"You've torte-ured me with sweetness, my Lord!"
Prince Metternich of Vienna would have never thought that nearly two centuries after Sachertorte was first created for him in 1832, you or I would be saying that after tasting a slice of his favourite dessert…
Austria is famous for its magnificent views, sure. The Alps, lakes, villages, the grand cities, they're all spectacular. But even the best views can be improved by a crispy Wiener Schnitzel, a warm Apfelstrudel or a slice of chocolate cake that has absolutely no business being that good.
So if you're wondering about the best authentic food to try in Austria, here are seven dishes I'd happily recommend!
The Savoury Classics
Wiener Schnitzel
All hail Austria's undisputed crowd favourite!
Wiener Schnitzel is a thin veal cutlet coated in breadcrumbs and fried until perfectly golden and crisp. Traditionally served with lemon and potato salad, it's one of those dishes that sounds simple until you taste a really good one…
The photographs are accurate too. Some Schnitzels really are larger than the plate they're served on. If you're looking for must-try food in Vienna, start here. Many travellers head to Figlmüller, whose famously oversized Schnitzels have become almost as famous as some of Vienna's landmarks.
Love discovering destinations through their cuisine? Build a tailor-made Austria itinerary around your tastes.
Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz doesn't look particularly flashy (subjective opinion, don’t hate me for it), which makes it easy to underestimate.
This classic Austrian dish consists of slow-boiled beef served alongside root vegetables, horseradish, broth and apple-based accompaniments. The result is really comforting. It was reportedly a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph I, and it remains one of the best examples of traditional Viennese cooking today.
Many locals consider Plachutta the benchmark for experiencing Tafelspitz properly.
Käsekrainer
Every country has that one street food people absolutely adore. In Austria, it might be the Käsekrainer.
This grilled pork sausage is packed with chunks of melting Emmental cheese, creating the sort of combination that's difficult to dislike. The best way to enjoy one is standing at a traditional Würstelstand with mustard and a crusty bread roll while watching the city go by.
Tiroler Gröstl
Originally created as a practical mountain meal, Tiroler Gröstl remains one of Austria's great comfort foods! The dish combines potatoes, onions and meat, all pan-fried together before being topped with a fried egg. Mouth’s watering already…
It's hearty, satisfying and exactly the sort of thing you'd want after a long day hiking or exploring the Alps. If you're spending time in Tyrol or Innsbruck, this is one of the most authentic dishes to try in Austria you'll come across.
Looking beyond the menu? Here are more things to do that deserve a place on your Austria itinerary.
Hold Up, Save Some Room For The Desserts
Sachertorte
Remember Prince Metternich’s cake? This is what I was talking about.
Created in Vienna in 1832 by a young apprentice chef, Sachertorte has since become Austria's most famous dessert. It seems fairly straightforward: a rich chocolate sponge layered with apricot jam and coated in a smooth chocolate glaze. In practice, however, Austrians have spent generations debating who makes it best.
Some insist the original version at Hotel Sacher is unbeatable. Others have their own favourite cafés and bakeries. My advice? Skip the debate and try a few slices yourself. It's research, after all.
Apfelstrudel
Few desserts feel more Austrian than a warm slice of Apfelstrudel. Thin layers of flaky pastry wrap around apples, raisins, cinnamon and sugar, creating a dessert that's really really comforting. Served warm with icing sugar and often accompanied by cream or vanilla sauce, it's one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better on a cold day. I recommend ordering one alongside coffee in a traditional Viennese!
Connect with our experts and let us help you build an Austria holiday filled with unforgettable flavours and experiences.
Kaiserschmarrn
This may be the most fun dessert Austria has ever invented. Kaiserschmarrn begins life as a fluffy pancake before being torn into bite-sized pieces, dusted with powdered sugar and served with fruit compote, often plum or apple!
Legend says it was a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph I, which explains the "Kaiser"(Emporer) part of the name. Whether that's true or not, one thing is certain: it's really hard to stop eating once it arrives at the table.
Where Should You Try These Dishes?
Part of the fun of Austrian food is experiencing it in the right setting. For Wiener Schnitzel, many visitors make their way to Figlmüller in Vienna. For Tafelspitz, Plachutta remains one of the most celebrated addresses in the city. And if you're looking for the classic Viennese café experience, few places are as iconic as Café Central, where pastries, coffee and history come together under one roof.
But, of course, some of the best meals happen in places you've never heard of. A mountain inn in Tyrol, a family-run restaurant in Salzburg or a small café tucked away on a Vienna street can be just as memorable as any famous institution. That's part of what makes Austrian food worth exploring in the first place…
Ready to taste Austria for yourself? Explore our Austria tour packages and start planning your culinary adventure.
