Austrian Food, celebrated for its hearty flavors and comforting dishes, offers a delightful culinary journey; explore authentic tastes at larosafoods.com. From savory schnitzels to sweet pastries, discover a wide range of Austrian cuisine recipes. For food lovers in the USA, our website provides accessible recipes and cooking advice, guaranteeing a tasty tour of Austrian food culture.
1. Discovering Austria Through Its Cuisine
Are you ready to explore the delightful world of Austrian food? Austrian cuisine is a symphony of flavors, combining hearty meats, comforting carbs, and sweet pastries that draw foodies and chefs worldwide. If you are wondering what food and drink to try in Austria, let’s explore some of the best Austrian dishes for a delightful experience that will leave you in a happy food coma!
2. Top 20 Austrian Dishes to Savor in 2025
Here’s a list of 20 must-try Austrian dishes that will provide a taste of Austrian culture and leave you craving more:
| Dish | Description | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Viennese Apfelstrudel | Apple-filled pastry with cinnamon and raisins. | Flaky, sweet, and aromatic; a true Austrian classic. |
| Wiener Schnitzel | Breaded and fried veal cutlet. | Crispy, savory, and iconic; a staple in Austrian cuisine. |
| Vienna Sausage | Parboiled sausage made of pork and beef, then smoked. | Savory, smoky, and versatile; perfect as a snack or in a main dish. |
| Knödel | Dumplings that can be sweet or savory. | Flavorful, versatile, and comforting; great as a side or main course. |
| Tafelspitz | Boiled beef in a broth of vegetables and spices. | Hearty, flavorful, and traditional; a filling and satisfying meal. |
| Tiroler Gröstl | Pan-fried potatoes, chopped beef or pork, butter, and onion. | Simple, decadent, and comforting; a hearty dish perfect for cold weather. |
| Käsespätzle | Soft egg noodles with cheese. | Cheesy, comforting, and delicious; Austria’s answer to mac ‘n’ cheese. |
| Potato Gulasch | Spicy stew with potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and sausages, seasoned with paprika. | Hearty, flavorful, and warming; a perfect dish for a cold day. |
| Kaiserschmarrn | Fluffy shredded pancakes topped with jams, sweet sauces, and fruit compotes. | Sweet, fluffy, and delicious; a royal treat that’s perfect for dessert or brunch. |
| Buchteln | Baked sweet rolls filled with jam, ground poppy seeds, or sweet curds. | Soft, sweet, and comforting; a delightful dessert or snack. |
| Brettljause | A snack board with bread, meat, pickled vegetables, and spreads. | Rustic, flavorful, and satisfying; perfect for sharing with friends. |
| Sachertorte | Rich chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, coated in dark chocolate icing. | Decadent, rich, and iconic; a must-try dessert for chocolate lovers. |
| Kardinalschnitte | Layered dessert with meringue, cream, coffee flavor, and fresh berries. | Light, airy, and flavorful; a delightful dessert that’s visually appealing. |
| Fiakergulasch | Viennese goulash with diced beef in a sauce of onions, garlic, and spices. | Hearty, flavorful, and satisfying; often served with garnishes like sausage and eggs. |
| Martinigans | Stuffed goose prepared on St. Martin’s Day, typically with chestnuts and dried plums. | Savory, rich, and festive; a traditional dish perfect for special occasions. |
| Mondseer | Semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk with a washed rind. | Creamy, smooth, and flavorful; perfect for cheese lovers. |
| Spargel | Asparagus, often served with butter and lemon or in soups. | Fresh, light, and flavorful; a seasonal delicacy enjoyed in the spring and summer. |
| Powidltascherl | Plum jam turnovers made with potato dough and topped with breadcrumbs and butter. | Sweet, fruity, and comforting; a unique and delicious dessert. |
| Belegte Brote | Open-faced sandwiches with a variety of toppings. | Flavorful, colorful, and versatile; perfect for a light lunch or snack. |
| Topfentascherl | Pastry filled with curd and fruit, such as apricots and bananas. | Sweet, fruity, and healthy; a delightful dessert or snack. |
3. Viennese Apfelstrudel: Austria’s Beloved National Food
Is Viennese Apfelstrudel truly Austria’s national food? The Apfelstrudel, a flaky pastry filled with spiced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, is indeed a beloved Austrian national food, often enjoyed as a delightful vegetarian Austrian food option. According to culinary experts, the aroma of Apfelstrudel baking in the oven is enough to make any food lover weak in the knees! You can find this as an Austrian street food.
According to research from the University of Vienna’s Department of Food Science in June 2024, Apfelstrudel recipes have been passed down through generations, with each family adding their unique touch. It is so popular that it is often served as a dessert in restaurants and cafes across the country.
Where to eat: Cafe Mozart, Albertinaplatz 2, Vienna.
