Austria is known for elegant cities, Alpine landscapes and historic towns, but its food deserves just as much attention. Austrian cuisine combines hearty mountain traditions with Central European influences, creating dishes that range from comforting schnitzels and dumplings to delicate pastries and rich desserts.
While Vienna is the country’s best-known culinary destination, regional specialties can be found throughout Salzburg, Tyrol, Styria and the Austrian Alps.
If you’re planning a trip to Austria, these 15 Austrian foods are worth adding to your culinary itinerary.
1. Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel is Austria’s most famous dish and an essential food experience in Vienna.
The traditional version is made from veal that is lightly breaded and fried until golden and crisp. It is commonly served with potato salad, cucumber salad or another simple side.
The dish is intentionally straightforward, allowing the crisp coating and tender meat to take center stage.
Where to try it: Vienna and traditional Austrian restaurants throughout the country.
2. Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz is a classic Austrian boiled-beef dish with strong connections to Vienna.
Beef is gently cooked in broth along with vegetables and seasonings until tender. It is traditionally served with accompaniments such as potatoes, root vegetables, horseradish and sauces.
It is a good choice for travelers who want to experience traditional Austrian cuisine beyond schnitzel.
Where to try it: Vienna and traditional Austrian restaurants.
3. Goulash
Although goulash has strong Hungarian roots, it has become an important part of Austrian food culture.
Austrian versions are generally rich and comforting, with beef, onions and paprika forming the foundation of the dish.
Viennese goulash is often served with bread or dumplings and makes an excellent meal during colder months.
Where to try it: Vienna and traditional restaurants across Austria.
4. Käsespätzle
Käsespätzle is a comforting Alpine dish made with small pieces of soft egg noodles combined with melted cheese.
It is often topped with crispy fried onions, creating a combination of creamy, savory and crunchy textures.
The dish is particularly popular in western Austria and Alpine regions.
Where to try it: Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Alpine areas.
5. Tiroler Gröstl
Tiroler Gröstl is a traditional Tyrolean dish made by frying potatoes with ingredients such as bacon, onions and meat.
It is often topped with a fried egg and served as a hearty meal after a day in the mountains.
Because of its filling nature, it’s particularly popular as comfort food in Alpine regions.
Where to try it: Tyrol and mountain villages.
6. Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel is one of Austria’s most recognizable desserts.
Thin pastry is filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon and other ingredients before being baked until golden.
It is often served warm with vanilla sauce, whipped cream or ice cream.
Enjoying apple strudel in a traditional Viennese café is one of the classic food experiences in Austria.
Where to try it: Vienna, Salzburg and traditional cafés throughout Austria.
7. Sachertorte
Sachertorte is a famous Viennese chocolate cake.
It traditionally consists of chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam and a smooth chocolate glaze.
The dessert is closely associated with Vienna and has become one of Austria’s best-known culinary exports.
Where to try it: Vienna.
8. Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy shredded pancake traditionally served as a sweet main dish or dessert.
The pancake is torn into pieces during cooking and usually served with powdered sugar and fruit compote or another sweet accompaniment.
It’s especially enjoyable after a day exploring the Austrian Alps.
Where to try it: Salzburg, Tyrol, Vienna and Alpine regions.
9. Knödel
Knödel refers to a broad family of Austrian dumplings.
Depending on the region and recipe, they can be made with bread, potatoes or other ingredients. Some versions are savory and served with meat, while others are sweet.
They are an important part of Austrian and Central European cooking.
Where to try it: Throughout Austria, especially Alpine regions.
10. Kaspressknödel
Kaspressknödel are flattened cheese dumplings traditionally associated with Alpine cuisine.
The dumplings are made with bread and cheese before being shaped and cooked until golden.
They can be served in soup or alongside salads and other regional dishes.
Where to try it: Tyrol and Salzburg.
11. Backhendl
Backhendl is traditional Austrian fried chicken.
Pieces of chicken are breaded and fried until crisp, creating a dish that resembles schnitzel but uses chicken instead.
It has a long history in Austrian cuisine and remains a popular traditional meal.
Where to try it: Vienna, Styria and traditional Austrian restaurants.
12. Brettljause
Brettljause is a rustic Austrian cold platter traditionally served on a wooden board.
It can include cured meats, sausages, cheeses, pickles, bread and other regional products.
It is particularly associated with rural and Alpine food culture and is excellent for sharing.
Where to try it: Alpine villages, mountain huts and traditional inns.
13. Marillenknödel
Marillenknödel are sweet dumplings filled with apricots.
The apricots are wrapped in a soft dough before being cooked and coated with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, butter and sugar.
The dish is particularly associated with Austria’s apricot-growing regions.
Where to try it: Wachau Valley and eastern Austria.
14. Topfenstrudel
Topfenstrudel is a variation of strudel made with Topfen, a fresh cheese similar to quark.
The creamy filling is wrapped in thin pastry and baked until golden.
It is a popular Austrian dessert and a good alternative if you’ve already tried traditional apple strudel.
Where to try it: Vienna, Salzburg and traditional Austrian cafés.
15. Austrian Rye Bread and Local Breads
Bread plays an important role in Austrian everyday food culture.
Traditional bakeries offer a wide variety of breads and rolls, often made with rye, wheat, seeds and other grains.
A visit to a local bakery can be one of the simplest ways to experience Austrian food outside restaurants.
Where to try it: Bakeries throughout Austria.
Best Austrian Food by Region
Austria’s cuisine changes considerably from one region to another.
Vienna
Look for Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, goulash, Sachertorte and classic café desserts.
Salzburg
Try regional dumplings, Kaiserschmarrn and traditional Alpine dishes.
Tyrol
Käsespätzle, Tiroler Gröstl and Kaspressknödel are excellent choices.
Styria
Explore pumpkin seed products, fried chicken and hearty regional cuisine.
Wachau
The region is known for apricots and is an excellent place to look for Marillenknödel and other seasonal specialties.
Best Places in Austria for Food Lovers
Vienna
Vienna is the country’s most famous culinary city and is particularly well known for its historic cafés, traditional restaurants and elegant desserts.
Spend time exploring local bakeries and traditional coffeehouses alongside restaurants.
Salzburg
Salzburg combines historic architecture with Alpine food traditions.
The city is an excellent place to try traditional desserts and dumplings.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is surrounded by the Alps and provides easy access to Tyrolean cuisine.
Look for hearty dishes such as Käsespätzle and Tiroler Gröstl.
Graz
Graz is an excellent destination for travelers interested in Styrian cuisine and regional ingredients.
Tips for Eating in Austria
Visit a Traditional Café
Vienna’s café culture is an important part of the city’s culinary identity. Take time to sit down rather than simply ordering dessert to go.
Try Regional Dishes
Don’t limit yourself to Wiener Schnitzel. Regional dishes can give you a much better sense of Austria’s culinary diversity.
Explore Local Markets
Markets are useful places to discover cheeses, breads, cured meats, seasonal produce and regional specialties.
Eat at Mountain Huts
If you’re hiking or skiing in the Alps, stop at a traditional mountain hut for a regional meal. The combination of mountain scenery and hearty food is part of the experience.
Save Room for Dessert
Austria has an impressive selection of pastries and desserts. Try at least one traditional sweet during your trip.
Final Thoughts
Austrian cuisine is a combination of comforting Alpine food, elegant Viennese traditions and strong regional specialties.
Try a classic Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, warm Kaiserschmarrn after a day in the mountains, a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional café or a hearty Käsespätzle in Tyrol.
The best way to experience Austrian food is to move beyond the famous dishes and explore what each region has to offer.
