When it comes to hearty, comforting dishes and rich flavours, the foods from Austria truly shine.
This charming country in the heart of Europe has a culinary heritage that’s as impressive as its alpine landscapes.
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From flaky pastries and decadent desserts to hearty mains that will warm you from the inside out, Austrian cuisine is all about indulgence done right.
In this post, we’re diving into 20 of the most popular foods from Austria that showcase the country’s love for bold flavours, quality ingredients, and a bit of sweetness in life—prepare to be inspired (and hungry)!
20 Most Popular Foods from Austria
1) Goulash
Austria’s version of this hearty stew is thick and rich. It features tender chunks of beef cooked with onions, paprika, and spices. It’s best served with a crunchy Kaiser roll and Austrian-style pasta like Spaetzle or Nockerl.
Goulash is perfect on colder days and hits the spot every time!
2) Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
This iconic dessert is made with paper-thin layers of dough wrapped around a spiced apple filling, often with raisins and cinnamon.
It’s Austrian comfort food, served warm with whipped cream or vanilla custard.
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3) Sachertorte
A decadent chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze.
Invented in Vienna, this dessert is world-famous and often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream.
If you visit the beautiful city of Vienna, I recommend you stop by Cafe Sacher to enjoy a piece of the original sachertorte with a coffee. Yes, it’s pricey (at around 9.90 euros for a piece), but it’s a charming cafe and you only live once, right?
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4) Kaiserschmarrn
A fluffy, shredded pancake lightly caramelised and served with powdered sugar, fruit compote, or jam.
This dessert (or indulgent snack) is loved for its sweet simplicity.
5) Grostl
A rustic one-pan dish of potatoes, onions, and leftover meat, often topped with a fried egg. This hearty meal is a favourite in alpine regions.
I love this dish and must admit it tastes even better when paired with a tall glass of chilled local beer.
You can find a similar dish called Rosti, one of the most popular foods in Switzerland.
6) Knodel (Dumplings)
Whether savoury or sweet, these versatile dumplings are a staple of Austrian cuisine.
Savoury versions often accompany meats, while sweet variations, like apricot-filled Marillenknödel, make for a delightful dessert.
7) Wiener Schnitzel
Austria’s national dish, this golden-fried breaded veal or pork cutlet, is golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Typically served with potato salad or lingonberry jam, it’s a must-try when visiting Austria.
8) Erdapfelsalat ( Potato Salad)
Unlike its mayonnaise-heavy cousins, this version of potato salad is dressed with vinegar, oil, onions, and sometimes mustard.
It’s tangy, light, and pairs wonderfully with wiener schnitzel (don’t forget the squeeze of fresh lemon juice on your schnitzel).
9) Frittatensuppe
A simple yet comforting soup with sliced crepes (pancake strips) floating in clear beef broth.
This dish is a popular Austrian starter enjoyed in regions of Germany.
10) Backhendl
Crispy fried chicken, Austrian style! This dish is coated in breadcrumbs and perfectly fried, often served with potato salad or lemon wedges.
I’m a total fan of breaded chicken with fresh lemon juice now, so be sure to try it!
11) Powidl Tascherl
A traditional dessert featuring dumplings filled with a rich plum jam, often topped with breadcrumbs and butter.
It’s a nostalgic treat for many Austrians. You will find variations of this dish in other European countries equally delicious.
12) Palatschinken
Viennese-style crepes are made from a batter of eggs, flour, milk, and sparkling water, giving them a light texture. Cooked thin in a pan, they’re traditionally filled with apricot jam and rolled up.
Variations include fillings like Nutella, fruit jams, nuts, or sugar with lemon, often dusted with powdered sugar.
These Austrian pancakes are a popular treat in cafes and homes, perfectly paired with coffee.
Read more: The Perfect 2 Days in Vienna Itinerary
13) Mozartkugeln
Named after the famous composer, these round chocolates feature marzipan and pistachio centres coated in dark chocolate. They’re a perfect souvenir or sweet treat.
These dishes highlight Austria’s rich culinary traditions, offering something for every palate!
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14) Buchteln
Soft, pillowy yeast rolls filled with jam and baked until golden, often served with vanilla sauce.
They’re perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack. These rolls are some of the most popular food in Prague and all over the Czech Republic.
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15) Topfenstrudel
A strudel variation filled with creamy quark cheese, sugar, and often raisins, too. It’s a lighter alternative to Apfelstrudel but equally delicious.
You’re in luck if you get a piece when it’s not long out of the oven!
16) Kasespatzle
Austria’s take on ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish of soft, handmade egg noodles (spatzle), layered with melted cheese (typically emmental or bergkase) and topped with crispy fried onions. Believe me, this is a winning combination in any dish.
Often compared to mac and cheese, Kasespatzle is hearty, rich, and best enjoyed in the alpine regions after a day of exploring. It’s usually served with a side of green salad to balance the indulgence.
Go on, treat yourself!
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17) Vanillekipferl
These crescent-shaped vanilla cookies are a Christmas classic in Austria. Made with ground nuts and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re buttery and melt in your mouth. When it comes to sweets, Austrian food is top of the list!
These cookies are so good, you can never stop at just one!
18) Leberkase
in Austria is made from a finely ground mixture of pork, beef, bacon, and spices, all baked into a loaf until it forms a golden, crispy crust. The texture is smooth and firm, similar to a meat loaf but more akin to a sausage.
Leberkase is typically served sliced, either hot or cold, and is commonly enjoyed in a sandwich, known as a Leberkassemmel, with mustard or ketchup.
It’s a popular choice for quick meals, especially in delis and bakeries, and can also be found as a comforting snack or lunch in Austrian homes.
If you’re flying in/out of Vienna airport, look for the small supermarket here with a deli at the front serving cheap Leberkassemmel; it’s the perfect snack before taking a journey!
19) Brettljause
A rustic platter of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, fresh vegetables and spreads, served on a rustic wooden board. You can bet that there is always a basket of freshly baked Austrian bread to accompany this dish.
It’s a popular choice for a quick meal or snack in Austrian wine regions.
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20) Tafelspitz
A classic Austrian dish of beef boiled in a spiced vegetable broth, it is served with applesauce and horseradish or sour cream with chives.
This hearty meal has rustic roots. Its name refers to a specific cut of beef, though its meaning varies between markets and restaurants!
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Final Thoughts on Austrian Food
As you can see from our list of popular foods from Austria, this nation’s culinary tradition is a dream for anyone who loves decadent desserts and hearty comfort food. If sweets and soul-warming meals are your thing, Austria will feel like heaven.
The beauty of Austrian cuisine lies in its homemade charm.
While nothing beats the flavour of these dishes made in a cosy kitchen, the good news is that many restaurants and traditional inns across Austria capture that authentic, home-cooked magic.
Travel Tips for Europe
We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
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