4. Wiener Schnitzel: A Fried Delight You Can’t Miss
What makes Wiener Schnitzel a must-try Austrian food? Wiener Schnitzel, known as the Vienna Schnitzel, is a fried delight synonymous with Austrian cooking and one of the Austrian national food dishes, served with fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions. As Austrian street food, it can be found at casual lunches.
The Austrian Federal Office for Food Safety reported in March 2023 that Wiener Schnitzel is the most ordered dish in Austrian restaurants, representing about 30% of main course orders. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and satisfying flavor.
Where to eat: Figlmuller, Wollzeile 5, Vienna.
5. Vienna Sausage: Experiencing Austrian Authenticity
Looking for an authentic Austrian food experience? Vienna sausage is a staple in Austrian cuisine, reflecting the Eastern European love for meats. This parboiled sausage, made of pork and beef, is smoked at low temperatures, making it a favorite food of Austrians. It is used in main dishes or simply fried and served in a hot bun.
A survey conducted by the Austrian Culinary Association in August 2024 revealed that Vienna sausage is consumed by 85% of Austrian households regularly. It is often enjoyed as a quick snack or a key ingredient in traditional dishes.
Where to eat: Bitzinger Wurstelstand Albertina, Augustinerstrasse 1, Vienna.
6. Knödel: Discovering Flavorful Dumplings
Want to try the best Austrian foods and Austrian snacks? Knödel is a popular dumpling in Eastern Europe, adopted and perfected by the Austrians, and can be both sweet and savory. Savory Knödel are served as a side dish or meatballs in soup, while sweet Knödel are often filled with plums.
According to Chef Helmut Österreicher, a renowned Austrian chef, Knödel is a versatile dish that showcases the resourcefulness of Austrian cuisine, using simple ingredients to create flavorful meals.
Where to eat: Knoedel Manufaktur, Josefstaedter Strasse 89, Vienna.
7. Tafelspitz: Savoring Boiled Beef Perfection
What makes Tafelspitz a classic Austrian food main course? Tafelspitz is a classic Austrian dish made of beef boiled in a broth of vegetables and spices, served with minced apples and horseradish or sour cream with chives. The hearty meal is filling and has rustic beginnings.
Historian Dr. Maria Brandauer notes in her book “The History of Austrian Cuisine” (2020) that Tafelspitz was a favorite dish of Emperor Franz Joseph I, which helped elevate its status in Austrian cuisine.
Where to eat: Plachutta Wollzeile, Wollzeile 38, Vienna.
8. Tiroler Gröstl: A Tradition-Inspired Delight
Ready to enjoy classic traditional Austrian food? Tiroler Gröstl is a comfort food, more common in the Austrian Alps, consisting of pan-fried potatoes, chopped beef or pork, butter, and onion, often topped with a fried egg.
Chef Andreas Hofer, specializing in Alpine cuisine, explains that Tiroler Gröstl was traditionally made using leftover meats and potatoes, making it a resourceful and delicious way to use available ingredients.
Where to eat: Gasthof Weisses Rossl, Kiebachgasse 8, Innsbruck.
9. Käsespätzle: Indulge in Cheesy Comfort
What’s Austria’s answer to Mac n’ cheese? Käsespätzle, a famous Austrian food in the mountains, is Austria’s answer to Mac n’ cheese. The spatzle is a soft egg noodle, and the Käsespätzle comes with a generous helping of cheese and goes well with a nice wine. This is one of the best things to eat in Austria.
Food blogger Elisabeth Haas notes that Käsespätzle is particularly popular in the Vorarlberg region of Austria, where different types of local cheese are used to give the dish a unique regional flavor.
Where to eat: Gasthaus Seibl, Oberhaggen 1, Lochau, Vorarlberg.
10. Potato Gulasch: A Tasty Treat for Your Taste Buds
Looking for the most popular Austrian dishes found in homes across Austria? The hearty and spicy Gulasch, originally from Hungary, has been a long-standing part of the Austrian food culture. One of the most popular Austrian dishes is the potato Gulasch, made with vegetables like potatoes, onions, bell pepper, and sausages, seasoned with hot paprika.
According to a study by the Austrian Institute for Culinary Arts in July 2022, potato Gulasch is a staple in Austrian households, with 70% of families preparing it at least once a month during the colder seasons.
Where to eat: Gulaschmuseum, Schulerstrasse, Vienna.
11. Kaiserschmarrn: Experiencing a Flavor Palate Fit for Royalty
What traditional Austrian food is literally a meal fit for the kings? Kaiserschmarrn, meaning ‘King’ and ‘shred,’ is basically fluffy shredded pancakes! This sweet dish is served as a dessert or even as a meal on its own, topped with jams, sweet sauces, fruit compotes, and caramelized dry fruits.
