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The food scene in Vienna, Austria, is a melting pot of cultures and flavours, with influences from Italy, Bohemia, Hungary, Germany, and the Balkans. The city boasts a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional Austrian dishes to innovative fusion cuisine. The Austrian capital is known for its coffee houses, pastries, and, of course, the iconic Wiener Schnitzel. But there's more to Viennese cuisine than just these famous exports. From savoury dishes like Schweinsbraten and Fiakergulasch to sweet treats like Kaiserschmarrn and Sachertorte, there's something for every taste. And let's not forget the drinks—Viennese coffee, craft beer, and seasonal punches all play a part in the vibrant food culture of this historic city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| National dish | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Other popular dishes | Schweinsbraten, Fiakergulasch, Kaiserschmarrn, Marillenknödel, Tafelspitz, Selchfleisch, Sachertorte, Vienna Sausage, Pretzels, Erdäpfelsalad, Tiroler Gröstl |
| Desserts | Sachertorte, Kaiserschmarrn, Apfelstrudel, Millirahmstrudel, Buchteln, Palatschinken, Vanillekipferl, Marillenknödel |
| Drinks | Beer, wine, coffee |
| Food influences | Italian, French, Turkish, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Indian, Bohemian, Hungarian, Polish, Balkan |
| Events | Vienna KRAFT Bier Fest, Super Bier Fest, Ottakringer Bierfest, Vienna Beer Festival |
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What You'll Learn
Wiener Schnitzel, the national dish of Austria
Wiener Schnitzel is a popular dish in Vienna and is one of the national dishes of Austria. It is a type of schnitzel made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet. The meat is usually thinned by pounding with a meat tenderizer and breaded before frying. It is traditionally garnished with a slice of lemon and either potato salad, potatoes with parsley and butter, or cucumber salad. In recent times, french fries have become common.
The designation Wiener Schnitzel first appeared in the 19th century, with the first known mention in a cookbook from 1831. In the popular southern German cookbook by Katharina Prato, it was mentioned as "eingebröselte Kalbsschnitzchen" ("breaded veal cutlets"). According to a tale, Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky von Radetz brought the recipe from Italy to Vienna in 1857. However, linguist Heinz-Dieter Pohl refutes this story, arguing that there were other dishes in Austrian cuisine before the Schnitzel that were breaded and deep-fried, such as the popular Backhendl, which was first mentioned in a cookbook from 1719.
Wiener Schnitzel is also popular in other countries, including Hungary, where it is known as "bécsi szelet" (Viennese slice), and Slovakia, where it is called "vyprážaný rezeň". It is also a common meal in Israel, where it was introduced by European Jews during the middle of the 20th century. The Israeli version is made with chicken or turkey breast to conform with dietary kashrut laws, which prohibit pork. In Iran, a thicker, bigger, and spicier version called "shenitsel" is also popular.
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Austrian drinks, including beer and coffee
Vienna, Austria, is known for its coffee culture. Legend has it that the Turks abandoned coffee beans when they retreated from the siege of Vienna in 1683, and the victorious Viennese brewed the coffee, establishing a passion for the drink. Coffee is often consumed with cake in the afternoon, a ritual called Jause. Coffee is also a key ingredient in several cocktails, such as the Fiaker, which is named after the city's traditional horse-drawn carriages and is made with black coffee and Austrian rum, garnished with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Another coffee-based cocktail is the Maria Theresia Coffee, named after the famous empress, which combines black coffee with orange liqueur and whipped cream. The Wiener Mélange is a further example, blending espresso with steamed milk and foam, often spiked with brandy or rum.
Austria is also known for its beer, with Vienna hosting several beer festivals throughout the year, such as the Ottakringer Bierfest, the Vienna Beer Festival, and the Vienna KRAFT Bier Fest. Vienna is also home to what is considered the finest beer in the region, Schwechater. Other popular beers include Gösser, Adambräu, Weizengold, and Kaiser. Austrian beers are known to be relatively inexpensive and widely available throughout Vienna.
In addition to coffee and beer, Vienna offers a variety of other drinks. Tea is also commonly consumed in Austria, with various types such as Rooibos, Pu Erh, and Matcha gaining popularity in recent years. Fruit juices are also popular, with brands like Lattella offering a range of flavours and essential nutrients. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, Almdudler, a carbonated soda drink made with elderberry extract, is a popular choice, often mixed with beer or wine.
During the winter months, Austrians enjoy festive drinks such as Glühwein, the Austrian version of mulled wine, made with red wine, spices, and citrus. Punsch, a traditional Austrian punch made with tea, wine, rum, and spices, is another beloved winter beverage. For those with a sweet tooth, the Heiße Witwe (Hot Widow) is a rich, creamy cocktail made with black tea or coffee, rum or brandy, and topped with whipped cream.
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Austrian pastries and cakes
Vienna, Austria's capital city, is renowned for its cakes and pastries, which are considered a cultural asset and an integral part of the local diet. The city's coffee houses and confectioneries offer a variety of traditional sweet treats, from pastries to cakes, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
One of the most famous Austrian pastries is the apple strudel, a delicate pastry dough filled with sliced apples, raisins, and spices, often served with a dollop of whipped cream. Another classic is the Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake with plum compote, which was a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph. Sweet dumplings, such as Marillenknödel, are also popular.
