Ruqayyah Snyder
Austrian cuisine is a rich tapestry of hearty dishes, sweet pastries, and comforting soups. It is internationally known for its pastries, such as the Kaiserschmarrn, the Apple Strudel, and the Tafelspitz. The Wiener Schnitzel is considered the national dish of Austria. It is made of a thin layer of bread along with a pan-fried veal cutlet. Vienna Sausage is another famous Austrian food, made of parboiled pork and beef and then smoked at low temperatures. Austrians also enjoy a sweet breakfast, with bread, ham, and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Meat, especially pork, beef, veal, chicken, and sausages |
| Root vegetables, fruits, cheese, flour, and lard | |
| Freshwater fish, especially trout | |
| Meal timing | Mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack is called a Jause |
| Brettljause is a more substantial version of Jause | |
| Drinks | Schnapps (fruit brandy) |
| Austrian wine, especially Grüner Veltliner | |
| Bread | Bread rolls with jam or cold meats and cheese for breakfast |
| Bread dumplings | |
| Street food | Pretzels, Vienna Sausage |
| Bosna or Bosner (spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll) | |
| Desserts | Apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn, Sachertorte, Salzburger Nockerl, Linzer Torte, Gugelhupf cake, and various pancakes |
| Regional specialties | Tiroler Gröstl (Tyrol), Tafelspitz (Vienna), Rindsuppe (beef soup) |
| Palatschinken (pancakes) | |
| Knödel (dumplings) |
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Austrian street food
Pretzels
Pretzels hold a special place in Austrian cuisine, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. They are a type of baked bread product made from dough twisted into a unique knot-like shape. While the classic salted pretzel is a popular choice, you can also find more innovative variations, such as pretzels filled with cheese or chocolate.
Vienna Sausage
The Vienna sausage, also known as the Wiener sausage, is a must-try when exploring Austrian street food. This parboiled sausage is made from a blend of pork and beef, slow-smoked to perfection, and then fried to give it a delicious crispy texture. It is often served in a hot bun with mustard, horseradish, or ketchup, making it a convenient and tasty street food option.
Bosna
The Bosna, or Bosner, is a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll. It is a staple of Austrian fast-food culture and can be found at sausage stands called "Würstelstand" throughout the country. The sausage is typically made from pork and is a favourite among Austrians, who enjoy it with various toppings and condiments.
Kiachl
Kiachl is a traditional Austrian pastry, similar to a doughnut. It is fried in lard until it achieves a crispy, golden finish. Kiachl can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury variations. The sweet version is filled with cranberry jam and dusted with icing sugar, while the savoury option is served with sauerkraut.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is a unique sweet pancake, cut into large, fluffy pieces and topped with icing sugar. It is a well-known Austrian dessert and is considered one of the country's famous dishes.
Knödel
Knödel is a type of dumpling that is popular in Eastern Europe, including Austria. It can be found on the menus of many Michelin-rated restaurants worldwide and is a versatile dish that can be made sweet or savoury. Austrians have embraced Knödel, with variations like the Marillenknödel, small dumplings filled with apricots and warm butter-fried breadcrumbs.
In addition to these options, Austrian street food also includes various sandwiches and open-faced sandwiches (belegte Brote), schnitzelsemmeln (rolls filled with schnitzel), and sweet dishes like apple strudel and Salzburger Nockerl, a meringue-like dessert.
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Dumplings and pancakes
Austrian cuisine features a variety of dumplings and pancakes, each with its own unique characteristics and preparation methods. Let's explore some of these delightful dishes.
Dumplings
Dumplings are an essential component of Austrian cuisine, especially in Upper Austria and neighbouring regions like Bavaria and Bohemia. One notable dumpling variety is the Spinatknödel, or spinach dumpling. These dumplings are made with bread rolls, spinach, and other ingredients like onions, butter, and parmesan cheese. They are often simmered in salty water to enhance their flavour and can be served with brown butter and grated parmesan on top. Spinach dumplings are a comforting and inexpensive dish, perfect for a hearty meal.
