Lunchtime In Austria: Traditional Meals And Modern Favorites

Austrian food is heavily influenced by the country's neighbouring countries in Central Europe, particularly Hungary, Bavaria, Bohemia and Northern Italy. The country's culinary offerings are also marked by rich flavours and dominated by meats and carb-dense foods like pastries and breads.

The midday meal was traditionally the main meal of the day, but with longer working hours, the main meal is now often taken in the evening.

- Wiener Schnitzel: A thin veal cutlet that's breaded and then pan-fried in butter or oil, usually served with a simple salad, Austrian potato salad, steamed potatoes or French fries.

- Goulash: A hearty beef stew seasoned with tomatoes, onion, and paprika, often served with dumplings.

- Tafelspitz: A simple dish of boiled beef or veal, typically served with seasonal vegetables, applesauce, or horseradish.

- Wiener Würstels (Vienna Sausages): Made from both beef and pork, these sausages are traditionally encased in sheep's intestine and smoked at a low temperature.

- Kaiserschmarrn: A light, caramelized fluff pancake that can be found throughout Austria, often served with a fruit compote.

- Sachertorte: A rich, layered chocolate cake with an apricot jam centre, topped with chocolate icing and served with whipped cream.

- Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel): A delicate pastry filled with apples, sugar, raisins, lemon, rum, cinnamon, and cloves, often garnished with breadcrumbs mixed with nuts and dusted with powdered sugar.

- Erdäpfelsalat (Austrian-style Potato Salad): Prepared with white wine vinegar, mustard, red onions, chives, and a dash of salt and pepper, and sometimes chicken or meat stock.

Austrian sausages

Sausages are a common feature of Austrian cuisine, and Vienna is dotted with sausage stands (known as Würstelstand). The two most popular sausages are the Frankfurter and Käsekrainer.

The Frankfurter is the workhorse of the Würstelstand. It is cooked in water or broth and then served in a roll with mustard and ketchup. It is also sometimes available in a turkey meat variety.

The Käsekrainer is a coarser sausage with bits of cheese in it. When fried, the cheese melts and often oozes out to form a crust across the sausage's surface. It is usually delivered pre-sliced, as slicing it yourself may cause melted cheese to spurt out in a manner that may be unsafe. The Käsekrainer is seasoned with pepper, garlic and onion, and is a fairly mild sausage with a rich, creamy flavour.

Other varieties of sausage available in Austria include the Debreziner (of Hungarian origin), Burenwurst, Blunzn (made from pig blood), and Grüne Würstl (green sausages). The latter are air-dried and consumed boiled; the "green" refers to the fact that they are raw.

In addition to the sausages themselves, there are several traditional Austrian accompaniments. These include:

• Ketchup
• Kren (horseradish)
• Gurkerl / Essiggurke (gherkin)
• Pfefferoni (a chilli pepper, but not usually very spicy)
• Brot (a slice of dark bread)
• Semmel (a white bread roll)
• Pommes (chips/fries)

Austrian street food

Wiener Schnitzel : This is one of Austria's national dishes and is made from a thin veal cutlet that is breaded and pan-fried in butter or oil. It is often served with a simple salad, Austrian potato salad, steamed potatoes, or French fries. You can find Wiener Schnitzel at casual sit-down restaurants, street food stalls, and even high-end eateries.

Viennese Sausage : These sausages are traditionally made from a combination of beef and pork and are served in a hot bun or with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions. They are a common feature at street food stands and are perfect for a quick, tasty meal.

Apple Strudel : Apple strudel is a delicate pastry filled with apples, sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and cloves. It is often garnished with breadcrumbs and nuts, then dusted with powdered sugar. You can find apple strudel at bakeries, cafes, and restaurants, and it pairs perfectly with Viennese coffee or black tea.

Powidltascherl (Plum Jam Turnovers) : These turnovers are made with a potato dough and filled with plum jam, rum, or plum schnapps. They are then topped with breadcrumbs, butter, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can find them at traditional cafes and restaurants, as well as some local bakeries.

Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Wraps : While not traditionally Austrian, these international fast-food options have been given a delicious twist by Austrian street food vendors. You can find unique and creative versions of these classics at food trucks and stands throughout Austria.

In addition to these options, Austria also has a variety of sweet treats and desserts available at street food markets and festivals. These include chocolate-covered fruit, crêpes, ice cream, and various types of cakes and pastries.