When it comes to cakes, Vienna offers a plethora of options. The Sachertorte, a legendary chocolate cake invented at the house of Prince Metternich, is a must-try. The Mozart Torte, named after the composer, is another popular choice, featuring a light chocolate ganache and a shortcrust pastry base. For those who prefer fruity desserts, the Erdbeer Obers Torte, or strawberry cream cake, is a delightful option.
Viennese cakes also include the Kardinalschnitte, Rehrücken, and various Torten and Kuchens. A Torte is typically what English speakers would recognise as a traditional birthday cake. For example, a Zitronentorte is a lemon cake, while a Maronitorte is a sweet chestnut cake. A Gugelhupf, or Bundt cake, is also a typical Viennese baked good. During the Advent season and Christmas, Stollen, a dried fruit bread loaf, and Punschkrapfen are enjoyed.
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Street food, including the Vienna Sausage
Vienna, Austria's beautiful capital, is known for its rich culinary history and diverse food offerings. While the city boasts elegant cafes, cosy pubs, and fine dining restaurants, it also has a vibrant street food scene that is worth exploring. Here is a guide to the delicious street food options in Vienna, including the iconic Vienna Sausage.
Vienna Sausage:
The Vienna Sausage, or "Wiener Wurstel", is a type of sausage that is deeply rooted in the city's history and culture. It is said that the sausages gained popularity in the early 1800s after the Napoleonic wars, which left Austria in economic ruin. During this time, meat prices soared, and returning disabled soldiers took up selling affordable sausages at small kiosks called "Würstelstands" to make a living. Today, these Würstelstands are ubiquitous across Vienna, and the sausages they sell are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
The classic choices at these stands include Käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage that explodes with flavour, and the traditional Frankfurter and Bratwurst. However, the variety of sausages on offer goes beyond these classics, with options like Bosna, Krainer, Blunzn, and Debreziner. For those seeking a more gourmet experience, some stands offer unique creations such as beef tartare with brioche and calamari fritti.
In recent years, Vienna's sausage stands have also embraced innovation and inclusivity. Many now offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as seitan hot dogs, vegetarian sausages, and truffle grana fries. This modern twist on a traditional favourite showcases the evolving nature of Vienna's street food culture.
Other Street Food Options:
While Vienna Sausages dominate the street food landscape, there are other quick bite options to satisfy different cravings. Kebab/Döner stands are prevalent and often serve pizza as well. The Naschmarkt, a lively market, offers a variety of takeaway food options, and you can also find an array of sandwiches and hot meals at the Billa grocery stores for a quick, casual meal.
In addition to the abundant sausage stands and international options, Vienna also hosts several street food festivals. These events, such as the European Street Food Festival and Genuss Festival, bring together food trucks and regional producers, showcasing the diversity of Austrian and international street cuisine.
So, whether you're a sausage connoisseur, a vegetarian, or simply looking for a quick bite on the go, Vienna's street food scene has something for everyone. The next time you're in the city, be sure to indulge in the local Würstelstands and explore the diverse culinary offerings that reflect Vienna's rich cultural heritage.
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New Viennese cuisine, a modern take on traditional dishes
Vienna, Austria's capital, has long been considered a cosmopolitan city, attracting people from all over the world. The city's cuisine, therefore, is an eclectic mix of influences from across Europe and beyond. In modern times, many chefs have begun to combine traditional Viennese dishes with the principles of nouvelle cuisine to create what is known as "Neue Wiener Küche" or New Viennese cuisine.
New Viennese cuisine includes vegetarian food and reflects the influence of growing immigrant communities, including Turkish, Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines. Traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Selchfleisch (smoked meat), and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with fruit compote) have been reimagined with modern twists and techniques. For example, the classic Wiener Schnitzel, traditionally made with veal, is now often prepared with pork or chicken, and Kaiserschmarrn might be served with plum compote or other fruit variations.
Viennese pastries and desserts are also an essential part of the city's culinary scene, with sweet dumplings like Marillenknödel, Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Millirahmstrudel (milk-cream strudel), and Sachertorte (a legendary chocolate cake invented in Vienna) taking centre stage. These sweet treats are often enjoyed with coffee, reflecting the importance of the Viennese coffee house culture, recognised as "Intangible Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO.
The city's culinary offerings also showcase its diverse cultural influences. Italian ingredients like risibisi, melanzani, maroni, and biscotti feature prominently, while the French influence is evident in the adoption of the term "bouillon" for soup. Additionally, the popular croissant is thought to have originated in Vienna after the defeat of the Turks in the Siege of the city.
Beyond the traditional and modern Viennese dishes, Vienna also offers a range of Austrian and international street food options, with food trucks and festivals showcasing the city's culinary diversity. Beer and wine are also integral to the Viennese drinking culture, with local breweries like Ottakringer hosting events and festivals throughout the year.
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Frequently asked questions
The national dish of Austria is Wiener Schnitzel, a fried dish consisting of a thin, breaded, fried cutlet.
Some traditional Austrian foods include Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Beuschel (a ragout containing veal lungs and heart), Selchfleisch (smoked meat), and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes served with fruit compote).
Sachertorte (a cake of two layers of chocolate cake with apricot jam in the middle) and Apfelstrudel (strudel pastry filled with apples) are two famous Austrian desserts.
Austrians are known for their coffee and wine. Vienna is also home to many craft beer locations and breweries, with the local city brewery being Ottakringer.
Some vegetarian dishes in Vienna include Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with plum compote) and sweet dumplings like Marillenknödel.
