Exploring Austria's Budget-Friendly Culinary Delights

Austria is known for its delicious food, with everything from hearty dumplings to sweet pastries. The country's culinary scene is dominated by rich flavours, meats, and carb-dense foods like pastries and breads. While dining out in Austria can be expensive, there are plenty of cheap eats to be found, especially in the capital, Vienna. Here are some budget-friendly options to try:

- Wiener Schnitzel: This breaded and fried veal cutlet is a classic Austrian dish, usually accompanied by a simple salad or parsley potatoes.

- Apfelstrudel: This traditional Viennese dessert is made with thinly rolled puff pastry filled with apples, raisins, and almonds. It's often served with cream or warm vanilla sauce.

- Vienna Sausage: A staple street food in Vienna, this slow-smoked sausage is served with white bread, dark sourdough, or a side of mustard and horseradish.

- Knödel: These dumplings can be sweet or savoury and are often served in a warm broth or with sauerkraut.

- Tafelspitz: A traditional dish of gently boiled beef in a flavourful broth with root vegetables and spices, usually served with horseradish and minced apples.

- Tiroler Gröstl: A cosy, filling dish from the Tyrol region, made with sliced potatoes, onions, and beef or pork fried in butter. It's often topped with a fried egg.

- Erdäpfelsalat: A simple, classic Austrian potato salad found on the side of a plate or as a light meal. It's made with boiled potatoes and sliced onions in a tangy vinegar, oil, and mustard dressing.

Cheap eats in Vienna

Austria's capital, Vienna, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city offers a range of dining options to suit every budget. Here are some tips for cheap eats in Vienna:

Street Food and Fast Food

Street food and fast food are great options for budget-friendly meals in Vienna. You can find delicious options such as kebabs, Asian noodles, and Hungarian Langos (churros dough in cake form) at various street stalls and vendors. The prices for these meals typically range from $5 to $10.

Budget Restaurants

Budget restaurants in Vienna offer tasty meals at affordable prices, usually costing around $10 to $15 per person. Some recommended budget-friendly eateries in Vienna include:

• Pizzeria Mafiosi: Features colossal pizzas at great prices, with options ranging from €3.20 to €5.60.
• Pizzeria Vesuvio da Mario: Located on the same street as Pizzeria Mafiosi, this authentic Italian restaurant offers pizzas loaded with local ingredients. A pizza can feed two to three people and costs around €15.
• Pakistani Restaurant: This pay-as-you-wish restaurant offers a free buffet with 7-8 dishes, including a delicious semolina rice pudding dessert called "Suji Halwa."
• Sen Grill: Located near the U2 stop at Taborstrasse, Sen Grill offers daily menus with reasonable prices and generous portions. Students can get a kebab, soft drink, and three sauces for just €3.50.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets in Vienna provide an excellent opportunity to save money on food. Some popular supermarket chains in Austria include Hofer, Billa, Spar, Lidl, and Penny. Spar is particularly recommended for its wide assortment of products. You can find sandwiches, cold drinks, and other snacks to enjoy during your explorations of the city.

Traditional Austrian Dishes

Some traditional Austrian dishes that you can enjoy on a budget include:

• Wiener Schnitzel: A classic Austrian dish of fried breaded veal or pork, typically served with fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions. It is widely available, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, and usually costs around $10 to $20.
• Apfelstrudel: This sweet, crusty pastry filled with apples, cinnamon, and sugar is a beloved Austrian treat. You can find it at cafes and as street food for a reasonable price.
• Gulasch: A hearty and spicy stew that is a long-standing part of Austrian food culture. It comes in many varieties, and the potato gulasch is a popular option in homes across Austria.

Free Attractions

Vienna also offers a range of free or low-cost attractions to enjoy while you're saving money on food:

• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
• Belvedere Gardens
• Walking tours of the city
• Exploring the charming streets of Vienna's Old Town
• Strolling along the Danube River

Budgeting tips for eating out in Austria

Austria is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. While planning a trip to Austria can be exciting, it's important to consider the costs. Here are some budgeting tips to help you save money on food and drinks without sacrificing quality:

