Leslie Massey
Before eating in Austria, it is customary to wait for everyone to be served and for the host to say Guten Appetit or Mahlzeit. Austrians follow a particular set of manners when eating, including keeping hands on the table, not gesturing with utensils, and not placing elbows on the table. Austrian food is influenced by nearby countries, including Germany, Hungary, and others. Austrians eat the most pork per capita in the European Union, and the country's culinary culture is rich in pastries and desserts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greeting | Grüß dich, Grüß gott (God bless you) |
| Host's invitation | Guten Appetit, Mahlzeit |
| Guest's response | Nein, danke |
| Toast | Prost (cheers) |
| Napkin | On the lap |
| Plate | Finish everything |
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What You'll Learn
Greetings and introductions
Austria's official language is German, and 98% of Austrians are native German speakers. However, several regions also recognize Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian as official languages. In addition, most schools teach English as the main foreign language, so you may find many English speakers in the country.
Austrians are known to be polite, formal, and reserved. They value punctuality and expect people to be on time for meetings, appointments, services, and parties. It is considered rude to be late without informing your Austrian counterpart. Being five to ten minutes early is generally expected in social situations.
When answering phone calls, it is customary to introduce yourself by stating your name, typically your surname, but you may also use your first name. It is considered impolite not to say your name, even if you use other polite greetings like "hello" or "good morning."
When greeting people in Austria, you can use the casual expressions "Grüß dich" or "Grüß gott" (God bless you).
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Table manners
Before the Meal
Punctuality is highly valued in Austria, so it is important to arrive on time for any social gathering or appointment. In social situations, it is customary to arrive five to ten minutes early. If you expect to be delayed, it is polite to inform your Austrian counterpart, as they may otherwise begin the event without you.
During the Meal
Austrian table manners include keeping one's hands on the table during meals, refraining from gesturing with utensils, and avoiding placing elbows on the table while eating. It is considered impolite to start eating before everyone has been served and the host has indicated that the meal may begin, usually by saying "Guten Appetit" or "Mahlzeit". It is customary for the host to offer a second serving, and if you do not want this, it is polite to decline with a "Nein, danke" ("no, thank you"). It is also considered good manners to finish everything on your plate.
Toasts
Dinner is often the main meal for socialising, and it is customary for the host to give the first toast. Guests will return the toast later in the meal. To do so, raise your glass, maintain eye contact, and say "Prost" ("cheers").
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Toasts and second servings
Austrians are known to follow a particular set of manners when eating. This includes keeping one's hands on the table, not gesturing with utensils, and not placing elbows on the table. It is considered rude to start eating before everyone has been served and the host has indicated it is time to start, usually by saying “Guten Appetit” or “Mahlzeit”.
The host of the event usually gives the first toast, and guests return the toast later in the meal. To toast, people raise their glasses, maintain eye contact, and say “Prost” (cheers). It is customary for the host to offer a second serving to their guests, and it is polite to refuse the offer initially, saying “Nein, danke” (no, thank you). However, if you would like more food, you can accept the second serving.
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Timing and punctuality
Punctuality is highly valued in Austria. Being on time for meetings, appointments, services, and parties is expected. It is considered rude to be late, and your Austrian counterpart may leave or start the event without you. As such, it is important to inform your host if you expect to be delayed.
In a social context, it is customary to arrive approximately five to ten minutes before the designated time. Punctuality is also valued in business settings, and meetings should be scheduled well in advance, especially for executive-level meetings, which should be scheduled at least six weeks in advance.
The summer months of July and August and the Christmas holidays are generally quiet periods, with many people away or non-responsive. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid scheduling important meetings or events during these times.
When it comes to dining etiquette, Austrians follow a particular set of manners. It is considered impolite to begin eating before everyone has been served and the host has indicated that it is time to start, usually by saying "Guten Appetit" or "Mahlzeit".
Additionally, it is customary for the host to offer a second serving to their guests, which can be politely declined with a "Nein, danke" (no, thank you). Formal dinners often include toasts, with the host giving the first toast, which guests will return later in the meal. To toast, individuals raise their glasses, maintain eye contact, and say "Prost" (cheers).
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Popular foods to try
Austria is known for its delicious food and wine, with Vienna being considered one of Europe's gourmet capitals. The country's food culture is heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries, including Germany, Hungary, and others. Here are some popular Austrian dishes and drinks to try:
Wiener Schnitzel
The archetypal Austrian dish, Wiener Schnitzel, is a breaded and deep-fried cutlet commonly made from veal or pork. It is typically served with a wedge of lemon, parsley, and a side of potato salad, cucumber salad, or French fries. You can find this dish everywhere, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants across Austria.
Sausages
Viennese sausages, or Wiener Würstchen, are made from a mixture of pork and beef encased in sheep's intestine. They are often served as a main dish with fermented cabbage or sauerkraut, radishes, and Austrian potato salad. Sausages are also a popular snack, served in a hot bun with mustard, ketchup, and other sauces.
Sachertorte
Sachertorte is a rich, layered chocolate cake with a centre of apricot jam and topped with chocolate icing. It is traditionally served with thick whipped cream and is best enjoyed in a Viennese coffee house, alongside various other Austrian pastries and desserts.
Apple Strudel
Apple Strudel, or Apfelstrudel, is a beloved Austrian dessert. It consists of a thin sheet of unleavened dough filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar. This flaky pastry is a popular street food and can be found at many restaurants and bakeries throughout Austria.
Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz is a traditional Austrian dish that has been popular since the 19th century. It is made by boiling beef, chicken, or veal in a spicy broth with root vegetables. Tafelspitz is typically served in separate courses, starting with the broth as an appetizer, followed by the meat and vegetables as the main course.
In addition to these dishes, Austria offers a variety of other culinary delights, such as Käsespätzle (Austria's version of macaroni and cheese), Fleischlaberln (mixed meat patties), and various types of cheese, such as Bergkäse (mountain cheese) and Mondseer. When it comes to drinks, Austria has its signature white wine, Grüner Veltliner, and the popular red wine, Zweigelt.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians follow a particular set of manners when eating. Here are some common phrases to know before eating in Austria:
- Guten Appetit (bon appetite)
- Mahlzeit (mealtime)
- Grüß Gott (May God greet you)
- Servus (hello and goodbye)
- Danke (thanks)
- Bitte (please)
- Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye)
- Nein, danke (no, thank you)
- Prost (cheers)
- Zum Wohl or Prosit (to your health)
Austrians follow the norms of polite European dining. Here are some table manners to be aware of:
- Keep your hands on the table during meals
- Do not gesture with utensils
- Do not place your elbows on the table while eating
- Do not begin eating until everyone has been served and the host says "Guten Appetit" or "Mahlzeit"
- Put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down
- Try to finish everything on your plate
- Use the outside cutlery first and work your way in, course by course
Here are some general cultural norms and customs to be aware of:
- Punctuality is highly valued in Austria, so always be on time for meals and events
- In social situations, it is polite to arrive 5 to 15 minutes before the designated time
- When greeting someone, it is customary to shake hands and maintain eye contact
- When answering a phone call, it is considered impolite not to say your name, even if you use other polite greetings
- When dining out, the person who extends the invitation usually pays the bill