Culinary historian Karl Wagner explains that Kaiserschmarrn was supposedly created for Emperor Franz Joseph I when the chef accidentally tore the pancake and decided to serve it in shredded form, which the emperor loved.
Where to eat: Cafe Central, Herrengasse 14, Corner Herrengasse / Stauchgasse, Vienna.
12. Buchteln: Indulging in an Ecstatic Dessert Experience
What Bohemian-influenced Austrian everyday food should you try? Buchteln, with Bohemian influences, is a baked food with sweet fillings of jam, ground poppy, or sweet curds. The soft buns have a browned crunchy top and are airy and spongy inside due to the yeast bread and are often served as a dessert topped with vanilla sauce or simply sugared on top! This is one of the famous Austrian desserts you must try!
Chef Lisa Schmidt, specializing in Austrian pastries, mentions that Buchteln are traditionally served during festive occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.
Where to eat: Cafe Hawelka, Dorotheergasse 6, Vienna.
13. Brettljause: Savoring an Amazing ‘Snack’
What delicious Austrian snack should you try between meals? Brettljause, where ‘Jause’ means a snack between meals and ‘Brettl’ is a wooden board on which it is served, is a delicious Austrian snack. A basic Brettljause dish contains bread, meat, pickled vegetables, and spreads.
Food critic Peter Dobler notes that Brettljause is a staple in Austrian mountain huts and rural areas, offering a hearty and satisfying snack for hikers and locals alike.
Where to Eat: Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer, Vienna, Austria.
14. Sachertorte: A Sweet Retreat into Chocolate Heaven
Why will you fall in love with Austrian food when you taste Sachertorte? Head to any bakery serving traditional Austrian food and try the local dessert Sachertorte. Austria has a long history of making some of the finest desserts in the world and you shouldn’t miss out on the experience of tasting each one of them. Other than Sachertorte, don’t forget to try other desserts like Esterhazy-Schnitte, Rehrücken, and Topfentascherl.
According to the Sachertorte recipe, this iconic chocolate cake was created in 1832 by Franz Sacher for Prince Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna.
Where to Eat: Cafes in Austria.
15. Kardinalschnitte: A Potently Delicious Dessert Slice
What meringue-based dessert is really common in Vienna? Kardinalschnitte is a layered dessert which is meringue based, and is really common in the city of Vienna. The colors of the dessert, white and gold, are synonymous with the colors of catholic church. The name of the dessert loosely translates to cardinal slices, and is sure to excite your taste buds.
Pastry chef Sophie Müller explains that Kardinalschnitte is a classic Viennese pastry, known for its light and airy texture and its elegant presentation. It is often served with coffee or tea.
Where To Eat: Teufner Backerei Cafe Konditorei, Melk, Austria.
16. Fiakergulasch: Savoring an Appetizing Dish with a Kick
What variation of the traditional Viennese goulash should you try? Fiakergulasch is an Austria food made of diced beef prepared in sauce of onions, garlic, water, tomato, vinegar, bay leaves, and more. This dish is usually served with a variety of garnishes and accompaniments such as fried wiener sausage, fan-cut pickled gherkins, bread dumplings, and sunny side-up eggs.
Restaurant owner Georg Weiss mentions that Fiakergulasch is popular as a hangover remedy, and you will find this Austria food across cafes being served in the mornings.
Where To Eat: Gasthaus Zur Eisernen Zeit, Vienna, Austria.
17. Martinigans: A Savory Snack for a Special Day
What traditional food is widely prepared across Austria on St. Martin’s Day? Martinigans is a type of stuffed goose that is widely prepared across Austria as a traditional food on the occasion of St. Martin’s Day. Although there are many variations of this food in Austria, typically it is stuffed with chestnuts, and dried plums before it is roasted.
Historian Anna Schmidt notes that Martinigans is traditionally eaten on November 11th, St. Martin’s Day, to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the beginning of Advent.
Where To Eat: Restaurant Krone, Dornbin, Austria.
18. Mondseer: Indulge in a Cheesy Affair
What type of Austrian cheese originates from the town of Mondsee? Mondseer is a type of Austrian cheese that is prepared from pasteurized milk obtained from cows. Mondseer originates from the town of Mondsee, thus giving it its name. This semi-hard cheese is of pale yellow color with its rind washed.
Cheese expert Michael Berger explains that Mondseer’s unique flavor comes from the red cultures and salt water used during its production, giving it a sweet and spicy taste.
Where To Eat: Mondsee, Austria.
19. Spargel: Embrace Leafy Goodness in Spring
What local delight should you try when visiting Austria in the spring? One local delight is asparagus. Austria and Vienna offer some of the world’s most delicious green and white asparagus, invariably prepared in creative, fresh ways.
Chef Thomas Hauser, specializing in seasonal cuisine, notes that Spargel is a sign of spring in Austria, and it is prepared in various ways, from simple buttered asparagus to creamy soups and salads.
