
• Pfeffernüsse Cookies – These fragrant cookies are a German holiday tradition. Packed with warm spices, they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Apfelkuchen – This nostalgic dessert has been prepared for over 150 years. It embraces the flavours of apples and cinnamon and is a delightful addition to any Christmas spread.

Austrian Treats:

• Weihnachtsgans (Christmas Goose) – A favourite dish served on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, the Christmas goose is filled with apples, baked chestnuts, and cloves. It is seasoned with salt, pepper, marjoram, and shallots and served with potatoes, red cabbage, or dumplings.
• Weihnachtskarpfen (Christmas Carp) – For those who opt out of the baked goose, the Weihnachtskarpfen is a popular alternative. This baked fish dish is seasoned with lemon juice, white wine, pepper, and salt, and is served with potatoes.
• Maroni (Hot Chestnuts) – A staple at Austrian Christmas markets, maroni are warm and delicious. They are easy to make at home by baking chestnuts in the oven, and they provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
• Glühwein – Austrians also enjoy a warm cup of glühwein during the festive season. This mulled wine is made with red wine, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar, and can be found at Christmas markets and pop-up stands throughout the country.
• Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Croissants) – These vanilla-flavoured cookies are famous for their distinctive half-moon shape. They require just a few simple ingredients and are a beloved treat during the holiday season.
• Lebkuchenhaus (Gingerbread House) – Decorated with nuts, gummy bears, and other sweets, the Lebkuchenhaus is a fun and festive treat. It is exhibited in Austrian homes during the Christmas season and is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday.

The influence of neighbouring countries on Austrian cuisine

Austrian cuisine has been influenced by its neighbouring countries in Central Europe, particularly Hungary, Bavaria, Bohemia, and Northern Italy. Austrian dishes and preparation methods have often been adopted, integrated, adapted, or mixed with those of its neighbours.

Austria's national dish, Tafelspitz, is said to have originated as the favourite dish of Emperor Franz Joseph, who ruled from 1848 to 1916. It consists of beef boiled in broth, often served with apples, horseradish, and chives. The emperor was also fond of Kaiserschmarrn, a torn pancake with raisins, eaten with plum or apple compote or fresh fruit.

Austrian cuisine shares similarities with Hungarian cuisine, such as the goulash, a hotpot similar to Hungarian pörkölt. Austrian goulash is often eaten with rolls, bread, or dumplings. Burgenland's cuisine, in particular, has been influenced by Hungary, owing to its former position within the Hungarian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Dishes consist mainly of fish, chicken, or pork, with potatoes as the most common side dish. Because of this Hungarian influence, Burgenlandish dishes are often spicier than elsewhere in Austria.

Austrian food also has similarities with Bavarian cuisine, including the use of dumplings in dishes such as Germknödel, a fluffy yeast dough dumpling filled with plum jam. Various types of dumplings are an important part of Upper Austrian cuisine, as they are in neighbouring Bavaria.

Austrian dishes also show the influence of Northern Italy. Wiener Schnitzel, Austria's most famous dish, most likely came from northern Italy. Austrian desserts, such as apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn, also have similarities with Italian cuisine.

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