Looking for the best Austrian dishes you need to try during your trip? Austria is famous for much more than Wiener Schnitzel. From hearty mountain classics and comforting soups to delicious desserts and sweet pastries, Austrian cuisine is rich in traditional dishes that reflect the country’s history and regional flavors. Whether you’re exploring Vienna, hiking in the Alps, or road-tripping through the countryside, trying the local food is one of the best ways to experience Austria.
During my travels across Austria, I’ve made it a point to try as many local specialties as possible—from family-run mountain huts and traditional inns to cozy cafés in small towns. Some dishes instantly became favorites, while others surprised me in the best way. In this guide, I’m sharing the traditional Austrian dishes I think every visitor should try at least once, along with a few tips on where to find them.
Quick Facts
🇦🇹 Country: Austria
🍽️ Best known for: Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Apfelstrudel & Kaiserschmarrn
🥨 Must-try dishes: 15 traditional Austrian specialties
☕ Best food experiences: Mountain huts, Gasthäuser, Heurigen & Viennese cafés
💶 Average meal: €15–30 in a traditional restaurant
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Table of Contents
Wiener Schnitzel: Austria’s Iconic Classic
It would be impossible to talk about Austrian cuisine without starting with its most iconic dish: Wiener Schnitzel. Whether you’re eating at a traditional Viennese restaurant, a family-run guesthouse, or a mountain hut after a day of hiking, you’ll find this classic dish on menus all across the country.
Made with a thin veal cutlet coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then pan-fried until golden, Wiener Schnitzel is surprisingly light, crispy, and full of flavor. It’s a simple recipe, but one that has become a symbol of Austrian cuisine for good reason.
Traditionally, it’s served with Austrian potato salad dressed with vinegar and onions or with parsley potatoes. Many restaurants also offer it with French fries, a lemon wedge, and sometimes a spoonful of cranberry jam, which adds a delicious sweet contrast.
One thing worth knowing is that, in Austria, only a schnitzel made with veal can officially be called Wiener Schnitzel. If it’s prepared with pork or turkey, the menu will usually say “Schnitzel Wiener Art ” (“Viennese-style schnitzel”) or simplyspecify the type of meat. They’re just as popular with locals and equally delicious.
Kaiserschmarrn: The Emperor’s “Happy Accident“ You Need to Try
Kaiserschmarrn is one of my favorite Austrian dishes, especially after a long day on the ski slopes. There’s nothing better than sitting in a cozy mountain hut with a warm plate of fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.
Among the Austrian dishes you need to try, Kaiserschmarrn is famous not only for its comforting taste but also for the legend behind it. One popular story says it was created after a pancake prepared for Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) accidentally fell apart. Rather than letting it go to waste, Emperor Franz Joseph I supposedly loved it, turning a kitchen mishap into one of Austria’s most beloved desserts.
Made with flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt, the batter is cooked until golden, then torn into bite-sized pieces right in the pan. The result is light, fluffy, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
It’s traditionally served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a side of plum compote. However, you’ll also find it paired with apple sauce or berry compote, depending on the region.
Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or even as a main meal in a mountain hut, Kaiserschmarrn is one Austrian specialty you shouldn’t leave the country without trying.
Käsespätzle: Austria’s Cheesy, Comforting Mountain Classic You Need to Try
Since moving to Austria, Käsespätzle has become one of my favorite comfort foods. I love it so much that I often make it at home during autumn and winter.
If you’re looking for hearty Austrian dishes you need to try, Käsespätzle deserves a spot near the top of the list. Often compared to mac and cheese, this Alpine classic combines soft homemade egg noodles with plenty of melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food.
Depending on where you are in Austria, you’ll hear it called by different names, including Käsknöpfle in Vorarlberg, Nockerl in Vienna, or Kasnocken in Salzburg. The noodles may vary in size and shape from region to region, but the rich, cheesy flavor remains the same.
