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Vienna Austria Food Guide for First Time Visitors
Vienna is the capital of Austria and home to some of the most gorgeous buildings and delicious food. You may also hear the city be called “Wien” this is the local’s way of saying Vienna. Austria is known for their sweets and hearty dishes, two food groups that will hug you tight and keep you warm in this cooler climate.
I recommend trying Vienna’s traditional dishes like Knödel (flavorful dumpling) and their national dish the Viennese Apfelstrudel. Vienna has a lot to offer when it comes to food, so do not be afraid to branch out and try some non-traditional bites!
If you are looking to branch out, take a quick train to Salzburg, Austria. They too have an amazing food scene.
1. Manner Wafers
While strolling through the famous Naschmarkt stop inside the small pink filled Manner Waffer shop. Manner Wafers originated in Vienna and have become a famous sweet treat. Each stick has five layers of thin light wafer with four layers of your favorite filling in between. We chose the original with a chocolate hazelnut filling. These are absolutely delicious and well worth the easy €1.00.
2. Küche 18 Vienna
Asian food has a large presence within Vienna and is a great change from the traditional goulash or strudel. Küche 18 is a casual restaurant serving authentic Chinese food. Their kimchi & pork belly ramen is absolutely delicious with a warm flavorful broth!
3. Goulash
While goulash originated in Austria’s neighboring country, Hungary, goulash has become one of Austria’s most loved dishes. This hearty dish is made of slow-cooked beef and a thick beef broth sauce. We got the locals inside scoop on the best place for goulash in the city and they recommended Zur eisernen Zeit inside the Naschmarkt. This was the perfect dish for lunch on a cold fall day.
Location | Menu | What to Order: Classic Goulash
Fun Fact: Austrian’s eat their larger meal of the day at lunchtime.
4. Käsespätzle
If you like cheese then Käsespätzle is your dish! This hearty dish is very similar to the American mac & cheese, instead of macaroni noodles, the Austrians use the German noodle spätzle. You can find great Käsespätzle at Zur eisernen Zeit, the same restaurant serving delicious goulash!
Location | Menu | What to Order: Käsespätzle
5. Finn Restaurant
Finn Restaurant is a fun and innovative eatery serving a mix of new dishes. Their outdoor terrace and well-trained team invite you in with a smile. The menu at Finn is quite large with a variety of new and inventive dishes. The restaurant has a specialized chef cooking up some amazing Asian food in the wok station outside.
Location | Menu | What to Order: Papaya Soup
6. Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt was one of my favorite places in Vienna. This large market is a foodie’s dream with stalls selling a variety of foods from Greek gyros to traditional Austrian bites. Many of the locals will purchase their fresh produce, nuts, and grains here. The market is open Monday – Saturday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and closed on Sundays. You do not want to miss this great market if you love food as much as me!
7. Sachertorte + Viennese Coffee
You cannot visit Vienna without trying this indulgent rich cake. Sachertorte originated in Austria and has become world-famous with its chocolate cake layers, apricot jam, and decadent dark chocolate icing. If you want to try the “Original” Sachertorte visit, Hotel Sacher. Aida Cafe is also another great place to taste this world-famous dessert. This pink retro bakery has been established for over 100 years and is famous for their Viennese Coffee.
8. Viennese Sausages
For a quick bite, stop at one of the many sausage stands. These small stands are found throughout the city and are where the locals eat. The stands are simple with no seating and one counter for ordering. Most people just stand and eat their Viennese sausage. My favorite spot is Bitzinger’s Würstelstand, it is located right in the city center!
Location | Menu | What to Order: Viennese Sausage
9. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
You cannot leave Austria without taking at least one bite of Vienna’s National Dish. Apfelstrudel has warm cooked spiced apples enveloped inside a flaky crust and topped with sweet powdered sugar. Get your sweet bite at Café Eiles or Kaffee Alt Wien!
10. Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel is a thin piece of meat that is breaded and then fried. The Austrians eat theirs with potato salad, but you can order yours with whatever side you would like. My favorite place for this traditional Austrian dish is at Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße.
Vienna Budget Travel Guide
