What to eat in Austria? Austrian food generally consists of hearty meals - think meat stews, rich soups, dumplings, and cheese spreads!
What to eat and drink in Austria?
Wondering what the traditional Austrian cuisine is? Or what you should eat and drink in Austria? Here is my top list of food and drink to try whilst in Austria.
I'm a big foodie at heart, and it's always the first thing on my mind wherever I travel.
So. What food is Austria famous for?
It depends on what area in Austria you visit as there are significant regional differences, but Austrian cuisine is generally influenced by central Europe and consists of hearty meals. Think meat stews, rich soups, dumplings, and cheese spreads!
Here are some of the most famous dishes I would recommend you to try:
Wiener Schnitzel
This national dish of Austria is a type of schnitzel made of a thin, flattened piece of veal, covered in breadcrumbs and pan-fried. It is traditionally served with lemon slices, a green salad, and potatoes. A popular variation is made with pork or chicken.
Austrian Beef Goulash (Saftgulasch)
Saftgulasch is the Austrian twist on the traditional Hungarian dish of goulash. This delish stew is made with lean chunks of beef - perfect thing to eat to warm you up on a chilly day! It's normally served with bread dumplings or spaetzle; a type of pasta made with fresh eggs.
Tiroler Gröstl
This pan-fried Austrian dish consists of potato, chopped beef or pork with lots of butter and onion, and is often topped with a fried egg. It was originally created to use up the leftovers of a Sunday roast and was very popular with Austrian farmers.
This was my favourite dish I tried in Austria!
Cakes and Desserts
Austria is renowned for its specialty cakes and desserts. Patisserie shops are filled with intricately decorated sweet treats - perfect for those Instagram shots... Just maybe have a day off the diet when visiting Austria!
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
Buttery pastry filled with warm sliced apple... what isn't there to like about this traditional Viennese pastry!? It's also a popular delicacy throughout Austria so plenty of cafes and restaurants in this region serve this dessert - don't pass by without trying!
Salzburger Nockerl
Salzburger Nockerl is a sweet, vanilla soufflé baked to resemble Austria's snowcapped mountains. This dessert is best to try when in Salzburg city, as it's the home to this Austrian specialty.
Sacher Torte
This dense, rich chocolate cake has a layer of apricot jam and is traditionally served with cream. It is said to have been invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 in Vienna, for an Austrian Prine, and is now one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties.
Austrian Cakes
Tiroler Gröstl and Beef Goulash
Austrian Coffees in Salzburg
What to drink in Austria?
Coffee
If you love coffee, then Austria is the place for you. With its own annual Coffee Festival in Vienna that takes place every January, it is definitely part of the culture here!
Some of the traditional Austrian coffees you should try are:
- Wiener Melange - An Austrian specialty coffee which essentially very similar to a cappuccino; coffee with steamed milk and froth
- Kleiner Brauner - This is probably the closest to what is generally considered to be an ordinary coffee; black coffee with a bit of milk
- Kaisermelange - Viennese specialty coffee which consists of black coffee, egg yolk, and honey
- Fiaker coffee - A strong, black coffee served in a glass with lots of sugar, rum and topped with whipped cream. Fiaker refers to the coachmen of the horse-and-carriages found in Vienna, and so this coffee is said to have kept the Fiakers warm during the cold Austrian winters.
Remember to try an Austrian cake or dessert when having a coffee stop!
Can I drink the tap water in Austria?
YES! Due to most of Austria being nestled in the Alps and high mountain ranges, the alpine water that runs down is used as tap water and so is generally very high quality.
Drinking fountains are also quite common in tourist areas of towns and cities, ideal to refill that water bottle!
Alcoholic Beverages
- Beer - Beer is one of Austria's favourite drinks, so it's no surprise that there's a big beer culture here. One of the most common brands you'll come across is Stiegl beer - you can even go on a tour of the Stiegl brewery in Salzburg. General tour tickets are 18.90 EUR per person; more information available online here. There are many other Austrian brewery tours available across the country.
- Wine - Due to the country's cool climate, Austria has a long tradition of winemaking. With most being grown and made on the Eastern side of Austria near Vienna. Be sure to try some regional Austrian wine while visiting.
- Schnapps - Schnapps is a general name for distilled fruit brandy in Austria and is a favourite alcoholic beverage here. Obstler is one of the most common variations of schnapps that you can find in Austria.
Visiting Austria - Overview
If you're a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, then head to Austria to explore the beautiful alpine hills and mountains!
- Spend either a long holiday here in the Salzkammergut region, or visit one of Austria's beautiful cities for a short break away - More on the best places to visit in Austria.
- Visit Austria either in Spring or Autumn, to avoid the high season of summer and the crowds of holiday-makers - More on weather in Austria and when it's best to visit.
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Remember to try some of Austria's traditional cuisine - from the Wiener Schnitzel to Apple Strudel and coffee!
- If you're driving in Austria, then don't forget your Vignette toll sticker to go on the inside of your windscreen - More about traveling to and getting around Austria.
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