Hearty Main Dishes: A Culinary Foundation
Wiener Schnitzel: The Ambassador of Austrian Cuisine
Perhaps the most iconic of all common foods in Austria is the Wiener Schnitzel. This simple yet elegant dish has become synonymous with Austrian cuisine worldwide. The name, literally translating to “Viennese Schnitzel,” speaks to its origins in Vienna, the heart of Austria.
The essence of a perfect Wiener Schnitzel lies in its quality. It’s traditionally made with a thin, boneless cutlet of veal, pounded to an even thickness and tenderized. The preparation begins with gently dredging the veal in flour, then dipping it in beaten eggs, and finally coating it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs should be fine and dry, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust. The schnitzel is then pan-fried in clarified butter or oil until golden brown and cooked through.
The resulting dish is a symphony of textures and flavors: a tender, juicy interior encased in a delightful, golden-brown crust. The traditional serving includes simple accompaniments like parsley potatoes, a slice of lemon to squeeze over the schnitzel, and often a dollop of lingonberry jam to provide a counterpoint to the savory meat. This combination perfectly balances the richness of the schnitzel. Wiener Schnitzel is more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a celebration of simple ingredients expertly prepared.
Tafelspitz: A Royal Delight
Another cornerstone among common foods in Austria is Tafelspitz, a dish that showcases the quality of Austrian beef and traditional cooking techniques. This classic boiled beef dish is often associated with the imperial kitchens of the Habsburgs.
Tafelspitz is made using a specific cut of beef, usually the sirloin or rump. This cut is chosen for its tenderness and flavor. The beef is gently simmered in a flavorful broth with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and celery, along with aromatic spices such as peppercorns and bay leaves. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the broth.
The broth itself is equally important, often served alongside the Tafelspitz, as a clear and flavorful soup. The beef is then served with a variety of classic accompaniments. Horseradish sauce, whether freshly grated or a creamy prepared version, provides a sharp and zesty contrast to the richness of the beef. Apple and horseradish sauce offers a slightly sweeter alternative. Other common additions include chives, potatoes and creamed spinach. The beauty of Tafelspitz lies in its simplicity and the exquisite quality of its ingredients, a testament to the Austrian appreciation for the best in life.
Goulash: A Hungarian Influence
While of Hungarian origin, Goulash (Gulasch in German) has become a staple among common foods in Austria, adapted and embraced over generations. This hearty stew is particularly popular in the colder months, providing warmth and comfort.
Austrian Goulash is a rich and flavorful meat stew that features beef or pork as the main ingredient. It is slowly simmered with onions, paprika (the key flavoring component), potatoes, and other vegetables. The paprika lends a characteristic smoky and slightly spicy flavor. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and satisfying stew.
There are regional variations across Austria, but the core elements remain constant: tender meat, a flavorful broth, and the distinctive taste of paprika. It’s often served with bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Goulash is a perfect example of how culinary traditions can cross borders and become deeply ingrained in a new culture. The dish represents a shared heritage with its neighboring Hungary, celebrated in Austria.
Käsespätzle: The Cheesy Comfort Food
No exploration of common foods in Austria would be complete without Käsespätzle, a beloved dish that exemplifies comfort food. These cheesy egg noodles are a treat that’s enjoyed across the country.
The foundation of Käsespätzle is spätzle, a type of soft egg noodle with a unique shape. While they can be homemade, they are also readily available in stores. The spätzle are cooked and then combined with generous amounts of cheese. Common choices include Emmental, Bergkäse or a mix of cheeses which become melted and beautifully gooey.
Often, the dish is finished with crispy fried onions that are sprinkled over the cheesy noodles. The combination of the creamy cheese, soft noodles, and the contrasting textures of the fried onions is a culinary masterpiece. It’s the perfect dish for a casual meal, perfect for a lunch and is immensely popular among Austrians of all ages.
Soups and Sides: Complementing the Culinary Experience
Soups: A Culinary Prelude
Soup is a common feature of Austrian meals, often served as a starter. Several types of soups are frequently found on menus. Frittatensuppe consists of a clear broth with strips of thin pancakes, offering a delicate and satisfying beginning. Leberknödelsuppe features liver dumplings simmered in a flavorful broth, offering a more robust and savory option. Gulaschsuppe as mentioned before is also a popular choice, offering a rich and filling option as a starter or a light meal in itself. The selection of soups reflects Austrian appreciation for culinary diversity.
