Best Austrian Food Guide: Traditional Dishes, Street Eats and Desserts to Try in Austria

Austrian food is a rich blend of imperial elegance and hearty Alpine flavours, shaped by centuries of history, regional traditions, and Central European influence. From the crisp perfection of Wiener Schnitzel to comforting mountain stews, sausages, pastries, and iconic desserts like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel, Austria’s cuisine offers a delicious journey through its culture. This guide highlights the best Austrian cuisines to try, from traditional dishes to street eats and classic desserts, helping you explore Austria’s culinary heritage like a local, whether you’re visiting Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, or the Alpine villages.

Key Takeaways

• Austria’s cuisine blends imperial traditions with regional Alpine influences, resulting in hearty mains, refined classics and world-famous desserts.
• Dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz and Sachertorte reflect centuries of culinary heritage and remain widely available across the country.
• Prices vary by region and venue type, but travellers can enjoy authentic Austrian food at both budget-friendly cafés and premium historic restaurants.
• Street food, including Vienna sausages and Bosna, offers a quick, affordable way to sample local flavours.
• Desserts like Apfelstrudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Linzer Torte are essential parts of the Austrian café experience.

Classic Austrian Main Dishes to Try

Wiener Schnitzel – The Most Famous Austrian Dish

Wiener Schnitzel is one of the best traditional Austrian dishes. This culinary masterpiece is a breaded veal cutlet, coated in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, and fried until light and crispy. The dish is traditionally served with lemon, a dollop of mountain cranberry jam, potato salad and French fries. 

Tafelspitz – Traditional Boiled Beef from Vienna

Tafelspitz is another must-try Austrian food for tourists. The dish consists of boiled beef preparations cooked in broth with root vegetables, onions and aromatic spices.

Tiroler Grostl – Tyrolean Pan-Fried Mountain Dish

Tiroler Grostl is a pan-fried dish consisting of potatoes, onions and beef or pork, often topped with a fried egg. The dish embodies the practicality of mountain cooking and exemplifies Alpine cuisine’s resourcefulness and focus on hearty, filling meals.

Alpine Comfort Food Specialities

Kasespatzle – Classic Alpine Cheese Noodles

Kasespatzle is a hearty mountain dish that features egg noodles, layered with Alpine cheeses and then topped with crispy fried onions. The dish is served in traditional cast-iron pans and is paired with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Knodel – Traditional Austrian Dumplings (Savoury & Sweet)

Knodel is one of the best Alpine Austrian comfort foods. Bread dumplings are made from stale bread, eggs and milk, and are served with gravies and sauces. Marillenknodel is the sweet version, made with fresh apricots in potato or curd dough.

Austrian Street Food & Quick Snacks

Vienna Sausages – Iconic Austrian Street Food

Vienna Sausages are quick, inexpensive meals and are a core part of the traditional Austrian dishes. These are made from pork and beef, and are smoked at low temperatures, which gives a distinctive flavour.

Brettljause – Traditional Austrian Snack Platter

Brettljause is a traditional snack platter and is one of the must-try Austrian foods for tourists. The snack is a spread of finely chopped bacon, sausages and local cheeses on fresh bread. 

Austrian Desserts & Café Classics

Sachertorte – Vienna’s Signature Chocolate Cake

Sachertorte is the iconic chocolate cake of Austria. This rich dessert consists of a dense chocolate sponge cake layered with apricot jam and coated with dark chocolate glaze.

Apfelstrudel – Traditional Austrian Apple Strudel

Apfelstrudel is one of the must-try Austrian desserts. This traditional Austrian pastry is a very thin dough, filled with apples, cinnamon, sugar and raisins. Unlike many desserts, Apfelstrudel is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.

Kaiserschmarrn – Emperor’s Caramelised Shredded Pancake

Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy, lightly sweetened shredded pancake. It is caramelised in butter and served with raisins and nuts. 

Linzer Torte – Austria’s Historic Nut-Crust Cake

Linzer Torte is the oldest known cake recipe in the world. This iconic dessert features a buttery crust made with ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, warm spices and a vibrant filling of redcurrant, raspberry, or apricot jam.

Final Thoughts on Must-Try Austrian Dishes

Austrian food and dishes represent centuries of culinary evolution, imperial influence, and regional pride. From the crispy Wiener Schnitzel to the dense chocolate richness of Sachertorte, from hearty Alpine Kasespatzle to delicate Apfelstrudel, the best Austrian dishes highlight the country’s history, local ingredients and diverse cultural influences. Plan your Austrian food on a budget with Pickyourtrail’s Austria Tour Packages, where our travel professionals will help you create your own personalised itinerary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous traditional food in Austria?

Wiener Schnitzel is Austria’s most famous dish and the country’s national food. This breaded veal cutlet must be made according to strict traditional methods and is protected by Austrian law when called Wiener Schnitzel.

Is eating out in Austria expensive?

Austrian food varies in price. Street food like sausages costs approximately Rs. 300 to Rs. 450 (€3 to €5), while restaurant mains range from Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 2,200 (€12 to €24). Cafe desserts like Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel typically cost Rs. 440 to Rs. 1,100 (€5 to €12) per slice.

How is Austrian food different from German food?

While sharing some similarities, Austrian cuisine has stronger Hungarian, Bohemian and Italian influences due to the Habsburg Empire. Austrian dishes tend to be more refined with influences from imperial court cuisine, while German food varies greatly by region, with more emphasis on heavier, rustic preparations.

Are vegetarian options available in Austria?

Yes, vegetarians can find options in Austria, though traditional cuisine is meat-heavy. Dishes like Kasespatzle, Apfelstrudel, Kaiserschmarrn, potato salad, and various soups are vegetarian. Modern restaurants in larger cities increasingly offer vegetarian and vegan menus.

What drinks pair well with Austrian dishes?

Traditional pairings include Austrian beer with schnitzel and sausages, Grüner Veltliner white wine with lighter dishes, red wines from Burgenland with hearty meats, and Viennese Melange coffee with desserts. Almdudler, a popular herbal soft drink, is considered Austria’s national beverage.

When should I try Sachertorte in Vienna?

Sachertorte can be enjoyed year-round, though visiting famous cafes like Café Sacher or Café Demel in mid-morning or mid-afternoon helps avoid the longest queues. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Are Austrian portion sizes large?

Yes, Austrian portions are notably generous. It’s common for schnitzels to overlap plate edges, and main courses are designed to satisfy hearty appetites. Light eaters might consider sharing dishes or ordering smaller appetisers.

What’s the difference between Wiener Schnitzel and schnitzel?

Wiener Schnitzel must be made from veal by Austrian law. Other schnitzels can use pork (Schweinschnitzel), chicken, or turkey. The preparation method and breading technique remain similar, but only veal qualifies as authentic Wiener Schnitzel.

Where can I try authentic Austrian street food?

Vienna’s sausage stands, or Wurstelstands, are found throughout the city. Famous locations include Würstelstand LEO (operating since 1928) and Bitzinger Würstelstand near the opera house. These stands serve traditional sausages, Bosna, and other quick bites.

Do I need restaurant reservations in Austria?

For popular establishments, especially in Vienna, reservations are highly recommended. Restaurants like Figlmuller, Plachutta and famous cafes can have long wait times without bookings. Smaller neighbourhood restaurants may accommodate walk-ins more easily.