Austria is a country with a strong personality, culture, but also gastronomy. In the following article we will present the typical Austrian cuisine. Let’s wander, then, to the rich flavors of the country.
1. Sachertorte
The most famous Austrian cake with the two characteristic layers of apricot jam and the coating of the thick chocolate icing. It was created for Prince Metternich by the young Franz Sacher in 1832.
2. Sausages
Sausages are an integral part of the Austrian lifestyle and are usually eaten as a snack or as street food. No late night out in Vienna is complete without a käsekrainer (a thick bratwurst sausage filled with emment cubes) and a can of Austrian beer. Do not forget the typical Austrian tarragon mustard and freshly ground horseradish.
3. Wiener schnitzel
The national dish of Austria comes from the old German word sniz and was created in Vienna in the 18th century. It is traditionally made from a thin slice of beef (in Austrian law only this version is called “wiener schnitzel”. If the schnitzel is made from pork or chicken it is called “schnitzel wiener art”). However, in both cases they have the well-known coating of flour, eggs and breadcrumbs.
4. Knödel
Knödel is a staple dish in the Austrian Alps. It is a general term for a savory or sweet preparation – usually in a round shape – eaten as a main course, side dish or dessert. These preparations are usually based on flour or bread, with the most popular being spinatknödel (with fresh spinach), semmelknödel (a type of bread pasta, eaten as an accompaniment) and marillenknödel (an apricot pastry).
5. Austrian wine
Austrian wine is on the wine lists of the best restaurants in the world. The climate of the country helps in the balance between sugar and acidity and despite the relatively small quantities produced, the quality has convinced many wine lovers of its greatness. Austrian grapes such as grüner veltliner, gelber muskateller also produce some of the wines.
6. Soups
No Austrian meal is complete without an appetizing soup. Most usually have a beef broth, made from lots of meat, bones and vegetables, but also savory pancakes (fritatensuppe), dumplings with cheese (kaspressknödelsuppe) or noodles. Either of these options is ideal for an Austrian dinner.
7. Apfelstrudel
Definitely the second most popular Austrian cake is this puff pastry stuffed with apple, raisins and almond, it is a pure Viennese delight of the 18th century. In fact, the old recipe says that the dough should be so thin that you can read a newspaper through it. In Austria it is served cold with whipped cream or ice cream, while the Germans love it hot, served with vanilla sauce.
8. Austrian breakfast
A rich and substantial meal: homemade bread, speck (salted meat), mountain cheese or an omelette with potatoes give the visitor, but also the locals the necessary calories for his work.
9. Kaiserschmarrn
The kaiserschmarrn was named after the emperor (Kaiser) Franz Joseph I, who loved this delicacy. This is a thick, grated pancake with almonds, raisins, Austrian rum accompanied by homemade apple or plum compote. It is served in a large pan and is the perfect dessert for the company.
10. Austrian Coffee
There are many traditional kaffeehäuser in Austria where you can enjoy your coffee and read a newspaper with alternative coffees such as melange (a small latte), kleiner brauner (just over a macchiato) or an einspänner (espresso with lots of whipped cream).
