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Austrian cuisine is a rich tapestry of hearty dishes, sweet pastries, and comforting soups. It is a cuisine that is deeply rooted in the traditions of Central Europe, with influences from Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Austrian dishes are known for their robust flavours, generous use of meats and root vegetables, and a wide array of decadent desserts. From the iconic Wiener Schnitzel to the sweet Apfelstrudel, Austrian cuisine offers a culinary journey that is both comforting and indulgent. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and traditional dishes that Austria has to offer.
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Austrian national dishes
Austrian cuisine is known for its rich, hearty dishes, sweet pastries, and comforting soups. It is heavily influenced by the cuisines of Central Europe, particularly Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Meat and root vegetables feature heavily, and Austrian dishes are known for their robust flavours.
One of the most well-known Austrian national dishes is Wiener Schnitzel, or Vienna Schnitzel. This dish consists of a thin slice of veal that is breaded and fried. It is often served with a side of German potato salad, parsley potatoes, or cranberries, or in a bun as a casual lunch. Another variation uses pork, which offers a slightly different flavour profile.
Goulash, or Saftgulasch, is another popular Austrian dish. It is a juicy stew made with tender chunks of beef, onions, and a blend of paprika and other spices. It is slow-cooked for at least three hours, resulting in a thick, dark brown sauce. Goulash is often served as a hearty stew, perfect for cold weather.
Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is a classic Austrian dessert. It is a flaky pastry filled with a sweet and tangy apple filling, often served with a dusting of powdered sugar. It is a popular street food and can be found all over Austria.
Other notable Austrian dishes include Tafelspitz, a traditional dish of boiled beef in broth served with minced apples and horseradish; Käsespätzle, an Austrian version of mac n' cheese made with soft egg noodles and melted mountain cheeses; and Tiroler Gröstl, a pan-fried dish of potato, beef or pork, butter, and onion, often topped with a fried egg.
Austria also has a variety of sausages, such as the Vienna Sausage, which is a staple street food, and the Bosna or Bosner, a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll.
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Austrian street food
Austria has a vibrant street food scene, with a variety of dishes available that showcase the country's culinary traditions. One iconic example is the Würstelstand, a veteran of Vienna's street food landscape, dating back to 1928. The Käsekrainer, a grilled Austrian speciality, is a must-try at these stands, often accompanied by a Pfiff, a small beer.
For those seeking a heartier option, the Leberkässemmel is a popular choice, consisting of a pressed loaf of meat known as Leberkäse, served between a crunchy Semmel bread roll. This street food is loved by people from all walks of life and can be found at butcher shops and Würstelstände across Vienna.
Pizza and Döner kebabs have also made their way into Austrian street food culture. Large, greasy pizza slices can be found all over Vienna, while the Döner kebab, a Turkish import, has become a part of local folklore and is widely enjoyed.
In addition to these classic options, Austria also hosts the European Street Food Festival, a celebration of street food from across Europe. This festival attracts millions of visitors and features a variety of food trucks, trailers, and stands offering an array of international and individual delicacies. From burgers with Austrian premium beef or vegetarian options to pulled pork burgers with South American or African-style sauces, there is something for everyone at this festival.
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Austrian desserts
Austrian cuisine is known for its rich tapestry of hearty dishes, sweet pastries, and comforting soups. Austrian desserts are decadent and diverse, and they reflect the country's rich culinary heritage. Here is a list of some mouth-watering Austrian desserts:
Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is a classic Austrian dessert that is loved worldwide. It features a flaky pastry filled with spiced apples and raisins, lined with cinnamon and sugar, and is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar. It is a popular traditional dish and can be found as street food in Austria.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is a light and fluffy shredded pancake served with fruit compote, plum jam, apple sauce, or just powdered sugar. It is sweet and doughy and easy to prepare, and is a favourite holiday breakfast treat.
Sachertorte
Sachertorte is a rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam and a smooth chocolate glaze. It is one of Europe's best cakes, with a long history, and is a popular Austrian dessert.