Another type of dumpling found in Austria is the Eiernockerl, or egg dumpling. These dumplings are similar to Italian gnocchi and are made with a soft batter of flour, milk, eggs, and butter. The batter is spooned into simmering saltwater and cooked briefly before being pan-fried in butter. Eggs are then cracked over the dumplings, creating a delicious coating. Egg dumplings are a quick and easy dish, ready in just 20 minutes with only a few basic ingredients.
Austria also offers Kasnocken, or cheese dumplings, as a popular meal option. These dumplings are made with cheese, adding a rich and savoury flavour to the dish.
Pancakes
When it comes to pancakes, Austria has its own unique take with Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional dessert pancake. This sweet and fluffy pancake is torn into small pieces and served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It is often accompanied by a fruit compote or applesauce, making it a delightful sweet treat. The name Kaiserschmarrn translates to "Emperor's Mess," supposedly because Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I enjoyed his pancakes in this style.
Another variety of pancake found in Austria is the Palatschinken, similar to French crêpes. These pancakes are filled with jam and sprinkled with sugar or other toppings, offering a sweet and indulgent option.
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Meat dishes
Austrian cuisine is dominated by meats and carb-dense foods. The country's most famous dish, Wiener Schnitzel, is a breaded and fried veal cutlet, although it is often made with pork or chicken due to the moral implications of consuming veal. The dish is so iconic that its recipe is protected by Austrian law, which states that it can only be called Wiener Schnitzel when made with veal. The cutlet is coated with flour, dipped in whipped eggs, and covered with breadcrumbs before being fried in butter or lard until golden brown. It is served with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions, or with parsley potatoes or red potato salad.
Another popular Austrian meat dish is Goulash, a hearty stew that differs in taste and ingredients depending on the region. The dish is said to have originated during wartime when people combined their leftovers to create a nutritious meal. Goulash can include sausages, meat leftovers, noodles, or Austrian dumplings, known as "Knödel".
Tafelspitz is another classic Viennese dish that consists of boiled veal in a spicy broth with root vegetables. It is traditionally served with potatoes, carrots, and a creamy apple-horseradish and chive sauce.
Austrian cuisine also features a variety of sausages, with the Vienna sausage being a local favourite. These sausages are made by parboiling pork and beef, then smoking them at low temperatures. They can be used in main dishes or simply fried and served in a bun.
For those seeking a heartier meal, Fleischlaberln are delicious mixed meat patties made with pork and beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, onions, and parsley. Small cubes of bread soaked in milk are added to the mixture, and spices can be included for an extra kick. Fleischlaberln is typically served with creamy mashed potatoes, making it a comforting dish on cold days.
Austrian food culture also includes a variety of game meats, as Austrians have a long history of hunting. Many dishes use the entirety of the animal, including offal, snout, and trotters.
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Desserts and pastries
Austrian cuisine is known for its sweet pastries and desserts, which are decadent, diverse, and comforting. The country's signature sweet treats include:
Kaiserschmarrn
A sweet, fluffy pancake, Kaiserschmarrn is cut into bite-sized pieces and topped with icing sugar. It is often served with a side of apple or plum compote.
Apple Strudel
A classic Austrian dessert, apple strudel showcases thin layers of dough filled with spiced apples.
Sachertorte
Sachertorte is a rich, decadent dessert and one of the most famous Austrian cakes. It is a chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam and coated in dark chocolate icing.
Linzer Torte
Linzer Torte is a popular dessert from the city of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. It is a cake that includes ground almonds or nuts and redcurrant jam.
Linzeraugen
Linzeraugen are fine, soft biscuits filled with sharp redcurrant jam.
Palatschinken
Palatschinken are pancakes similar to French crêpes, filled with jam and sprinkled with sugar or other toppings.