• Opt for budget-friendly restaurants: In Austria, you can find a range of dining options to suit every budget. Budget restaurants offer delicious meals for around $10 to $15 per person. Some cheap eats include pancake soup (frittatensuppe), goulash, and worst with bread or pretzels on the side.
• Explore street food and convenience stores: If you're looking for even more affordable options, explore street food stalls and convenience stores. You can find meals for as little as $5 to $10, and they're a great way to experience local flavours.
• Buy groceries: Cooking your own meals can be significantly cheaper than eating out. Visit local supermarkets like Hofer, Billa, Spar, Lidl, and Penny for groceries. A normal meal in an inexpensive restaurant is typically between €9 and €15, but you can cook your own meals for much less.
• Take advantage of free food: Some attractions and activities in Austria include free food or drinks. For example, the price of admission to the Mauthausen Memorial includes free food and drinks.
• Look for special deals: Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions at restaurants. Many eateries offer deals on certain days of the week or during happy hours. You can also find affordable set menus at some restaurants, which can be a great way to save money.
• Buy alcohol at supermarkets or gas stations: Alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants can be expensive. To save money, buy beer, wine, or spirits from supermarkets or gas stations, where they're usually much cheaper.
• Bring your own water bottle: Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it up at water fountains or from the tap. This will not only save you money but also help reduce plastic waste.
• Book accommodation with kitchen facilities: If you plan to cook your own meals, look for accommodation with kitchen facilities. This can include hostels, guesthouses, or rental apartments with kitchens or kitchenettes. That way, you can prepare your own meals and save on restaurant costs.
• Eat at non-touristy locations: Restaurants in popular tourist areas tend to be more expensive. To find cheaper options, explore areas that are less frequented by tourists. You'll often discover delicious local cuisine at more affordable prices.
• Avoid dining at peak hours: Many restaurants offer lunch specials or early bird discounts. Take advantage of these deals by dining during off-peak hours. You'll not only save money but also enjoy less crowded restaurants.
• Share meals: Portion sizes in Austria can sometimes be generous. If you're travelling with a companion, consider sharing a meal or ordering a few dishes to share. This way, you can save money and avoid food waste.

Street food in Austria

Austria is a paradise for foodies, with its delicious delicacies and rich culinary history. The country offers a wide range of flavoursome dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. Here is a guide to some of the best street food options to try when visiting Austria:

Wiener Schnitzel

The Wiener Schnitzel is synonymous with Austrian cooking and is considered one of the country's national dishes. This breaded and fried veal cutlet is simple yet satisfying, typically served with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream and onions. You can find Wiener Schnitzel at street food stalls, pubs and high-end restaurants across Austria.

Vienna Sausage

The Vienna sausage is a staple street food in the country and can be easily spotted at sausage stands throughout Vienna. This slow-smoked sausage is made from a blend of pork and beef, parboiled and then smoked at low temperatures. It is often served in a hot bun with mustard and horseradish, or used in other dishes such as noodles.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel is a traditional Viennese dessert that can be found all over Austria. This flaky pastry is filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon and sugar, and is typically served with cream or warm vanilla sauce. It is a sweet and indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a unique sweet pancake that is said to have been a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph I. This fluffy, torn pancake is cut into pieces and topped with icing sugar, usually served with stewed plums or a fruit compote. It is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Käsekrainer

The Käsekrainer is a legendary Austrian street food that can be found at Würstelstand, or sausage stands. This sausage is filled with small cubes of cheese and is often enjoyed as a late-night snack. It is a perfect choice for cheese lovers looking for a hearty and indulgent treat.

Brettljause

Brettljause is the ultimate Austrian snack platter, featuring a variety of meats and cheeses laid out on a wooden board. This hearty dish often includes pork-based meats, a selection of Austrian cheeses, vegetables, eggs and sometimes black pudding. It is a popular choice in taverns and rural spots and is perfect for sharing.

In addition to these classic street food options, Austria also offers a variety of seasonal treats. For example, during the summer months, you will find an abundance of apricot-based dishes, such as apricot dumplings or apricot-filled pastries. In the winter, you might try Martinigansl, a festive dish of roasted goose filled with dried plums and chestnuts, traditionally enjoyed on St. Martin's Day.

Austria's street food offers a delightful mix of flavours, colours and textures, reflecting the country's rich cultural and culinary history. Whether you're looking for a quick bite at a street stand or a cosy meal in a tavern, these street food options are sure to satisfy your cravings and provide an authentic taste of Austria.