Buchteln
Buchteln, or wuchteln, are pull-apart style Austrian sweet yeast rolls typically filled with apricot or plum jam. They can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert and are a favourite Christmas treat.
Salzburger Nockerl
Salzburger Nockerl is a vanilla-flavoured dessert with a light, fluffy, and soufflé-like texture. It was created in Salzburg in the 17th century and has a long history in Austrian cuisine.
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Austrian meat dishes
Austrian cuisine is known for its generous use of meat and root vegetables, and its influence from Central European countries like Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Here are some popular Austrian meat dishes:
Wiener Schnitzel
The Wiener Schnitzel, also known as the Vienna Schnitzel, is one of Austria's most important national dishes. It is a thin, fried cutlet made from veal, pork, or chicken. The cutlet is coated with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then fried in butter or lard until golden brown. It is typically served with a wedge of lemon and a side of potato salad, cucumber salad, parsley potatoes, or French fries.
Tiroler Gröstl
Tiroler Gröstl is a comforting and decadent pan-fried dish common in the Austrian Alps. It is made with potato, chopped beef or pork, butter, and onions, and is often topped with a fried egg.
Vienna Sausage
Vienna Sausage is a staple street food in Austria, found at many sausage stands. It is made with pork and beef, parboiled, then smoked at low temperatures. It can be served in a variety of ways, including in a bun, with white bread, dark sourdough, or with mustard and horseradish.
Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz is a traditional Austrian dish and a national favourite. It consists of beef or veal boiled in a flavourful broth with root vegetables and spices, making the meat tender. It is typically served with a side of horseradish mixed with minced apples, sour cream, and chives.
Goulash
Goulash is a hearty stew commonly made with tender chunks of beef, onions, paprika, and other spices. It is a comforting dish perfect for cold weather. There are also variations of the dish, such as Chicken Stroganoff Goulash and Vegetarian Goulash.
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Austrian seasonal dishes
Austrian dishes are known for their diversity, with influences from Central European cuisines and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The use of seasonal and fresh produce is central to Austrian cuisine, with an emphasis on meat and dairy products.
Spring
In spring, you might find asparagus on the menu, as Austria and Vienna offer some of the world's most delicious green and white asparagus.
Summer
Spargel, a delightful summer dish, starts appearing on menus across all restaurants in Austria as the summer season sets in.
Autumn
In autumn, game and pumpkin are popular. A plum cake with butter crumble is a delicious autumnal favourite. This is also the perfect season for all things venison.
Winter
In winter, turnips take centre stage in Austrian kitchens. A hearty dish like Tiroler Gröstl is perfect for cold weather. It is a pan-fried dish of potato, chopped beef or pork with butter and onion, often topped with a fried egg. Tafelspitz, a traditional Austrian dish featuring boiled beef in broth with minced apples and horseradish, is another comforting meal for winter.
Austrian cuisine also includes a variety of sausages, such as the Vienna sausage, which is a staple street food found all over the city. The use of meats like beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and goose dominates Austrian cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several traditional Austrian dishes, including Wiener Schnitzel, Vienna Sausage, Tiroler Gröstl, Tafelspitz, and Goulash.
Wiener Schnitzel is a cornerstone of Austrian cuisine. This dish consists of a thin slice of veal that is breaded and fried to a golden perfection. It is served with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions.
Vienna Sausage is a staple street food found all over the city of Vienna. It is a slow-smoked, slender-shaped sausage often served with white bread, dark sourdough, or a side of mustard and horseradish.
Tiroler Gröstl is a comforting traditional Austrian dish that is common in the Austrian Alps. It is a pan-fried dish of potatoes, chopped beef or pork with butter and onions, often topped with a fried egg.
Tafelspitz is a traditional Austrian dish where beef is gently boiled in a flavourful broth with root vegetables and spices. It is served with a side of horseradish mixed with minced apples.
Goulash is a popular dish in Austrian cuisine, often served as a hearty stew. It is made with tender chunks of beef, simmered with onions, and a blend of paprika and other spices.