Topfentascherl
Topfentascherl is a traditional Austrian dish served alongside almost all meals. It is a pastry filled with curd and loaded with fruit, usually apricots and bananas.
Kiachl
Kiachl is a traditional Austrian treat, a type of doughnut pastry that is fried in lard for a crispy, golden finish. It is filled with cranberry jam and dusted with icing sugar. It can be enjoyed as a savoury dish with sauerkraut or sweet with jam.
Gugelhupf
Gugelhupf cake, or Marmorgugelhupf, is described as an absolute classic.
Buchteln
Buchteln is a dessert mentioned as being perfect for winter.
Pannonian Fish Soup
A unique dessert option, this soup has a one-of-a-kind flavour.
Tarts
A slice of tart is a simple yet delightful way to end a meal.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is another indulgent dessert option, providing a sweet end to a meal.
Flourless Chocolate Torte
A gluten-free alternative, this torte is a great option for those who prefer a lighter, airy texture.
Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice
For those who enjoy a lighter option, this cake offers a similar experience to the Sachertorte but with a less rich texture.
Lemon Mascarpone Cake
The Lemon Mascarpone Cake offers a tangy and creamy flavour profile for a unique dessert experience.
Chocolate Ganache Cake
For chocolate lovers, this cake offers a rich and indulgent experience.
Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake
Another chocolate-based dessert, this cake is perfect for those seeking a rich and indulgent experience.
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Drinks
Austria has a wide variety of drinks, including strong spirits, world-class beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like herbal lemonades and hot drinks.
Alcoholic Drinks
Austria is known for its beer and wine, but there are several other alcoholic drinks that are popular in the country. Schnaps is somewhat of a national treasure in Austria and is usually made from fruits such as apricots, pears, or cherries. It is often consumed as a digestif after a meal. In addition, Austria has a variety of hot alcoholic drinks, such as Jägertee, which is black tea mixed with STROH Inländer Rum, cinnamon, and cloves. This drink is especially popular during the ski season and Christmas time. During the summer, Austrians enjoy mixed wine drinks such as Spritzers (white wine with soda or sparkling mineral water) and Tipperl (white wine, raspberry lemonade, and water). Another popular summer drink is Radler, a mixed drink made with beer and lemonade.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Austria also has a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Tafelwasser, or table water, is renowned for its purity and mineral content. Herbal tea, or Kräutertee, is also popular, with various local herbs offering unique flavors and health benefits. Hot lemon drink, or Heiße Zitrone, is made by mixing hot water with fresh lemon juice and sweetened with a bit of sugar or honey. This drink is popular during the cold months for its health benefits. Austrians also enjoy rich hot chocolate, or Heiße Schokolade, which is often thicker and richer than its global counterparts.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of authentic Austrian food include:
- Wiener Schnitzel — a thin slice of breaded and fried veal cutlet.
- Vienna Sausage — a parboiled sausage made of pork and beef, then smoked at low temperatures.
- Tafelspitz — a traditional Austrian dish featuring boiled beef in broth, served with a mix of minced apples and horseradish.
- Kaiserschmarrn — a sweet pancake, cut into big, fluffy pieces and topped with icing sugar.
Some popular Austrian desserts include:
- Sachertorte — a rich chocolate cake featuring a thin layer of apricot jam and coated in dark chocolate icing.
- Apple Strudel — a classic Austrian dessert showcasing thin layers of dough filled with spiced apples.
- Linzer Torte — a cake that includes ground almonds or nuts and redcurrant jam, popular in the city of Linz.
Austrians typically drink coffee, tea, or juice with breakfast. At the end of a meal, schnapps (fruit brandy) is sometimes drunk. Schnapps is typically 60% alcohol and can be made from a variety of fruits, herbs, flowers, and even roots.
Austrians enjoy a variety of street foods, including:
- Pretzels — either the classic salted variety or filled with cheese or chocolate.
- Kiachl — a type of doughnut pastry fried in lard and filled with cranberry jam.
