Must-Try Traditional Viennese Dishes

Sacher Torte Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a city not only famous for its imperial architecture and classical music but also for its unique and delicious culinary traditions. From hearty dishes like Wiener Schnitzel to sweet treats like Apfelstrudel, the Viennese cuisine is a reflection of the city’s rich cultural history. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the must-try traditional Viennese dishes that will make your visit to Vienna a culinary adventure.

1. Wiener Schnitzel

Arguably the most famous Viennese dish, Wiener Schnitzel is a staple of Austrian cuisine. This iconic dish consists of a thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, typically served with a side of parsley potatoes or a simple potato salad.

What Makes Wiener Schnitzel Special?

  • Crispy Coating: The key to a perfect Wiener Schnitzel lies in the crispy, golden breadcrumb coating, which is fried to perfection.
  • Traditional Sides: Pair your schnitzel with a light potato salad or a squeeze of fresh lemon for the full Viennese experience.

While traditionally made with veal, variations using pork or chicken are also popular and can be found on most restaurant menus in Vienna.

2. Tafelspitz

Another classic Viennese dish, Tafelspitz is a flavorful boiled beef dish, often served with horseradish, apple sauce, and roasted potatoes. This dish was once a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph and remains a beloved part of Vienna’s culinary heritage.

How to Enjoy Tafelspitz

  • Rich Broth: The beef is boiled in a rich broth, which is often served as a soup before the main course.
  • Accompaniments: Traditional sides include horseradish, spinach, and roasted potatoes, all of which complement the tender beef.

3. Apfelstrudel

No Viennese meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) is a must-try dessert. This classic pastry is filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, all wrapped in delicate layers of dough.

What Makes Apfelstrudel So Delicious?

  • Thin Layers of Dough: The dough for Apfelstrudel is stretched incredibly thin, almost paper-like, which creates a light and flaky texture.
  • Spiced Filling: The apple filling is flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes a splash of rum, making it warm and comforting.

Apfelstrudel is often served warm with a side of vanilla sauce or whipped cream, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy after a traditional Viennese meal.

4. Sachertorte

Another iconic Viennese dessert, Sachertorte is a rich chocolate cake that was invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Metternich. The cake is made with dense layers of chocolate sponge, apricot jam, and a smooth chocolate glaze.

Tips for Enjoying Sachertorte

  • Where to Try It: The original Café Sacher is the best place to try an authentic slice of Sachertorte, though it can also be found in many other Viennese cafés.
  • Perfect with Coffee: Pair your Sachertorte with a cup of strong Viennese coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

5. Kaiserschmarrn

For a truly unique Viennese dish, try Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy, shredded pancake served with powdered sugar and fruit compote. This sweet dish was a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph, and its name translates to "Emperor’s Mess" due to its intentionally torn, messy appearance.

How Kaiserschmarrn is Made

  • Fluffy Pancake: The pancake batter is cooked until golden brown, then shredded into bite-sized pieces and dusted with powdered sugar.
  • Served with Compote: Kaiserschmarrn is typically served with a side of fruit compote, often made from plums or apples.

6. Gulasch

While Gulasch originated in Hungary, it has become a beloved dish in Vienna as well. Viennese Gulasch is a rich, hearty stew made from beef, onions, and paprika, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s typically served with dumplings or dark bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

What Sets Viennese Gulasch Apart?

  • Simple Ingredients: The beauty of Viennese Gulasch lies in its simplicity – the dish relies on high-quality ingredients and slow cooking to bring out the flavors.
  • Hearty and Warming: Gulasch is the perfect dish for colder days, offering a warming, comforting meal that’s full of flavor.

7. Palatschinken

Palatschinken are Viennese-style crepes, typically filled with apricot jam, Nutella, or sweetened cottage cheese. They are light, thin pancakes that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack any time of day.

Popular Fillings for Palatschinken

  • Apricot Jam: A classic Viennese filling, apricot jam adds a fruity sweetness to the delicate crepes.
  • Nutella: For chocolate lovers, Nutella-filled Palatschinken are a deliciously indulgent option.

8. Knödel

Knödel (dumplings) are a common side dish in Viennese cuisine, often served alongside Tafelspitz or Gulasch. These soft, doughy dumplings can be made from bread, potatoes, or semolina, and are sometimes filled with savory ingredients like spinach or bacon.

Types of Knödel

  • Semmelknödel: Bread dumplings, often served as a side dish.
  • Kartoffelknödel: Potato dumplings, which have a softer texture.

Wrapping Up

Viennese cuisine offers a delightful blend of hearty, savory dishes and rich, indulgent desserts, making it a must-try for food lovers. Whether you're enjoying a classic Wiener Schnitzel, indulging in a slice of Sachertorte, or savoring a warm plate of Gulasch, Vienna’s culinary traditions are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

When visiting Vienna, be sure to explore the city's restaurants, cafés, and markets to experience these traditional dishes for yourself. Each bite will give you a taste of the city’s rich history and vibrant food culture. Also, visit our Food & Wine section, where we curate the best dining experiences in Vienna!