Vienna is renowned around the world for splendid palaces, classical music, and sophisticated cafés, but travellers should keep in mind that the food scene is just as impressive.
Austrian cuisine has progressed slowly over the centuries with influences from Hungary, Italy, and even the Balkans, which means the final product is comforting and nourishing food with just a hint of elegance.
Vienna is tremendous fun at any time of the year, but if you really want to get the full experience and sit outside in the sun, then your visit simply needs to be spring or summer. Now’s the time to check out prices to the Austrian capital, as flights to Vienna are going to vary depending on which airport you’re flying from.
So, make sure you pack your appetite, as these are the most delicious foods you can’t miss when travelling to Vienna.
Wiener Schnitzel
While many people may already know schnitzel with pork or even chicken, Wiener Schnitzel is an iconic main meal consisting of a lean slice of veal. This is first coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then delicately fried until the texture is crispy and showing a golden colour.
True and authentic schnitzel really has to be made using veal, as it’s as close to the original recipe as possible. Real Wiener Schnitzel should be light and just a little bit crisp, as the meat should never be too thick.
The most likely side dishes you’ll find in restaurants are potato salad with lemon wedges. In reality, it’s quite simple food, but when prepared well it’s easily one of the tastiest and most pleasing meals you’ll experience when staying in Vienna.
Best place to try: Figlmüller, Wollzeile 5, 1010
Apfelstrudel
Now we come to the sweet treat after finishing the Wiener Schnitzel. Apfelstrudel is a popular dessert in Austria and something that the Viennese take extremely seriously.
The pastry is created from very thin dough that is stretched until almost translucent. It is then wrapped around a gorgeous filling of spiced apples, cinnamon, sugar, raisins, and breadcrumbs. After being baked, the pastry is the perfect combination of flaky and crispy, while the apples remain soft and fragrant.
The Apfelstrudel needs to be served warm and is often dusted with powdered sugar, but it’s not uncommon to see it served with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or even ice cream.
Most establishments recommend simply tasting the Apfelstrudel on its own without the extras, but feel free to indulge yourself and add whatever you’re feeling on that day. Think of it like a McDonald’s apple pie, only a hundred times better.
Best place to try: Café Central – Herrengasse 14, 1010
Goulash
Most foodies will recognise goulash as a meal originating in Hungary, but the Viennese make this meal in their own unique way. You have the Austro-Hungarian Empire to thank, as Vienna’s version is just ever so slightly different from what you might find in Hungary.
Goulash in Vienna is typically thicker and richer than in other countries. The dish is made with slow-cooked beef pieces, generous amounts of onions, paprika, and spices.
It’s really the onions that are the star of the show, as they provide a huge flavour for the sauce that marks the goulash as originating from Vienna.
Saftgulasch is probably the more authentic option you’re looking for, but there is also goulash soup for the winter time. Just make sure you go to the restaurant hungry, as it’s a very filling meal and you want to savour each bite.
Best place to try: Zum Schwarzen Kameel – Bognergasse 5, 1010
Sachertorte
One more dessert to end things, right? The Sachertorte often battles the Apfelstrudel as the king of desserts in Vienna.
This is a very strong chocolate cake created in Vienna in 1832 and is found almost everywhere in the city, with each establishment providing different variations on the popular treat.
The cake is made up of chocolate sponge layered with a very thin spread of apricot jam and then completely covered in a dark chocolate glaze. You may well even find it served with a side of whipped cream just to top things off.
Sachertorte and coffee together is a very prevalent Vienna pastime and enjoying this on a nice day in summer makes you feel like you’re one of the locals.
Best place to try: Café Sacher Wien – Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010