Traditionally, Käsespätzle is made by layering freshly cooked Spätzle with a generous mix of Alpine cheeses, usually Emmentaler and Bergkäse, before topping everything with crispy caramelized onions. Served straight from the pan, it’s rich, filling, and exactly the kind of meal you’ll appreciate after a day of hiking or skiing in the Austrian Alps.
If you spot Käsespätzle on the menu, don’t hesitate to order it. It’s one of the most satisfying traditional dishes you’ll find in Austria.
Blutwurst: The Austrian Blood Sausage You Need to Try (If You Dare!)
I’ll admit it. Blutwurst isn’t for everyone. But if you enjoy trying traditional local food wherever you travel, it’s one of those Austrian dishes worth experiencing at least once. Personally, I like it, although I know it’s probably the most controversial dish on this list.
Made with pork blood, meat, fat, onions, spices, and cereals, Blutwurst has been part of Austrian cuisine for centuries. While the ingredients may sound intimidating, the flavor is much milder than most people expect, especially when paired with the right sides.
You’ll often find it served pan-fried with sauerkraut and potato dumplings (Knödel), a classic combination that’s especially popular during the colder months. It can also be enjoyed cold, sliced on fresh bread with mustard and horseradish.
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves tasting authentic local specialties, don’t let the name put you off. It may not become your favorite Austrian dish, but it’s definitely one of the country’s most traditional culinary experiences.
Apfelstrudel: Austria’s Most Famous Apple Dessert
No list of Austrian dishes would be complete without Apfelstrudel. Crispy, flaky, and filled with warm cinnamon apples, it’s easily one of the country’s most iconic desserts—and one I never get tired of ordering.
Made with paper-thin pastry wrapped around a filling of apples, raisins, cinnamon, sugar, and breadcrumbs, Apfelstrudel has been a staple of Austrian cuisine for centuries. Every family and every café seems to have its own recipe, but the result is always delicious.
You’ll usually find it served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. If you really want to treat yourself, order it with warm vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me—it takes an already fantastic dessert to the next level.
Whether you’re taking a break in a traditional Viennese coffee house or stopping at a mountain hut after a hike, Apfelstrudel is one Austrian dessert you simply shouldn’t miss.
Knoblauchcremesuppe: The Creamy Garlic Soup to Warm Your Soul
One of my favorite Austrian soups has to be Knoblauchcremesuppe. It’s the kind of dish I always order on a cold autumn or winter day. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with garlic flavor without being overpowering.
Austria is home to plenty of delicious soups, from hearty Gulaschsuppe and traditional Leberknödelsuppe (liver dumpling soup) to the classic Grießnockerlsuppe (semolina dumpling soup). But if you’re looking for one that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, Knoblauchcremesuppe is one of the Austrian dishes you need to try.
Made with garlic, vegetable stock, cream, and fresh parsley, this silky soup proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. It’s usually served with toasted bread or crunchy croutons, making it the perfect starter before a traditional Austrian meal—or even a light lunch on a chilly day.
If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t leave Austria without trying a bowl of Knoblauchcremesuppe.
Schweinsbraten: The Hearty Roast You Need to Try
If you’re looking for traditional Austrian comfort food, Schweinsbraten is a dish you shouldn’t miss. This slow-roasted pork is a staple of Austrian home cooking and one of the Austrian dishes you need to try if you want to experience authentic local flavors.
The pork is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and aromatic caraway seeds before being roasted slowly until it’s tender and juicy. The rich pan juices are then turned into a flavorful gravy that’s generously poured over the sliced meat.
Schweinsbraten is traditionally served with Kartoffelknödel (potato dumplings) and Sauerkraut, creating a hearty meal that’s especially popular during the colder months. If you love crispy crackling, look for Krustenbraten, a variation with an irresistibly crunchy roasted skin.
It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade, comforting, and deeply rooted in Austrian tradition. Exactly what I look for when eating at a traditional Gasthaus.
