Food is an identity and for many travellers, food is an integral part of their travel experience. Traditional food represents identity and history, preserves local traditions and rewards authenticity of a country. There are long stories behind all of favourite Austrian dishes. Many recipes coming from the k.u.k. Monarchy – a time in which a lot of cultural influences collided. With Austria’s rural family businesses supplying the country with local, high-quality food and ingredients, we have had a closer look and spoke to our Austrian expert which are the must-eats during a stay in Austria.
1: Wiener Schnitzel
The Wiener Schnitzel is Vienna’s most famous dish and well known around the world. With its golden-yellow breading, it not only displays a good figure on a plate, it tastes tender, juicy and crispy at the same time. The Wiener Schnitzel is indeed the most popular dish in the city, at a lake, on a mountain, or in every corner of the country.
2: Apple Strudel
The worldwide well known apple strudel has a very long tradition in Austria. With a crunchy crispy pastry on the outside and a moist spicy fruit inner made from apples, raisins, nut crumbs and cinnamon, the traditional apple strudel should not be missed during a stay in Austria. For those who like to create their own apple strudel, just join one of the apple strudel baking classes. At Café and Restaurant Residenz Schoenbrunn in Vienna you learn about the history and tradition of the Apple Strudel while creating your very own traditional Apple Strudel.
3: Marillenknödel – Apricot Dumplings
These apricot dumplings are a sweet treat and get served as a main or a dessert in Austria. During a journey through Austria these traditional apricot dumplings, as made in the Lower Austrian Wachau Valley, should be tried. The secret of the Wachau apricot dumpling is the filling with a “real” apricot. The mild climate and fertile soil of the Wachau Valley not only produce outstanding white wines, this climate is also perfect for fruit-growing.
4: Kaiserschmarrn
The chopped pancakes are a long-term favourite in Austria. Enjoyed with fresh air and a view of alpine pastures and mountains, the Kaiserschmarrn tastes particularly good. Eating Kaiserschmarrn together in a mountain hut can be the highlight of ending a day on the mountain pasture. A hut, a wooden table and a Kaiserschmarrn are a simple part of Austrian cosiness and not to be missed.
5: Sachertorte Cake
This world-famous chocolate cake was created in 1832. The recipe for the Original Sacher-Torte is a well-kept secret, known only to confectioners at Hotel Sacher in Vienna. The CAFÉ SACHER in Vienna offers the perfect setting to enjoy the typical and unique Viennese coffee house culture with a piece of the only true original Sachertorte.
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