Austrian snacks

Austrians love their snacks, and there are plenty of options to choose from! Here are some of the most popular Austrian snacks:

Belegte Brote

Open-faced sandwiches, usually served as a weekday lunch or snack, are a common sight in Austria. The most traditional toppings are herring, chicken liver, and egg, but you can now find a variety of creative options. These sandwiches are typically small, making them perfect for a light bite.

Wiener Würstels

Also known as Vienna sausages, these are a must-try when in Austria. Wiener Würstels are made from both beef and pork and are often served at sausage stands with a cold beer and spicy mustard. They're a great snack to grab on the go and can be found just about everywhere in Vienna.

Käsekrainer

This grilled sausage is similar to a kielbasa and is a popular street food item in Austria. It's typically made with beef and pork and served with mustard and grated horseradish. For an extra indulgent treat, try the Käsekrainer, which is stuffed with cheese.

Leberkäse

Leberkäse is a type of pressed meat, similar in consistency to SPAM, that can be found at most sausage stands. It's made from pork and is usually sliced and placed on a roll with mustard or ketchup.

Bosna

If you're looking for something with a kick, try the Bosna. It's a spiced bratwurst served in a hot dog roll, and it's an integral part of the menu at Austrian fast-food restaurants.

Verhackert

Verhackert is a specialty spread from Styria, made of finely chopped, smoked bacon, and seasoned with garlic, onion, and various spices. It's commonly enjoyed on bread or as part of a "Brettljause" (platter of cold cuts).

Kastanien

Roasted chestnuts are a beloved autumn treat in southern Austria. They pair perfectly with a Sturm, a beverage made from the first press of the season's grapes.

Grammelschmalz

This spread is made from greaves (unmeltable residue left after animal fat rendering) mixed with lard. While it may not sound appealing to everyone, it's a traditional Austrian snack that's worth trying when visiting the country.

Manner Wien

Manner Wien is a well-known Austrian wafer snack. These light and airy wafers are filled with chocolate and are a favourite treat for locals and visitors alike.

Mozartkugel

Originating in Salzburg, Mozartkugel are small, round confections made of pistachio marzipan and nougat, covered in dark chocolate. They were named after the famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and are a must-try for any sweet tooth.

Zotter Chocolate

For the chocoholics out there, Zotter Chocolate in eastern Styria offers a unique and delicious experience. They source beans from around the world and are committed to fair-trade practices, making their chocolate not only delicious but also ethically enjoyable.

Austrian desserts

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is one of the most famous Austrian desserts. It consists of layers of thin pastry filled with thinly-sliced apples, butter, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins. It is typically garnished with breadcrumbs and nuts, then dusted with powdered sugar. It is often served with Viennese coffee or black tea.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a rich, fluffy pancake made with raisins and other fruits. It is torn into pieces and served with a fruit compote, traditionally made of stewed plums. It is named after the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, who was particularly fond of this dessert.

Sachertorte

Sachertorte is a dense, chocolate sponge cake with thin layers of apricot jam and a semi-firm chocolate icing. It is typically served with a Viennese "melange" coffee or spicy black tea.

Palatschinken

Palatschinken are Austrian crepes or thin pancakes that can be served with sweet or savoury fillings. They are often filled with apricot jam and rolled, then topped with powdered sugar.

Buchteln

Buchteln is a Bohemian-influenced dessert, consisting of sweet yeast buns filled with jam, ground poppy seeds, or sweet curds. They are baked until the tops are browned and crunchy, while the insides remain airy and spongy. They are usually served warm with vanilla sauce or a dusting of sugar.

Kardinalschnitte

Kardinalschnitte is a meringue-based dessert that is common in Vienna. It features layers of white and gold, representing the colours of the Catholic Church. It consists of thick cream on the inside and interlaced walls of cornmeal butter, topped with coffee flavouring and fresh berries.

Mozartkugel

Mozartkugel, or Mozart balls, are small, round confections made of pistachio marzipan and nougat, covered in dark chocolate. They originate from Salzburg and are named after the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Austrian drinks

Austria has a wide variety of drinks, from hot drinks to alcoholic beverages. Here is an overview of some popular Austrian drinks:

Hot Drinks

Austria's bitter cold winters call for a range of hot drinks to warm up. The country has an extensive menu of hot beverages that are perfect for chilly months and delight the taste buds.