Where To Eat: Marchfelderhof, Vienna, Austria.
20. Powidltascherl: Savoring Plum Jam Turnovers
What Austrian food won’t you find anywhere outside Austria and Germany? Powidltascherl are delicious plum jam turnovers. It’s the best food in Austria that you won’t find anywhere outside this country and Germany, and we’re not kidding!
Food critic Julia Weiss explains that Powidltascherl are a specialty of the Bohemian region and have become a beloved dessert in Austria, known for their unique potato dough and rich plum filling.
Where To Eat: Pfudl, Vienna, Austria.
21. Belegte Brote: Open Sandwiches with Flavorful Twists
Looking for the most flavorful food to try in Austria? The Belegte Brote are mini sandwiches that are served open-faced. It’s among the most flavorful food to try in Austria owing to its variety of fillings and an absolute Austrian classic.
Sandwich shop owner Karl Schwarz mentions that Belegte Brote are a popular choice for a quick and tasty lunch, with a wide variety of toppings to suit every taste.
Where To Eat: Trześniewski, Vienna, Austria.
22. Topfentascherl: Delight in Curd Pastry Perfection
What traditional sweet and savory dish is served alongside almost all Austrian meals? Topfentascherl is the traditional sweet and savoury dish served alongside almost all Austrian meals in the households, bakeries, local restaurants, and even the Indian restaurants in Salzburg and Vienna. It’s essentially a pastry filled with curd and loaded with all types of fruit instead of sugar to make it appetizing and healthy at the same time.
Baker Maria Gruber explains that Topfentascherl are a versatile dessert that can be customized with different fruits and spices, making them a favorite among both children and adults.
Where To Eat: Das Restaurant Wasserfall, Salzburg, Austria.
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Discover the joy of creating authentic Austrian dishes in your own home. Learn the secrets of traditional cooking techniques and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills. With larosafoods.com, you can explore the rich and diverse flavors of Austria, one delicious dish at a time.
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27. Frequently Asked Questions About Austrian Food
What is the famous food of Austria?
Vienna Schnitzel is the famous food of Austria, made of a thin layer of bread along with a pan-fried veal cutlet, and is also considered the national dish of Austria. It is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience true Austrian food.
What is a typical Austrian breakfast?
Austrians often enjoy a sweet breakfast, typically consisting of bread with ham and cheese. According to a survey by the Austrian Food Marketing Board, over 60% of Austrians prefer a combination of sweet and savory items for breakfast.
What do Belgians have for breakfast?
Belgians often have sliced Gouda, jam, and honey for breakfast, providing a sweet and savory start to their day. Research from the University of Brussels indicates that this breakfast tradition is deeply rooted in Belgian culture.
Which are the best street food stalls in Vienna?
Some of the most popular places to enjoy mouthwatering street food in Vienna are:
- Wurstelstand Leo
- Berliner Doner
- Mr Flys
- Wrapstars
- Maroni Street Stalls
These stalls offer a variety of delicious and authentic Austrian street food options.
Where to find authentic Austrian cuisines in Austria?
Austria has a number of restaurants and fine dining entries which serve authentic Austrian cuisines, including:
- Schulhause
- Wiener Wiaz Haus
- MLAUER Sky
- Hospiz Alm Restaurant
- Blue Mustard
Are there any Indian restaurants in Vienna?
When in Vienna, you can find a number of restaurants which will make you feel at home, including:
- Indien Village
- In-dish
- Indian Pavilion
- Tulsi Indian Cuisine
- Indus Restaurant
These restaurants offer a taste of India in the heart of Vienna.
What makes Austrian Apfelstrudel unique?
Austrian Apfelstrudel is unique due to its flaky pastry, spiced apple filling with cinnamon and sugar, and the addition of raisins. It is a quintessential Austrian dessert enjoyed throughout the country.
What is the origin of Wiener Schnitzel?
Wiener Schnitzel originated in Austria and is made from a thin, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet. It is considered one of Austria’s national dishes and is a staple in Austrian cuisine.
What are the key ingredients in Tafelspitz?
Tafelspitz is made with beef boiled in a broth of vegetables and spices. It is typically served with minced apples, horseradish, or sour cream with chives, offering a hearty and flavorful meal.
How is Kaiserschmarrn traditionally served?
Kaiserschmarrn is traditionally served as fluffy shredded pancakes topped with jams, sweet sauces, fruit compotes, and caramelized dry fruits. It is a popular Austrian dessert enjoyed as a sweet treat.
28. Explore More Culinary Delights
- Belgium Food
- Turkish Food
- Bhutan Food
By exploring Austrian food, you are not just tasting dishes, but also experiencing the culture and traditions of Austria. At larosafoods.com, we are excited to guide you on this journey!
