Austrian Delights: A Culinary Tour Of Vienna – While some people travel for history, and others for adventure, there are those who travel for food and these are the most interesting type of travelers. Indulging in local cuisine while visiting a new city or country is one of the best ways to learn more about it, and Vienna is no exception.
Austria was once the capital of the Habsburg Empire, which covered everything from France to Russia. Therefore, Austria adopted specialties from all over the world and made them its own. From schnitzel to delicious cakes, sausages and hearty stews, we will explore some of the most favorite Austrian delicacies that you must try during your food tour in Vienna.
Austrian Delights: A Culinary Tour Of Vienna
You might be thinking, you’ve had schnitzel before, but put that thought out of your mind right away. The reason is, if you haven’t been in Vienna, you haven’t really been.
Vienna, Austria: In Search Of Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel is one of Austria’s national dishes and has traditionally been made with veal. However, today the Schnitzel is made with chicken, pork, and even turkey. In Vienna – it is usually made from a thin veal cutlet that is breaded and then fried in butter or oil, and is served in almost all restaurants in Vienna. It is typically garnished with fresh parsley and lemon, and is often served with a simple salad with vinaigrette, Austrian potato salad, steamed potatoes or fried potatoes.
You can also pair it with a cold Austrian lager or a glass of local Gruner Veltliner white wine. It’s simple, but delicious, a great crowd pleaser, and even the kids love it.
Many places in Europe claim the Goulash as their own, but whether it was invented in Vienna or not, the fact remains that it is a classic dish and not to be missed. It is a beef stew cooked with tomato, onion and paprika, and often includes dumplings.
Goulash comes in many variants such as soup and one of the most popular Austrian dishes that can also be found in homes throughout Austria is the potato goulash. It consists of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, peppers and sausage, and is seasoned with hot paprika.
Traditional Austrian Cuisines You Have To Try In Vienna
This traditional Austrian food finds its place on the breakfast menu in most restaurants. Do not miss this dish during your food tour in Vienna.
This is a very special traditional Austrian food and is available in restaurants for a few weeks in October and November. The tasty dish consists of roasted goose stuffed with chestnuts and prunes served with red cabbage gnocchi and potatoes.
Savoring this rich and tasty dish is a very old tradition in Austria and a way to remember Saint Martin – the Bishop of Tours. There is a funny story that goes – St. Martin was going to become a bishop but he didn’t want to take on the responsibilities. Then, one day, he decided to escape from his duties by hiding in a barn full of geese. But once there, the geese made a loud noise, thus giving away their plate. Frustrated and forced to be a bishop, San Martino sought revenge and ordered that all the geese in the barn be cooked and eaten that same night.
Typically, this dish is served with potatoes, red cabbage and Knodel dumplings. And it is available in most traditional restaurants in Vienna.
Culinary Tours Of Vienna
When you visit Austria, you must try this local delicacy and especially Vienna offers some of the most delicious green and white asparagus in the world.
Every year in April, many local restaurants in Vienna start serving seasonal specialties with Spargel. It is served in a variety of ways – sometimes, it is served with a little butter and lemon and rolled in breadcrumbs; other times it’s wrapped in prosciutto and slathered with hollandaise sauce or made into deliciously fresh soups. It can be accompanied with a parsley potato and a glass of crisp, equally fresh Gruner Veltliner wine.
Regardless of how it is made and served, it is one of the most famous traditional Austrian foods served in Austria during the warmer months. And almost all local restaurants specializing in Viennese cuisine will have Spargel on their menu.
Potatoes have always been a big part of the Austrian diet, and no cuisine is more authentic than this potato salad. Like American potato salads, this does not contain mayonnaise and in comparison, it is a fresh and healthy salad.
Where To Stay, Eat, And Drink In Vienna
It is prepared with white wine vinegar, red onions, some mustard, onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Some dishes also include a few pieces of beef or chicken, so if you are a vegetarian or vegan be sure to go for a salad without meat products.
This delicious salad can be combined with almost anything – sausage, schnitzel, fresh asparagus, or other seasonal vegetables. This dish is usually enjoyed cold, but during the winter many restaurants in Vienna serve it hot.
