Austrian Cuisine: Hearty, Meaty, And Sweet Delights

Austrian cuisine is a melting pot of culinary influences from its neighbouring countries, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary. The country's rich history as a multinational empire has resulted in a diverse range of dishes that attract millions of tourists each year. From the legendary Wiener Schnitzel to the sweet Sachertorte, Austrian food offers a unique blend of flavours, colours, and textures that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. So, get ready to take your taste buds on an Austrian adventure as we explore the mouth-watering dishes this country has to offer!

Austrian meat dishes

Austrian cuisine is a result of its history as a multi-national empire, where different cultures contributed their own nuances. The most popular meats in Austria are beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and goose. Austrian butchers use a number of special cuts of meat, including Tafelspitz (beef) and Fledermaus (pork).

Fledermaus, which means "bat" in German, is a cut of pork from the ham bone that resembles the winged animal. It is described as "very juicy, somewhat fatty, and crossed by tendons", making it suitable for steaming, braising, or frying after tenderization in a marinade. Krautfleisch or Szegediner Krautfleisch is another Austrian meat dish, a ragout prepared from pork and Sauerkraut. Krautspatzle is a dish consisting mainly of small noodles (spatzle) and cabbage. Krautspatzle's vegetarian cousin, the faschtnknödel, is made without meat during Lent.

Wiener Schnitzel, which translates to 'Viennese cutlet' in German, is one of Austria's most important national dishes. It is traditionally made of veal, but variations include pork and turkey. To create it, thin cutlets of meat are lightly coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried in butter or lard until golden brown. These are then served with a wedge of lemon and a side of potato salad, cucumber salad, or French fries.

Tafelspitz is another Austrian national dish consisting of beef or veal boiled in broth and served with a mix of apple sauce or minced apples with horseradish. It is prepared by simmering meat, root vegetables, bones, and spices in water. Once the boiled beef becomes fall-apart tender, it is served with apple sauce and either horseradish or sour cream with chives.

Austrian baked goods

Austrian cuisine is rich and varied, influenced by the country's history as a multi-national empire. Austrian baked goods are a well-known feature of its culinary repertoire, with complex cakes and pastries that are often difficult to make.

One of the most famous Austrian cakes is the Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam filling, traditionally served with whipped cream. The Sachertorte is said to have a cult following and is incredibly rich and indulgent. Another famous cake is the Linzer Torte, which is one of the cakes with the longest tradition in Austria. It often takes the form of a Linzer cookie—a buttery biscuit filled with raspberry jam. Other popular cakes include the caramel-flavoured Dobostorte and the delicately layered Esterhazy Torte, named in honour of Prince Esterházy. Both of these cakes originated in Hungary during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Kardinalschnitte is another layered dessert, this time meringue-based, that is common in Vienna. It consists of thick cream on the inside and interlaced walls of cornmeal butter, with its name and colours (white and gold) referencing the Catholic Church.

Austrian pastries also include the Punschkrapfen, a cake filled with cake crumbs, nougat chocolate, and apricot jam, soaked with rum. Dampfnudlen is another Austrian sweet—a sweet dumpling made with yeast and filled with plum jam, served with warm vanilla custard. The Tirolerkuchen is a hazelnut and chocolate coffee cake, while the Mohr im Hemd is a steamed cake, which has evolved from a chocolate custard.

Austrian desserts

Austrian cuisine is known for its delicious cakes and pastries, with the Sachertorte being perhaps the most famous. This chocolate cake with apricot jam is traditionally eaten with whipped cream and is a must-try when visiting Austria. The Esterhazy Torte, a delicate layered cake originating from Hungary during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is another favourite. The Dobostorte, with its caramel flavour, and the Linzer Torte, which has a long tradition, are also popular. The Kardinalschnitte, a meringue-based dessert common in Vienna, is a layered dessert with white and gold colours, synonymous with the Catholic Church. It consists of thick cream on the inside and interlaced walls of cornmeal butter.