Kardinalschnitte: The Layered Cake You Need to Try
Out of all the Austrian desserts, Kardinalschnitte is probably my favorite. My husband and I love it so much that we’ve even started making it at home. It’s surprisingly light, not overly sweet, and one of those desserts that’s impossible to stop eating after just one slice.
You’ll often find Kardinalschnitte in traditional Viennese cafés, where it’s served alongside a cup of coffee. This elegant dessert is made by baking alternating stripes of fluffy meringue and light sponge cake before layering them with whipped cream and fruit jam.
Its name, which translates to “Cardinal’s Slice,” comes from the white and golden layers, said to resemble the robes worn by Catholic cardinals. The result is a dessert that’s crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and freshness.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave Austria without trying Kardinalschnitte. It may not be as famous as Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel, but it’s easily one of the country’s best desserts. And one I always recommend whenever someone asks for my favorite.
Brettljause: Austria’s Ultimate Rustic Snack Platter You Need to Try
Brettljause is one of my all-time favorite Austrian meals. There’s something special about sitting at a traditional mountain hut or winery and enjoying a wooden board filled with high-quality local products. Simple? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
Among the Austrian dishes you need to try, Brettljause is perfect if you love sharing platters or grazing-style meals. The name literally means “snack on a wooden board,” and that’s exactly what you’ll get. It’s a generous selection of cured meats, regional cheeses, homemade spreads, pickles, fresh vegetables, and thick slices of rustic bread.
Every region has its own version, but you can expect specialties like Speck, smoked ham, sausages, blood sausage, local cheeses, Liptauer cheese spread, butter, horseradish, pickled vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs.
What makes Brettljause so memorable isn’t just the variety. It’s the quality of the ingredients. Many come directly from local farms, family-run dairies, or village butchers, and you can really taste the difference.
Pair it with a glass of Sturm, Most, or a refreshing Austrian beer, and you’ve got one of the most authentic food experiences Austria has to offer.
Belegte Brote: Austria’s Open-Faced Sandwiches You Need to Try
Whenever we’re out hiking in Austria, Belegte Brote are often our first choice for lunch. They’re simple, fresh, and made with high-quality local ingredients—proof that you don’t need a complicated meal to eat well.
Among the Austrian dishes you need to try, Belegte Brote are one of the easiest to find. The name means “topped bread,” but these open-faced sandwiches are much more than a slice of bread with a few ingredients on top.
Fresh rye or sourdough bread is usually spread with butter or cream cheese before being topped with local favorites like cured ham, mountain cheese, smoked sausage, hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or spicy Liptauer spread. Depending on where you stop, you might also find smoked salmon, roast beef, fresh radishes, or chopped chives.
You’ll see Belegte Brote everywhere—from bakeries and cafés to traditional mountain huts and Heurigen (wine taverns). But for me, they taste best after a long hike, enjoyed on a sunny terrace overlooking the Alps. It’s one of those simple Austrian food experiences that never disappoint.
Germknödel: The Fluffy, Sweet Dumpling You Absolutely Need to Try
Germknödel is one of those dishes I can never resist when I’m in a mountain hut. Whether I’ve spent the day hiking or skiing, it’s the ultimate comfort food. And yes, I always order it with warm vanilla sauce.
Among the Austrian dishes you need to try, Germknödel is a true classic.
This fluffy steamed yeast dumpling is traditionally filled with tangy plum jam, then topped with melted butter or creamy vanilla sauce, and finished with a generous sprinkle of poppy seeds and sugar.
Although it looks like dessert, don’t be surprised to find it listed as a main course on the menu. It’s incredibly filling, making it a popular choice in mountain huts and ski lodges after a long day outdoors.
If it’s your first time trying Germknödel, I highly recommend ordering it with vanilla sauce. The combination of the warm, fluffy dough, sweet plum filling, and creamy sauce is irresistible.
