Last updated: 28.11.2024
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Before embarking on your journey to Austria, you should know which culinary specialties await you! Especially the variety of main dishes and desserts will make the hearts of food lovers soar.
Main Dishes (with Meat)
In addition to Austria's national dish, Wiener Schnitzel, there are many other traditional favorites.
Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz, made from beef, is a hearty dish. It consists of either the tip of a rump cut from veal or beef or a finely marbled, well-aged piece from the hip. This meat is gently heated in a broth for a long period of time until tender. It is then served with side dishes like fried potatoes and a horseradish sauce.
Wiener Würstchen
As the name suggests, this dish is definitely part of Austria's culinary diversity. Wiener Würstchen are especially popular with children and are often eaten as a snack or with a potato salad. The sausage is made from beef and pork.
Tiroler Gröstl
Have you heard of Tiroler Gröstl? It is a culinary specialty from the region made of fried potatoes and meat. The meat can be beef, pork, or turkey. It is known for its strong flavor and is often served with a salad. You will probably want to try this dish in the Austrian Alps, especially after a long day on the slopes—it can be quite comforting! If you're also looking for great ski resorts, feel free to browse through our guide. We've compiled the best ski resorts in Austria for you: Ski Regions
Main Dishes (Vegetarian)
In addition to the many meat-based Austrian dishes, you should also enjoy the variety of vegetarian specialties!
Käsespätzle
You are probably already familiar with this dish! Käsespätzle is also enjoyed by Germans in their own country. Spätzle are thin noodles made from eggs. To enhance the dish, cheese is added, typically Gouda and/or Emmental. Fried onions and optionally bacon complete the comforting taste of Käsespätzle, making it a classic you should definitely try in Austria.
Knödel
Knödel are also very popular in Austria. They come in various forms. Large dumplings are often served in a hearty version, but there are also sweet versions (Germknödel). Knödel are also commonly served in soups or as a side dish with a tasty roast. Each variety is very delicious and especially filling for vegetarians.
Käsepressknödel
Although you may be familiar with classic dumplings from Germany, particularly Bavaria, Käsepressknödel might be a new term for you. This Western Austrian specialty, served as a main dish with sauerkraut or as a soup addition, consists of dumpling bread and cheese. The cheese makes the dumplings particularly crispy, setting them apart from the classic tender and airy dumplings. Depending on the region, different types of cheese are preferred. In Salzburg, you can enjoy them with beer cheese, while in Tyrol, they are made with mountain cheese.
Desserts
In addition to all the savory main dishes, you should definitely not miss out on Austria's sweet desserts! Enjoy a delicious apple strudel with vanilla sauce or the highly sought-after Kaiserschmarrn, which is likely to be found in every hut in the Alps. Be enchanted by classics like the traditional Sachertorte or the centuries-old Mozartkugeln. All of Austria's wonderful desserts are definitely a balm for the soul!
Germknödel
Germknödel are the sweet version of the classic dumplings and are made from yeast dough filled with plum jam and topped with poppy seeds and butter. They are often served in ski huts and warm the hearts of those who enjoy them. A dessert you probably haven’t had in Germany, but should definitely try!
Salzburger Nockl
As the name suggests, this sweet dish likely comes from Salzburg and usually consists of three dumplings. The exact origin of the Nockl has not yet been determined, but together with the fine sugar foam, they are said to represent the snow-covered house mountains of Salzburg. The Nockl is a soufflé made from sugar, flour, and eggs. This dessert is served warm and will certainly melt in your mouth!
Enjoy all these delicious Austrian specialties, and before your trip, please note that there is a vignette requirement in Austria. Take advantage of our digital vignette, which you can easily order from home. Our digital vignette is valid immediately upon purchase! You do not have to wait for its activation.
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