Austria's Culinary Delights: Traditional Foods You Must Try

Austrian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's past as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The country's national dish is considered to be Tafelspitz, a tender, slow-cooked beef dish served in a broth of root vegetables, horseradish, and minced apples. However, the country's most famous dish is arguably Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet.

Austria's culinary traditions vary across the country, with Vienna and Salzburg being particularly well-known for their food scenes. The country's mountainous regions also have their own specialties, such as Tiroler Gröstl, a filling dish of sliced potatoes, onions, and beef or pork, fried in butter.

Austria is also known for its baked goods, pastries, and cakes, including the Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam and a chocolate glaze, and the Linzer Torte, an almond flour cake with cinnamon, cloves, and currant or cherry jam.

Wiener Schnitzel

To make Wiener Schnitzel from scratch, the veal must be thinly pounded, dredged in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried, traditionally in lard or clarified butter. The meat should be tenderised by pounding it with a mallet or meat tenderiser until it is thinner than your pinky. It should then be seasoned with salt and pepper, before being dipped in egg and coated in breadcrumbs. The cutlet can then be fried in hot butter or oil for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown.

Austrian Dumplings

One type of Austrian dumpling, Tiroler Speckknödel, is made with leftover cubes of bread that are formed into dumplings with Speck (a type of dry-cured, lightly smoked ham), herbs, and spices. The bread is cut into small cubes, softened with hot milk, and then kneaded with a mixture of onions, Speck, parsley, flour, salt, and nutmeg. The dough is then formed into small balls and simmered in water until they float to the top.

Another type of Austrian dumpling is egg dumplings, or Eiernockerl. These dumplings are similar to Italian gnocchi and are made with a soft pasta dough that is stirred together in a bowl. The batter is then spooned into simmering saltwater and cooked for 1-2 minutes. After being removed from the water, the dumplings are pan-fried in butter, and eggs are cracked over them and stirred until cooked.

Goulash

In the United States, a quick and easy version of goulash has become popular. Known as American Goulash or American Chop Suey, it is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs, and elbow macaroni noodles. This version is usually cooked in one pot, with the pasta cooked directly in the goulash. This allows the pasta to absorb all the flavours of the beef and tomato while releasing starch into the stew, making it thicker and heartier.

Austrian Sweets

Austria's sweets and desserts are a delightful mix of cakes, pastries, doughnuts, and pancakes. Many of these treats are served with a generous dusting of icing sugar or cinnamon and sugar, and often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of vanilla sauce.

One of the most famous Austrian desserts is the Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel. This scrumptious dessert dates back to 1697 and consists of thin layers of flaky pastry filled with cinnamon-infused sliced apples, raisins, and nuts. It is typically served warm with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or vanilla sauce.

Another classic Austrian dessert is Kaiserschmarrn, a sweet, fluffy pancake named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was particularly fond of it. The pancake is cut into big, torn pieces and topped with icing sugar. It is often served with stewed plums or a fruity compote, creating a perfect blend of sweetness and texture.

The Sachertorte, or Sacher cake, is another iconic Austrian sweet. This dense chocolate cake was first created in 1832 by a 16-year-old apprentice chef named Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich. It is filled with a layer of apricot jam and covered with a glossy chocolate glaze. The original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to the skilled confectioners at Hotel Sacher in Vienna.

Linzertorte is yet another famous Austrian dessert. It is an almond flour cake with cinnamon, cloves, and currant or cherry jam, usually topped with a lattice pastry. Named after the Austrian city of Linz, it is considered the oldest cake in the world and a true Austrian classic.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are also Kiachl, a type of doughnut pastry fried in lard to a crispy, golden finish. They are filled with cranberry jam and dusted with icing sugar. They can be enjoyed as a savoury treat with sauerkraut or as a sweet dessert.

Lastly, Strauben, a traditional Austrian funnel cake, offers a unique twist with its mix of flour, egg yolks, salt, and a splash of white wine. The batter is creatively poured to create whimsical, curly shapes before being fried to a golden brown. These treats are then dusted with powdered sugar and served with tart cranberry jam.

Austrian Drinks

Austria's drinks scene is as vibrant as its food culture. Here is an overview of some popular Austrian drinks:

Coffee

Coffee is a staple drink in Austria, and it is served in countless styles, always accompanied by a glass of water. Vienna, in particular, is famous for its coffeehouse culture, with cafes offering a wide range of coffee preparations.

Beer

Austria has a robust beer culture, with local breweries scattered across the country. Popular Austrian beer brands include Stiegl, Ottakringer, Egger Bier, and Zillertal Bier. The village of Zell am Ziller is renowned for its traditional beer-making process, allowing the brew to age for at least eight weeks to achieve perfection. The Märzen beers are also worth noting, especially the Austrian version, which is light yet flavourful and refreshing.

Wine

Austria has a diverse selection of wines, particularly white wines that complement the country's cuisine well. The country's signature grape variety, Grüner Veltliner, is a versatile wine that pairs well with many traditional Austrian dishes. The eastern part of the country, including regions like Wachau, is known for producing exquisite Riesling and Veltliner wines.

Almdudler

If you're looking for something uniquely Austrian, try Almdudler, a soft drink with flavours of alpine herbs. It is considered the national beverage of Austria and is a refreshing choice.

Sturm

When in season, you might want to try Sturm, a partially fermented new wine with a stronger alcoholic kick than its flavour might suggest.

Austrian Spirits

Austria also has its own spirits, including fruit brandies made from apricots, pears, and rowanberries. These brandies are often enjoyed as digestifs after a hearty meal.

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