Cheap restaurants in Austria

Austria is known for its rich, meat-heavy cuisine, with traditional dishes rooted in carb-laden fuel for mountain toil and imperial legacy. However, it is also possible to eat on a budget in Austrian cities. Here are some cheap restaurant recommendations for those visiting Austria:

Vienna

• Mafiosi – an Italian restaurant with colossal pizzas ranging from 3.20 euros to 5.60 euros.
• Pizzeria Vesuvio da Mario – an Indian-owned Italian restaurant with pizzas for around 15 euros for two people.
• Koi – an Asian buffet where you can eat for 10 euros at lunchtime.
• Café Gagarin – a pay-what-you-wish restaurant with a mostly vegetarian menu.
• Sen Grill – a kebab restaurant with student deals, where a kebab and a can of soft drink cost 3.50 euros.
• Würstelstand LEO – Vienna's longest-standing street food establishment, in operation since 1928.
• Naschmarkt – one of Vienna's largest markets, with around 120 food stalls.
• Buxbaum Restaurant – a modern take on the traditional inn, serving refined Austrian cuisine with contemporary accents.
• Schreiners Gastwirtschaft – a peaceful oasis, featuring a charming garden, reliably good local cuisine and a cosy atmosphere.
• Plachutta – a legendary Viennese institution, serving top-notch Viennese cuisine, including Tafelspitz.
• Griechenbeisl – Vienna's oldest restaurant, serving traditional food since 1447.
• Figlmüller – the proclaimed inventor of the Wiener Schnitzel, first served here in 1905.
• Café Sacher – a red-velvet-upholstered café where you can try the Sacher Torte (glazed chocolate cake with apricot jam).
• Café Central – a vaulted, gilded café that was once the elite meeting place of poets, philosophers and revolutionaries.
• Motto am Fluss – a restaurant located on the lively Danube Canal, serving contemporary international dishes with an Austrian focus.
• Klee am Hanslteich – a restaurant in a wooded ambience next to a tranquil pond, serving Austrian classics and light Mediterranean dishes.
• Pfudl – a restaurant serving Powidltascherl (plum jam turnovers).
• Trześniewski – a restaurant serving Belegte Brote (open sandwiches).

Salzburg

• Glass Garden – a hilltop à la carte restaurant at Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, featuring a vegan menu.
• Grünmarkt – a market with fruit, vegetable and flower stalls.

Innsbruck

Gasthof Weisses Rossl – a restaurant serving Tiroler Gröstl.

Graz

• Kaiser Josef Markt – a market with fruit, vegetable and flower stalls.
• Backhendl – a classic fried chicken dish.

Cheap food in Austria's cities

Austria is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. The country offers a range of dining options to suit every budget, from street food and fast food to mid-range and luxury restaurants. Here are some tips for finding cheap food in Austria's cities:

• Vienna is known for its high-quality, yet affordable, street food. You can find delicious kebabs for around 3.50 euros, and there are also pay-as-you-wish restaurants serving Pakistani and Austrian cuisine. For pizza lovers, Pizzeria Mafiosi offers colossal pizzas ranging from 3.20 euros to 5.60 euros. Another great option is Pizzeria Vesuvio da Mario, where you can enjoy authentic Italian pizza for about 15 euros for two people.
• Salzburg is a beautiful city with charming restaurants serving local specialties. While dining out in Salzburg can be expensive, there are budget-friendly options available. A typical meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost between 9 and 15 euros, and you can find delicious street food and convenience store meals for even less.
• Innsbruck is known for its hearty and filling food, perfect for a cold winter day. The city offers cafes and restaurants in the old town serving traditional dishes such as käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're looking for something lighter, there are also ethnic restaurants outside of the old town.
• Graz has a focus on sustainable dining, with many restaurants using a farm-to-table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued, and it's worth trying the classic fried chicken dish, backhendl.
• Linz is a stunning Austrian city with countless pastel buildings and reasonable restaurants. It's a great place to find budget-friendly meals, and you can also explore the Burgruine Schaunberg castle ruins for free.
• Melk is home to the Melk Abbey, a popular tourist destination for its famous library and elaborate Baroque architecture. However, there are numerous other monasteries around Austria, such as St. Florian Abbey, which offer similar sights at cheaper prices.
• St. Gilgen is a great alternative to the more expensive town of Hallstatt. Here, you can find affordable accommodations and food options without compromising on the beautiful scenery.

In addition to these cities, it's worth mentioning that Austria has several supermarket chains, including Hofer, Billa, Spar, Lidl, and Penny, where you can find affordable food options. Spar, in particular, offers a wide assortment of products at reasonable prices.

Frequently asked questions