Coffee

Coffee holds a significant cultural value in Austria, with café culture being an integral part of Austrian life since the 17th century. Vienna, in particular, boasts some of the oldest and most decadent coffeehouses in Europe. These grand cafés, often adorned with elegant decor, offer an extensive menu of specialty coffees. Austrians enjoy sipping coffee with friends at any time of the day, not just for breakfast.

Some popular specialty coffees in Austria include:

• Viennese Einspänner: espresso topped with whipped cream
• Melange: espresso with half steamed milk, served in a large glass with milk froth
• Verlängerter (Café Americano): small espresso with hot water, usually served with milk
• Kaffee Verkehrt (Latte Macchiato): more milk than coffee, served in a high glass
• Mozart Café: double espresso with whipped cream, served with sherry brandy on the side
• Fiaker: includes a shot of Austrian rum and whipped cream

In addition to these fancy creations, Austrians also enjoy their coffee with a Kleiner Brauner or Großer Brauner, which is a single or double espresso shot served with a small pot of coffee cream.

Tea

While tea is not as widely consumed as coffee in Austria, it has gained popularity over the years. New varieties and specialties, such as Rooibos, Pu Erh, and Matcha, have entered the market, contributing to the growing demand for tea in the country.

Hot Chocolate

Austria's love for chocolate extends to its hot chocolate drinks, especially during the winter. Many coffeehouses in Vienna offer rich hot chocolate made with locally made chocolate bars, allowing customers to choose their preferred type of chocolate and toppings, such as whipped cream, grated chocolate sprinkles, or a cinnamon stick.

Soft Drinks

Austria has its own unique selection of soft drinks, although globally known brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are also available.

Almdudler

Almdudler is one of Austria's most popular soft drinks, inspired by the expression "auf der Alm dudeln," meaning "yodeling on the meadows." It is a carbonated soda made with elderberry extract and can be enjoyed sweetened, light, uncarbonated, or mixed with soda water to create a spritz. Almdudler is also mixed with beer to make an Almradler or with wine for a refreshing summer spritz.

Lattella

Lattella is a popular Austrian fruit juice brand that contains whey, providing essential nutrients like vitamins, proteins, and minerals. It is available in various flavours and can be enjoyed any time of the day. Adults can also use it for mixing cocktails.

Frucade and Pago

Frucade is an orange-flavoured lemonade, while Pago offers a wide range of flavours—a total of 39!

Kracherl

Kracherl is a lemon or raspberry-flavoured soda.

Energy Drinks

Austria is home to several energy drink brands, most famously Red Bull, which was founded in the country before becoming a global phenomenon. Other popular Austrian energy drink brands include Blue Ox, Dark Dog, and Power Horse.

Alcoholic Drinks

Austria has a vibrant drinking culture, with a variety of alcoholic beverages to choose from.

Beer

Austria has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to the 14th century. The country currently boasts the highest density of breweries in Europe, with 298 active breweries producing a diverse range of beers. The most popular types of beer in Austria are pale lager, naturally cloudy Zwicklbier, and wheat beer. At festivals, one can also find larger sizes like the one-litre Maß and two-litre Doppelmaß in the Bavarian style.

Wine

Austria produces some of the finest wines in the world, with a history of winemaking stretching back to 700 BC. The country's diverse climate and fertile soils create ideal conditions for winemaking. The east of Austria, particularly Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, and Vienna, are the most important wine-producing regions.

Austrian wines are known for their dry white wines, often made from the Grüner Veltliner grape. However, the country also produces sweeter varieties, such as dessert wine, as well as international grapes like Riesling.

A unique Austrian creation is the Kaiserspritzer, a white wine spritzer made by mixing white wine with sparkling water or soda water, sometimes with added elderberry syrup or fruit cordial. Another popular summer drink is the Hugo Cocktail, a variation of the Kaiserspritzer with a less sweet flavour profile.

Schnaps

Schnaps, distilled spirits made from various fruits, is a national treasure in Austria. These drinks, with alcohol content usually above 30%, are typically enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.

Seasonal Drinks

Austria has some special hot alcoholic drinks perfect for the winter season, such as Glühwein (mulled wine) and Jägertee (black tea with rum and festive spices).

Frequently asked questions