Leberkäse mit Pommes und Spiegelei: The Austrian Comfort Combo You Need to Try
Leberkäse is one of those dishes you’ll see everywhere in Austria. It’s quick, filling, affordable, and one of my favorite comfort meals when I’m looking for something simple but satisfying.
Despite its name, Leberkäse (“liver cheese”) contains neither liver nor cheese. Instead, it’s made from finely ground pork, beef, bacon, and onions, baked until it develops a delicious golden crust. The inside stays tender and juicy, making it a local favorite for lunch or a quick snack.
You’ll find Leberkäse served in a couple of different ways. The most popular is sliced straight from the oven and tucked into a fresh bread roll with mustard or ketchup. Perfect if you’re on the go. My favorite version, though, is served hot with Pommes (French fries) and a Spiegelei (fried egg). It’s simple, hearty, and exactly the kind of meal I crave after a long hike.
From mountain huts and traditional inns to bakeries, train stations, and snack stands, Leberkäse is easy to find almost anywhere in Austria.
If you enjoy hearty comfort food, this is one Austrian specialty that’s well worth trying.
Knödel mit Sauerkraut: The Austrian Dumpling Dish You Need to Try
If there’s one side dish you’ll keep seeing all over Austria, it’s Knödel. I honestly didn’t realize just how many different versions existed until I started ordering them in restaurants—and now I always have a hard time choosing my favorite.
Knödel are traditional Austrian dumplings that come in countless variations. Some are made with bread, others with potatoes, pretzels, or bacon, but they’re often served alongside Sauerkraut, roast meats, or rich gravies.
Here are some of the most common ones you’ll come across:
Semmelknödel – soft bread dumplings made from day-old bread rolls. They’re perfect with mushroom sauce, and they’re probably my favorite. If I’m having mushroom sauce, I’m always hoping the menu offers Semmelknödel alongside it.
Serviettenknödel – similar to Semmelknödel but shaped into a roll before being sliced.
Speckknödel – filled with smoky bacon and often served in soup or with sauerkraut.
Kartoffelknödel – made with potatoes instead of bread and usually paired with roast pork or game.
Brezelknödel – made with pretzels, giving them a slightly richer flavor and chewier texture.
No matter which one you order, Knödel are the kind of food that makes you understand why Austrian cuisine is so comforting. They may look simple, but they’re incredibly satisfying—especially on a cold day.
Tafelspitz: The Imperial Boiled Beef Dish You Need to Try
If you’re curious to try one of Austria’s most iconic traditional dishes, make sure Tafelspitz is on your list. Once a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph I, this elegant boiled beef dish has become a true symbol of Viennese cuisine.
Despite its simple appearance, Tafelspitz is all about quality ingredients and careful preparation. A prime cut of beef is slowly simmered with root vegetables, leeks, and aromatic spices until it’s incredibly tender while still holding its shape.
One of the things I love about Tafelspitz is that it’s more than just a single dish—it’s an experience. The meal usually begins with a clear beef broth, often served with Frittaten (thin pancake strips) or Grießnockerl (semolina dumplings). The sliced beef follows, accompanied by traditional sides such as Apfelkren (apple and horseradish sauce), chive sauce, parsley potatoes, and creamed spinach.
If you’re visiting Vienna, it’s well worth ordering Tafelspitz at a traditional Austrian restaurant. It’s one of those classic dishes that perfectly showcases the elegance and simplicity of Austrian cooking.
Ofenkartoffel mit Schnittlauchsauce: The Baked Potato Dish You Need to Try
Some of the best meals in Austria are also the simplest, and Ofenkartoffel mit Schnittlauchsauce is a perfect example. Whenever I’m in the mood for something lighter, this is one of the dishes I always enjoy ordering.
