Best Austrian Foods: Traditional Dishes You Must Try (2024)

Austrian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and ingredients that reflect the country's rich history and cultural diversity. The country's cuisine draws inspiration from its neighboring countries such as Italy, Switzerland, and Slovakia. However, the best Austrian foods have their unique character, and they're not just about schnitzels and strudels.

Austria's culinary scene is diverse and offers a wide range of dishes that are worth trying. From hearty meat dishes to sweet delicacies, the best Austrian foods has something to offer to everyone.

The country's cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography, with the Alpine region being a significant source of ingredients. In this article, we will explore some of the best Austrian foods that are worth trying.

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Iconic Austrian Dishes

Austria is known for its delicious cuisine, and several dishes are considered iconic to the country. These dishes are often associated with the country's history and culture, and are an important part of the Austrian food experience. Here are some of the most popular iconic Austrian dishes:

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a traditional Austrian dish made with veal or pork. The meat is pounded thin, breaded, and then fried until crispy. It is typically served with a side of french fries or parsley potatoes. The dish originated in Vienna and is now considered the national dish of Austria. It is often served with a slice of lemon and accompanied by a cold beer.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is a boiled beef dish that is popular in Austria. The beef is cooked in a broth with root vegetables, leeks, and onions until it is tender. It is typically served with boiled potatoes, horseradish, and a side of apple strudel for dessert.

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle is a cheesy dish that is similar to macaroni and cheese. This popular Austrian comfort food is made with soft egg noodles and a mixture of Austrian cheeses, such as Emmentaler and Bergkäse. The dish is typically served with caramelized onions and a side of potato salad.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel is a classic Austrian dessert that is made with a thin layer of dough filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar. The dough is rolled up and baked until golden brown. It is typically served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Mondseer

Mondseer is a type of Austrian cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a smooth texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used in traditional Austrian dishes, such as Käsespätzle and Brettljause.

Goulash

Goulash is a hearty stew that is made with beef, onions, paprika, and root vegetables. The dish originated in Hungary but is now a popular dish in Austria. It is typically served with a side of bread or pancakes. Goulash is a comfort food in Austria and is often served in local restaurants and pubs.

Regional Specialties and Variations

Tiroler Gröstl

Tiroler Gröstl is a traditional dish from the Tirol region of Austria. It is a hearty dish made with sliced potatoes, onions, and leftover beef or pork, all pan-fried in butter until crispy. The dish is often served with a fried egg on top, and sometimes with a side of pickles or horseradish. Tiroler Gröstl is a perfect dish for using up leftovers, and it is a popular dish in mountain huts and ski lodges.

Erdäpfelsalat

Erdäpfelsalat, or Austrian-style potato salad, is a classic Austrian dish that is often served as a side dish or a light lunch. The salad is made with boiled potatoes, sliced onions, and a dressing made with vinegar, oil, and mustard. Some variations of the dish include bacon, parsley, or pickles. Erdäpfelsalat is a popular dish in Vienna and is often served with Wiener Schnitzel.

Salzburger Nockerl

Salzburger Nockerl is a sweet dessert that originated in Salzburg. The dish is made with a light and fluffy dough made with eggs, sugar, and flour, which is shaped into three peaks to represent the three mountains surrounding Salzburg. The Nockerl is then baked in the oven until golden brown and served with a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Backhendl

Backhendl is a pan-fried chicken dish that is a specialty of Austria. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of paprika, salt, and garlic before being coated in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs. The chicken is then pan-fried until crispy and served with a side of parsley potatoes or French fries.

Austrian Desserts and Pastries

Austria is known for its rich and decadent desserts and pastries. From the famous Sachertorte to the beloved Kaiserschmarrn, Austrian desserts are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Sachertorte

Sachertorte is a delectable chocolate cake that originated in Vienna. It consists of a dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, covered in a rich chocolate glaze. This dessert is a true Austrian classic and is perfect for any chocolate lover.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a traditional Austrian dessert that is similar to pancakes. It is made from a sweet dough that is pan-fried with butter and sugar, then torn into small pieces and served with fruit compote or applesauce. This dessert is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Marillenknödel

Marillenknödel is a dessert made from a dough filled with apricots and served with vanilla ice cream. The dough is boiled and then rolled in cinnamon and sugar before being served. This dessert is a perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors and is a must-try for anyone visiting Austria.

Topfentascherl

Topfentascherl is a traditional pastry filled with a sweet quark or curd cheese filling. It is often prepared with puff pastry and can be served as a sweet or savory dish. The filling typically includes quark cheese, sugar, and sometimes raisins. The pastry is folded into a distinctive shape, creating a delightful treat enjoyed in Austrian cuisine.

Powidltascherl

Powidltascherl is a classic pastry consisting of a dough filled with powidl, a traditional plum jam. The dough is typically made with flour, egg, and butter, and the plum jam filling provides a sweet and fruity flavor. For this dessert, the dough is boiled and then baked until golden brown.

Heisse Liebe

Heisse Liebe, which translates to "Hot Love" in English, is a classic Austrian dessert featuring a combination of hot raspberries and cold cream, typically served with vanilla ice cream. This delightful treat offers a contrast of temperatures and flavors, with the warm raspberry sauce complementing the coolness of the cream and ice cream. It is a beloved dish in Austrian cuisine, known for its indulgent and satisfying taste experience.

Austrian Dining Culture

Austrian dining culture is known for its hearty and filling meals that are often served in large portions. Breakfast is typically light and consists of coffee, bread, and jam. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is usually served between 12 pm and 2 pm. Dinner is a lighter meal and is often served after 6 pm. Austrian cuisine is a blend of various culinary traditions and is popular throughout Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous food in Austria?

The most famous food in Austria is Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet. This iconic dish is a staple of Austrian cuisine and is widely recognized and enjoyed both within Austria and internationally.

Does Austria have a national dish?

Yes, Austria's national dish is widely considered to be Wiener Schnitzel. This iconic dish holds a significant place in Austrian cuisine and culture.

Is German and Austrian food the same?

While German and Austrian cuisines share some similarities due to their geographical proximity and historical connections, they also have distinct differences. Austrian cuisine is known for its influences from Central Europe and tends to feature-rich, hearty dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and various pastries.

On the other hand, German cuisine encompasses a wide range of regional specialties, including sausages, sauerkraut, and hearty meat dishes. Additionally, Austrian cuisine often reflects Mediterranean influences, especially in the regions closer to Italy and the Balkans.