Tafelspitz is another local specialty for meat lovers, it is typically an Austrian dish in which the meat is boiled in a broth and typically served with a mixture of horseradish and minced apples. During the preparation, the meat is also cooked with various root vegetables and spices to enhance the taste.
Tafelspitz is named after the firm white fat of the Ox. In England, the same cut is called Topside. This local dish has been home cooked in Vincennes throughout history and is still very popular. In fact, this dish was one of the favorites of Franz Joseph I, an Austrian emperor.
Austria Luxury Tour Packages
This dish can be accompanied with a good Austrian white or spicy red wine. It is available in budget and luxury restaurants and is a great alternative for those who want to taste one of Vienna’s national dishes.
Würstel is a Viennese sausage made from pork and beef, encased in a sheep intestine, and smoked before serving. It is a popular dish in Vienna and plays a big role in the daily life of many people.
These sausages are available in different sizes and each of them offers a great flavor when paired with some bread, ketchup, mustard, horseradish, peppers and other sides.
Whether it’s summer or winter, this street food makes an excellent quick snack or a simple meal (not to be vegetarian or vegan). These sausages can be perfectly paired with a cold beer, and should definitely be on your Austrian food bucket list.
A Local’s Guide To Vienna: 10 Top Tips
If you are on vacation in the mountains of Austria and you are craving a bowl of macaroni and cheese, then you have to try the famous Austrian cuisine – Käsespätzle.
Originally this specialty dish is from the Swabian region in Germany, but in Austria they have their own variation and it is served as a side dish or a main course and often enjoyed in the alpine huts of the country.
Spaetzle is basically a sweet egg noodle that comes in different shapes and varieties and looks like little peppers. It comes with a generous helping of cheese and goes well with some wine and champagne. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll definitely come back for more, so don’t miss this traditional Austrian cheese during your trip.
This chocolate cake is a proud symbol of Austria and was invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher. He worked as an apprentice chef at the age of 16, and after the head chef killed himself, Sacher was assigned the task of baking special desserts for Prince Klemens von Metternich and his guests.
Days In Vienna: The Ultimate Itinerary
The famous desert consists of a dense, chocolate sponge cake with thin layers of apricot jam in the middle and covered with dark chocolate. Traditionally, the cake is served with a dollop of whipped cream and a dark chocolate medallion on top.
Today, you can find this chocolate cake almost everywhere in Vienna and you will simply love it. In fact, it is so famous that December 5th is celebrated as National Sachertorte Day.
Last, but certainly not least, in our list of traditional Austrian food is the iconic – Apfelstrudel.
For centuries it has been the most famous dessert in Austria. So, what is a strudel? It is a layered pastry, made of a light and crispy dough that stretches and thins, filled with apples, grapes, sugar, rum, lemon, cinnamon and cloves . It is often garnished with breadcrumbs mixed with nuts and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Expo Dubai: Viennese Coffeehouse Is Culinary Ambassador
Today, this famous delicacy is sold in cafes, bakeries and restaurants around Vienna. Strudels can be accompanied with Viennese coffee or black tea and can also be found filled with other varieties of fruit, including berries and apricots.
Today, there are many websites and apps that offer reviews of the most recommended dining places in Vienna, but there is something special about having a local (our expert guide) take you to their favorite places to enjoy dishes selected.
A restaurant or a food magazine will not tell you the stories behind the dish, but our expert guide will not only share the story behind the dish, but also share memories of his mother who makes the dish every Sunday for his family.
They will also give you insider tips on where you can taste the best of every traditional Austrian food in Vienna. Spending face-to-face time with our expert guide and experiencing the local cuisine will surely elevate yours
Vienna’s Cultural Delights And Culinary Wonders: A Customizable 5 Day Itinerary
Austrian museum of applied arts vienna, culinary tour of paris, culinary tour of charleston, culinary tour of india, city tour of vienna, tour of vienna, culinary tour of italy, culinary tour of france, vienna sound of music tour, tour culinary institute of america, tour of prague vienna budapest, walking tour of vienna