A large baked potato is slowly cooked until the inside becomes soft and fluffy before being topped with a creamy chive sauce made with fresh herbs. It’s often served alongside grilled meat or a fresh salad, although it’s satisfying enough to enjoy on its own.
What makes this dish so good isn’t the recipe. It’s the quality of the ingredients. Austrian potatoes are wonderfully flavorful, and paired with a fresh homemade chive sauce, they create a meal that’s simple, comforting, and surprisingly delicious.
My favorite version is topped with roasted vegetables and melted cheese. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own while still feeling lighter than many of Austria’s richer traditional dishes.
If you’d like to explore Austrian cuisine beyond the dishes on this list, consider joining one of these highly rated food tours.
Where to Try Traditional Austrian Food
One of the best things about Austrian cuisine is that you don’t have to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy it. Some of the most memorable meals are served in family-run inns, mountain huts, or traditional cafés. Here’s where to look for the dishes on this list:
Gasthäuser (traditional inns): The best place to try classics like Wiener Schnitzel, Schweinsbraten, Tafelspitz and different types of Knödel.
Almhütten (mountain huts): Perfect after a hike or ski day, these rustic huts are known for serving Käsespätzle, Germknödel, Kaiserschmarrn, and hearty soups.
Heurigen (wine taverns): Ideal for sharing a Brettljause, enjoying Belegte Brote and tasting local Austrian wines in a relaxed setting.
Traditional cafés: No visit to Austria is complete without stopping for Apfelstrudel, Kardinalschnitte, Sachertorte, or a slice of seasonal cake with a coffee.
Christmas markets (November–December): If you’re visiting during the festive season, you’ll find warming soups, roasted potatoes, sausages, sweet pastries, and plenty of seasonal treats.
My advice? Skip the international chains whenever you can and choose family-run restaurants or local cafés. That’s where you’ll often find the most authentic Austrian food—and some of the friendliest hospitality.
Austrian Food Etiquette: A Few Things to Know
Dining in Austria is generally relaxed, but there are a few things worth knowing before you sit down for a meal.
Tipping is appreciated. Leaving around 5–10% is customary if you’re happy with the service. Many locals simply round up the bill when paying.
Water usually isn’t free. If you ask for water, you’ll most likely receive bottled still or sparkling water, which is charged separately. Tap water is available in some places, but don’t assume it’s complimentary.
Restaurant kitchens often close between lunch and dinner. Smaller restaurants may stop serving hot food during the afternoon, so it’s worth checking opening hours if you’re planning a late lunch.
Book ahead for popular restaurants. This is especially true on weekends, during ski season, or if you’re planning to dine at a well-known restaurant in Vienna or Salzburg.
One last tip: don’t rush your meal. Austrians tend to enjoy long, relaxed lunches and dinners, so take your time, order dessert, and soak up the atmosphere.
Conclusions
From hearty mountain classics like Käsespätzle and Germknödel to elegant dishes such as Tafelspitz and sweet treats like Apfelstrudel and Kardinalschnitte, Austrian cuisine offers far more variety than most visitors expect. My advice? Skip the tourist menus whenever you can, eat where the locals eat, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Some of my favorite Austrian dishes today are the ones I almost didn’t order the first time.
Austria related articles
If you’re planning a trip to Austria, you might want to read my other articles:
HIKING AROUND GRÜNER SEE (GREEN LAKE)
THINGS TO DO IN MARCHEGG, AUSTRIA
THE LONGEST SKI RUNS IN AUSTRIA
THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN ENNSTAL VALLEY, AUSTRIA
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SKIING AT KRIPPENSTEIN DACHSTEIN, AUSTRIA
OBERTAUERN SKI RESORT GUIDE, AUSTRIA
KAYAKING THE DANUBE CANAL IN VIENNA
KAYAKING THE THAYA AND MARCH/MORAVA FROM BRECLAV(CZ) TO MARCHEGG(AT)
PADDLING THE THAYA FROM RAABS TO EIBENSTEIN
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