Austrian pastries are also renowned, with the Punschkrapfen being a classic. This pastry is filled with cake crumbs, nougat chocolate and apricot jam, then soaked in rum. The Tirolerkuchen is a hazelnut and chocolate coffee cake, while the Mohr im Hemd has evolved from a chocolate custard to a steamed cake. Austrian pastries are typically complex and challenging to prepare.

The Apfelstrudel is another well-known Austrian dessert, featuring a flaky pastry filled with sweet and tangy apples and served with powdered sugar. For a less sweet option, the Apple Walnut Salad highlights the apple flavour, and the Dutch Apple Pie offers a different texture. The traditional Austrian funnel cake, Strauben, is a unique treat made with a simple batter of flour, eggs and milk, which is poured and fried to create whimsical, curly shapes. It is then dusted with powdered sugar and served with cranberry jam.

Pretzels are an integral part of Austrian cuisine, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. These oversized, soft, and warm treats are widely available as a snack and can be enjoyed with either a classic salted variety or filled with cheese or chocolate for a more adventurous option.

Austrian drinks

Austria has a rich drinking culture, with a variety of beverages to discover. Coffee is a staple drink in the country, with 92% of Austrians drinking it daily. The country's coffeehouses, known as Kaffeehäuser, are an integral part of Austrian social life, with their elegant decor and extensive menus of specialty coffees. The Austrian Mokka or kleiner Schwarzer is a popular choice, similar to an espresso but extracted more slowly.

Tea is also widely consumed in Austria, with a third of Austrians drinking it daily. The country has seen a growing trend in tea consumption since the 1990s, with new varieties entering the market, including herbal and fruit infusions, as well as black and green teas.

Wine is another important beverage in Austrian culture, with Lower Austria being particularly known for its wine regions. Sturm, or fermenting grape juice, is a popular drink during the harvest season in September and October. It is made from white or red grapes and has an alcohol content, setting it apart from regular grape juice. Austrian wine law stipulates that wine can only be sold between August 1 and December 31 and must have a minimum alcohol content of 1%. Spritzer, or G'spritzter, is a classic Austrian summer drink made with white wine and soda or sparkling mineral water, sometimes with added syrup for sweetness. Red wine can also be used, as in the popular Aperol Spritz.

Beer is also a common drink in Austria, with Radler being a popular choice during the summer. This mixed drink typically combines beer with lemonade or Almdudler, a soft drink inspired by the flavours of Alpine meadowland herbs.

Austria also has its own unique take on cocktails, with the Hugo being a refreshing summer alternative to the Aperol Spritz. It is made with prosecco, elderflower syrup, fresh mint, soda water, and lime. During the colder months, Austrians enjoy Glühwein (mulled wine) and Punsch, a mixture of fruit juice or tea with spices and liquor. Jagertee, a mix of black tea and rum, is another drink to warm up with, and a shot of schnapps is often taken after a meal to aid digestion.

Austrian street food

Austrian cuisine is a result of the country's history as a multinational empire, with many different cultures contributing their own nuances. Austrian street food is no exception, offering a variety of traditional and international dishes to tantalise the taste buds of locals and tourists alike.

One of the most iconic Austrian street foods is the Bosna or Bosner, a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll. This delicious sausage stand staple reflects the country's love for meat, especially pork, which features prominently in Austrian cuisine. Other popular street food options include the classic Wiener Schnitzel, traditionally made with veal, and Krautfleisch, a ragout prepared with pork and sauerkraut.

For those with a sweet tooth, Austrian street food also offers an array of mouth-watering desserts. The Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam filling, is a must-try. Other traditional treats include the Esterhazy Torte, named after Prince Esterházy, and the Kardinalschnitte, a meringue-based dessert common in Vienna, with layers of cornmeal butter and thick cream.

In addition to these classic options, Austrian street food festivals and events showcase an array of international flavours. From juicy burgers to exotic dishes like Pulled Pork Burger in South American and African styles, visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights from food trucks and trailers.

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