Austrian cuisine is all about comfort, tradition and flavour. Think hearty meats, rich sauces and pastries, with meals that are filling and beautifully simple. From Vienna’s elegant coffee houses to mountain huts serving rustic classics, food in Austria is as much about culture as it is about taste. While you’ll find some familiar European influences, Austrian food has a unique personality, and you’ll get to experience that from the moment you arrive.
What’s Austrian Cuisine Like?
Once you’ve planned your move to Austria and you’ve done your best to prepare for the Austrian climate, you can focus on getting excited for the delicious dishes waiting for you. In Austria, you can expect generous portions, locally sourced ingredients and an emphasis on seasonal produce. Austrians take pride in their local produce – from Alpine dairy to fresh bread baked daily – and meals are often social events that bring family and friends together. Dining out is affordable and relaxed, and even the humblest cafe takes its food seriously. Whether you’re sitting down to a big Sunday meal as a family, or you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat at a sausage stand, eating in Austria is both comforting and memorable.
Austrian food is deeply rooted in history and regional tradition, combining influences from across Europe, particularly Germany, Hungary, Italy and the Czech Republic. The result is a cuisine that’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly diverse. Whereas British food culture has become increasingly globalised – let’s face it, you won’t struggle to find British food anywhere in the world – Austrian cuisine has stayed proudly local and seasonal. In winter, expect warming stews and meat dishes. In summer, lighter fare with plenty of fresh fruit, salads and pastries.
Regardless of whether you decide the best time to move to Austria is the summer or winter, or somewhere in between, you won’t be disappointed by the cuisine available.
Common Savory Dishes in Austria
Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener schnitzel is arguably Austria’s most famous dish, consisting of a thin, breaded and pan-fried cutlet, traditionally made with veal but often served with pork. It’s crisp on the outside, tender inside and typically paired with potato salad or lingonberry jam.
Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz is a classic Viennese favourite. It’s made with boiled beef served with horseradish, apple sauce and a side of root vegetables. It’s a simple, elegant and deeply satisfying dish.
Tiroler Gröstl
A hearty Alpine dish from the Tyrol region, Tiroler Gröstl is made with pan-fried potatoes, onions and bacon, which are then topped with a fried egg. It’s the perfect comfort food after a day in the mountains.
Käsekrainer
Käsekrainer is a street food staple. The sausage is filled with melted cheese and usually served in a crusty bread roll with mustard and ketchup. It’s quick, tasty and loved by locals.
Leberkäse
Somewhere between a meatloaf and a sandwich filler, Leberkäse is a baked loaf of finely ground meat, sliced thick and served hot in a roll. It’s ideal for lunch on the go.
Austria’s Top Sweet Dishes and Pastries
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy, shredded pancake that’s caramelised, sweetened and served with plum compote or other fruit sauces. It’s a comfort dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Sacher-Torte
Vienna’s iconic chocolate cake is Sacher-Torte. It’s dense, rich and layered with apricot jam beneath a glossy dark chocolate icing. Sacher-Torte is usually served with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Apfelstrudel
Austrian apple strudel is legendary. Expect flaky pastry wrapped around spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, finished with a dusting of icing sugar and served with vanilla sauce or cream.
Marillenknödel
These sweet dumplings are made from potato or quark dough, filled with apricots and rolled in buttery breadcrumbs. Marillenknödel is a must try during the apricot season in summer.
Austrian Drinks to Try
Viennese Melange
Viennese melange is a local coffee house classic. It’s similar to a cappuccino, made with espresso, steamed milk and foam. It’s best enjoyed in a café with a slice of cake.
Alm Dudler
Austria’s beloved soft drink is Alm Dudler, a refreshing mix of apple and elderflower that’s perfect on a warm day or as a mixer for sparkling wine.
Ski Wasser
Ski wasser is an Alpine favourite, made using a mix of raspberry or berry syrup, and sparkling water or lemonade. You’ll find it everywhere from ski lodges to summer festivals.
Food Culture and Daily Life in Austria
- Breakfast in Austria is simple but high quality. You can expect fresh bread rolls, butter, cheese, ham and jam, often accompanied by coffee or tea.
- Lunch is usually the main meal of the day, and many restaurants offer affordable daily menus that include a soup, a main dish and sometimes dessert.
- Dinner in Austria is typically lighter, usually consisting of bread, cold meats or soup.
Seasonal and Local Produce
Austrians take pride in using fresh, local ingredients and this commitment to quality is reflected in everything from family cooking to fine dining. Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend in Austria, it’s a way of life that’s deeply rooted in tradition and regional identity.
Menus in Austria shift naturally with the calendar, celebrating what’s in season. This means even everyday meals feel special with simple ingredients that are transformed into something memorable, simply because they’re fresh, local and perfectly in tune with the time of year.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are common and you’ll find them in almost every town, from bustling city markets in Vienna and Graz, to small village squares in the countryside. These markets boast produce, homemade jams, artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread, local honey, cured meats and seasonal fruit.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While traditional Austrian cuisine leans heavily on meat and dairy, vegetarian and vegan options are becoming increasingly common. Most restaurants now offer at least one meat free dish and in cities like Vienna, Graz and Salzburg, vegetarian cafés and plant based bakeries are common. Supermarkets also stock a wide range plant based products, so you’ll never be short of options if you’re cooking at home.
Dining Out in Austria
Dining out in Austria is generally more affordable than in the UK, particularly once you step outside of Vienna. In smaller cities and rural areas, you’ll find excellent quality meals at reasonable prices, often made with local ingredients and served in generous portions. A tip of around 5% to 10% is standard, or you can simply round up the bill to the nearest euro or two for smaller amounts.
Restaurants in Austria tend to focus on value, freshness and tradition. You won’t find endless menus with dozens of dishes. Instead, many places offer a small selection of seasonal dishes, all prepared with care. Daily specials are common and typically include a soup or starter, a main course and sometimes a dessert, all for a set price. These are especially popular with locals during lunchtime and are a great way to sample authentic Austrian cooking without spending much.
Ready to Move to Austria?
From hearty schnitzels and comforting strudels, to the joy of seasonal produce and leisurely café culture, food is a wonderful way to experience life in Austria. But, before you can start exploring all those culinary delights, you’ll need to get settled in your new home. Moving abroad can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with an expert international removals company can make the process simple and stress-free. Get in touch to find out more.