Traditional Food in Austria: What to Eat in Vienna
Vienna is home to many delicious foods and is one of Europe’s gourmet capitals for food. So what is the traditional food in Austria comprised of? I’ve compiled a list of the best traditional Austrian food which showcases Austrian Cuisine at its finest. Vienna is the perfect place to try some of the country’s distinctive and traditional dishes and drinks.
If you are looking for a Viennese food experience, I’ve got you covered. I love the food in Vienna. There are so authentic dishes to choose from so I’ve listed some of the best traditional Viennese food that you simply must eat in Vienna. I’ve picked some of my best Austrian dishes and also made recommendations on where you can try them.
As the former capital of the Habsburg Empire, the Austrian capital has adopted specialties from around the world and made them it’s own. Vienna has its own individual cuisine that reflects the culture and history of the city. Austrian cuisine comprises of Viennese sausages, schnitzel, cakes, and stews amongst other dishes. Finding the best food in Vienna is easy enough as there are plenty of restaurants, stalls, and even markets where you can try some of the local specialties. Hopefully, this list of the best traditional food in Austria will make your experience of eating in Vienna enjoyable.
Traditional Food in Austria: What to Eat in Vienna
1. Wiener Schnitzel
This is one of Austria’s national dishes and should be on top of your list of what to eat in Vienna. If you want to enjoy traditional food in Austria, this is probably the most obvious iconic dish. Wiener schnitzel is a thin cut of meat (originally veal), coated in breadcrumbs and fried till perfectly golden brown. It is then finished off with a squeeze of lemon, and some parsley and served with an Austrian potato salad. Most Austrian restaurants will have some sort of Schnitzel including pork, chicken, and turkey on the menu. It’s absolutely delicious and even kids tend to love it.
Where to find Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna: Almost all the restaurants serve schnitzel on the menu. The most famous Figlmüller, founded over 110 years ago, serves large portions of schnitzel. There are a number of Figlmüller restaurants in the city, and they are often packed with tourists and locals.
2. Wiener Würstel
A simple yet flavor-packed meal, these sausages are traditionally made from beef and pork. They are served with mustard and typically an Austrian potato salad. It’s a must when in Vienna as the simplicity and low costs make it very attractive. It’s a big win with the kids too.
Where to eat Viennese Sausage in Vienna: This popular street food can be found at many designated stands located around the city center. You’ll find plenty of street vendors around the city center, around the Ringstrasse, and the old inner imperial city. Another popular place to try out this traditional food is at the Naschmarkt. A trip to Vienna would not be complete without trying a sausage at one of the city’s Würstelstände (sausage kiosks).
3. Sachertorte
The Sachertorte is a proud symbol of Vienna. This Austrian dessert has layers of chocolate cake with apricot jam through it and is finished off with chocolate icing. You should try the Sacher Dice which is the same thing but in the shape of a dice coated in chocolate. The chocolate keeps the cake nice and moist. This is one of my favorite Austrian desserts!
Where to find the best Sachertort: You can find it in a number of cafes however be sure to visit the original Café Sacher and try it from there. Café Demel also has a delicious version.
4. Leberkäse
The best way I can think to describe this is a Sandwich with Austrian ‘spam’. They come in different flavors; Leberkase with cheese, Leberkas with chili, and the Leberkase with roasted onions, bacon, and chili. The best way to eat it is in a roll with pickles. Keep an open mind when you see this, looks aren’t everything!
5. Roasted Dumplings (Geröstete Knödel)
These are basically potato and bread dumplings that are roasted and then fried off. Sometimes served with eggs and fried onions. You’ll most likely have them at least once while you’re in Austria as they come served as a side dish with typical Austrian meals.
6. Austrian Goulash
Goulash is very popular in Hungary and Austria although made differently in both countries. Goulash is basically a cross between a stew and a soup and is mostly made using beef, onions, tomatoes, and paprika. In Vienna, they usually serve this with dumplings (Semmelknödel). The perfect dish for a cold winter’s day.
7. Pork Knuckle – Traditional Austrian Food
Calling all pork lovers. If you love pork, then this is the dish for you. These huge pieces of meat are actually pork knees and are served on the bone. The meat is tender and large enough for two people to share, especially when served with a side dish of potato salad.
I tried mine at Schweizerhaus beer garden in Prater Park and it was delicious! Tender pork that melts in your mouth. What more could you ask for!
8. Naschmarkt
This market brings you some of the most popular and traditional Viennese food and all kinds of produce from fresh fruit, vegetable, and cheeses from all over the world.
With a large Turkish community in Vienna, you’ll find delicious fresh falafels, hummus, and kebabs here.
9. Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
This is another Austrian delicacy that is loved not only in Austria but also around the world. Made with a crisp pastry dough that is rolled and filled with apples, raisins, a dash of lemon, rum, and cinnamon. The end product is dusted off with cinnamon and icing sugar and served with a side of fresh cream or warm vanilla custard.
While the apple strudel remains to be the most authentic version of strudel, you can also get fruit strudel, nut strudel, and even savory versions with vegetables or meat.
Where to find apple strudel: You’ll find this all over in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants around Vienna. Kaffee Alt Wien, Café Prückel, and Café Demel, are great places to taste the traditional pastries.
10. Plum Jam Turnovers (Powidltascherl)
These delicate pastries are made with potato dough and are filled with a combination of plum jam and plum schnapps. These are then topped off with breadcrumbs, butter, and nuts. I had mine dusted with a bit of cinnamon and served with chocolate sauce. This is definitely one of the more traditional foods in Austria.
Where to try it: Many of the traditional cafes and restaurants in Vienna serve this delicacy. You can also find them at the local bakeries. We actually found some frozen packs at the supermarket and followed the instructions on them to make our own. Delicious!
11. Viennese Coffee (Melange)
A Viennese mélange is a shot of espresso splashed with hot water and topped with a heaping layer of frothy, steamed milk. Like some other parts of Europe, Vienna is a European coffee capital and forms part of the cultural and culinary life here.
Where to find the best Viennese Coffee: There are cafes and coffee houses all over the city. Every Viennese has their preferred coffee shop. Some of the best cafes to enjoy a Viennese coffee include Kaffee Alt Wien, Café Korb, Cafe Schwarzenberg, Aida Cafe Konditorei and Café Landtmann.
12. Manner Wafer
You cannot miss these delightful wafer biscuits that are a huge part of the Viennese culture. These are made with crunchy wafers layered with hazelnut and cocoa cream and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Where to find Manner Biscuits: You’ll find these at almost all shops and supermarkets. There is also a special Manner shop next to St Stephen’s Cathedral and at the airport.
13. Mozaerkugeln
Mozartkugeln is probably the most popular chocolate found in Austria. The core is filled with marzipan and nougat, then covered in chocolate. They are then wrapped in shiny paper which is printed with a picture of Austria’s most famous composer. You’ll find these at almost all shops and supermarkets.
This list of 13 best Austrian foods to eat in Vienna covers some of the most traditional food in Austria and is a must-try when you are in Vienna. Most of it can easily be found at local cafes and restaurants.
Traditional Food in Austria
- Wiener schnitzel
- Wiener Würstel
- Sachertorte
- Leberkäse
- Roasted dumplings (geröstete knödel)
- Austrian goulash
- Pork Knuckle
- Naschmarkt
- Apple strudel (apfelstrudel)
- Plum jam turnovers (powidltascherl)
- Viennese coffee
- Manner Wafer
- Mozartkugeln