Side Dishes: The Perfect Accompaniments
The side dishes are crucial in completing the Austrian dining experience. Potatoes are a prominent feature. Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) is a popular choice, often prepared with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing. Roasted potatoes, with their crispy edges and fluffy interiors, are a classic accompaniment. Boiled potatoes, served simply with butter and herbs, provide a lighter option. Sauerkraut, prepared by fermenting cabbage, also features in many meals. The slight acidity cuts through the richness of some of the main dishes, and provides a welcomed element of freshness. Additionally, Knödel (dumplings), made from bread, potatoes, or other ingredients are a hearty and comforting side.
Sweet Treats and Desserts: A Sweet Finale
Apfelstrudel: A Delicate Pastry
Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is probably one of the most famous common foods in Austria. This delicate pastry is a true work of art, showcasing the skills of Austrian bakers.
It consists of thin layers of pastry dough, almost translucent, filled with a mixture of apples, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar. The dough is painstakingly stretched to achieve its paper-thin quality. Once filled, the strudel is carefully rolled and baked until golden brown and crisp. The combination of the flaky pastry and the sweet, spiced apple filling is irresistible. It is often served warm, with a generous portion of vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Sachertorte: A Chocolate Masterpiece
Another iconic Austrian dessert is the Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake. This cake is a true institution, associated with the Sacher Hotel in Vienna.
The Sachertorte is characterized by its dense chocolate cake layers, separated by a thin layer of apricot jam. The entire cake is then coated in a rich, dark chocolate glaze, creating a smooth and glossy finish. It is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream, providing a balance to the sweetness of the cake. The Sachertorte’s origin and iconic status have made it a global ambassador for Austrian baking.
Kaiserschmarrn: The Emperor’s Delight
Kaiserschmarrn is a unique dessert that’s a joy to experience. Its name translates to “Emperor’s Mess”, but it’s anything but messy when you savor it.
It’s a type of fluffy, torn pancake made with eggs, milk, flour, and sugar. The batter is cooked in a pan and then torn into bite-sized pieces during cooking, allowing the edges to caramelize. Often, raisins are added. Kaiserschmarrn is typically served with fruit compote or apple sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It is a comforting, rustic, and beloved treat.
Other Delights
Beyond these classics, there are numerous other sweet treats to discover, including Topfenstrudel (cheese strudel) and Linzer Torte, a delicious almond-based pastry. Also, Buchteln, a soft, yeast-based pastry filled with jam, is another popular choice. These are testaments to the Austrian commitment to baking.
Drinks: Complementing the Flavors
Coffee Culture: A Viennese Tradition
The coffee houses are institutions in Austria and have always been central to Viennese society. The concept of the coffee house, with its elegant interiors, newspaper racks, and comfortable seating, originated in Austria. Several coffee drinks are widely enjoyed, and the coffee culture reflects a leisurely way of life. Melange, a mix of coffee and steamed milk, is a popular choice. Einspänner is a coffee served with a dollop of whipped cream. Wiener Kaffee is another common drink.
Beer and Wine: Austrian Beverages
Austria is known for producing beer and wine. The local breweries are present across the country. Several beers are brewed locally and are enjoyed at meals. The wine regions of Austria are known for their quality wines, particularly the Grüner Veltliner grape.
Other Beverages
Other beverages include Apfelsaft (apple juice), other fruit juices, and traditional drinks. These beverages are available to enjoy at meals.
Dining Etiquette and Culinary Traditions: The Heart of Austrian Eating
Austrian dining is a reflection of culture and history.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes are often a communal affair.
Celebrations and Holidays
Food is often a central part of celebrations and holidays.
Experiencing Austrian Cuisine
To fully appreciate Austrian cuisine, there are several ways to immerse oneself. Visiting local markets to discover fresh ingredients is a great idea. Visiting local restaurants and trying regional specialties is another option.
Conclusion: A Culinary Legacy
As we conclude this exploration of common foods in Austria, it becomes clear that the country’s culinary heritage is a treasure trove of flavors, traditions, and stories. From the comforting embrace of Wiener Schnitzel to the delicate perfection of Apfelstrudel, the dishes reflect the country’s history, geography, and cultural influences. They’re a testament to the importance of quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones. If you haven’t already, make your way to Austria. Be sure to sample the cuisine for yourself. The delicious variety of common foods in Austria capture the country’s heart.
