Viennese Cuisine
The Viennese cuisine is a reflection of the multicultural Habsburg monarchy — Bohemian dumplings, Hungarian goulash, Italian influences, and Austrian basic virtues merge into a unique cuisine that is hearty, refined, and irresistible.
The Most Important Dishes
- Wiener Schnitzel: THE Austrian national dish. Veal (not pork — that would be a "Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein"), thinly pounded, breaded in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried in clarified butter. The breading must "soufflé" — detach in waves from the meat. Served with parsley potatoes and cranberries. In a good restaurant: €16–24. The reference: Figlmüller (Wollzeile 5) — Schnitzel that hangs over the edge of the plate. Reservation required!
- Tafelspitz: Boiled beef with apple horseradish and chive sauce — Emperor Franz Joseph's favorite dish. He supposedly ate it every day. Best at Plachutta. €18–28.
- Gulasch: The Viennese version of Hungarian gulyás — slowly braised beef in paprika sauce with bread dumplings or spaetzle. In a Beisl: €12–16.
- Sachertorte: Chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze — invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich. The dispute between Hotel Sacher and Demel over the "real" Sachertorte is Viennese folklore. Slice: €8–9.
- Kaiserschmarrn: Torn pancake with raisins, powdered sugar, and plum compote. Named after Emperor Franz Joseph (another legend). As a main dish or dessert. €10–14.
- Apfelstrudel: Paper-thin strudel dough (you should be able to read the newspaper through it!), filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs. Best served warm with vanilla sauce. Slice: €5–7.
- Käsekrainer: The Viennese sausage with melted cheese — served at the sausage stand with mustard and bread. The Viennese institution for 2 a.m. €4–5.
Beisl — Vienna's Soul
A Beisl is Vienna's version of a pub — a simple, often family-run tavern with dark wood, a regulars' table, a handwritten daily menu, and honest Viennese cuisine. In a Beisl, you eat Schnitzel, goulash, and Tafelspitz at fair prices — and experience the Wiener Schmäh (the subtle Viennese humor, which is affection disguised as an insult). Lunch menu: €9–14.
