21 Austrian food and drink options you should try

If you know anything about Austrian food, it’s likely the cheese. The alpine varieties are aromatic and perfect all year round. This hard cheese is rich in herb flavors and pairs nicely with cured meats.

Styria (southern Austria, near the border with Slovenia) is famous for special dishes, particularly soups and stews. This pumpkin soup, served with pumpkin seed oil, is local to the region and is perfect on a cold fall day.

Austrians love their kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) breaks in the afternoon. So make sure to indulge in this tradition on your trip. At least one time, sample the Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake invented by Franz Sacher.

Also known as southern Austrian bacon, it's a true mountain favorite. This smoked version is usually served on charcuterie and cheese platters, preferably after a hike.

After the Sachertorte, the Mozart torte (or cake) is probably the next most famous Austrian dessert. It is a chocolate, pistachio, and nougat cake name for the country’s most famous composer.  

This is the most popular red wine variety grown in all four Austrian wine regions. It is often the most affordable red on the menu and has a fruity flavor that isn’t too sweet.

These popular holiday treats originated in the Austrian city of Linz. They are butter-filled sandwich cookies filled with jam. The cookies usually come in circular or heart shapes, usually with another shape in the middle where the jam is filled.

A popular crisp white wine with fruity and citrus notes. It is grown primarily west of Vienna, along the Danube River.

Viennese coffee house (or Kaffee Haus) culture is so renowned that it is on the UNESCO intangible heritage list. So stop by a traditional cafe at least once and indulge in a long coffee break. You won’t find any Pumpkin Spice or Chai Lattes on the menus, but a good cappuccino or espresso, along with a cake, will curb any caffeine and sugar cravings you have.

Schnitzel is the most commonly exported Austrian dish. Traditionally a breaded veal cut, other versions like chicken have now gained popularity internationally.

This pork sausage from Salzburg is usually served as a sandwich. A long bread roll (like a hot dog bun) is usually filled with meat, fresh onions, and mustard. 

Known as apple strudel in English, this yummy dessert is a staple on most restaurant and coffee house menus.

These bread dumplings can be savory and served with meat and sauce meals. Sweet versions are filled with jam for a sweet treat.

This gold and amber national beer is lighter than a lager but has a sweeter flavor than other beers. It’s standard at most beer gardens.

Okay, Austria and Germany can argue over who can claim this invention. But there’s no denying you absolutely need to grab one from a bakery on your trip.

These lagers are usually red-amber in color and have a robust body. Due to that, the beer typically accompanies heavy winter meals or is served in a pub on a winter night.

Vienna sausage is a mix of pork and beef and is thinner than other varieties. It is served on a bun or bread with mustard. Different varieties exist with pasta and stews.

This boiled beef dish is cooked in vegetable broth and served with apples, horseradish, and sour cream. You’ll see it as a main plate on many restaurant menus throughout the country.

Austria’s answer to mac and cheese, spaetzle is an egg noodle that comes in various shapes. The melted cheese, which is a variety from within Austria, makes this a great pairing with Austrian wines.

Austria’s version of pancakes is immensely tasty. The shredded pancakes are somehow still fluffy on the inside and are usually topped with jam, powdered sugar, or various fruits.

Asparagus is found throughout Europe during the spring. In Austria, white and green versions abound and are usually served with butter and lemon. However, sometimes you’ll receive cured meats and hollandaise sauce with your veggies!