Austrian food is the coziest kind of comfort cooking, and I’ve rounded up 20 incredible dishes you simply have to try. Yes, you’ll spot golden schnitzel and flaky apple strudel right away, but I promise there are a few hidden gems in here that will absolutely steal your heart.
1. Krautfleckerl (Austrian Cabbage and Noodles)
Cabbage and noodles might not sound exciting, but oh my, this humble dish is packed with flavor and so easy on the budget. A sprinkle of caraway seeds brings a subtle nutty, citrusy note that totally transforms it. You can also toss in some fennel for a similar vibe with a whisper of anise.
2. Austrian Buchteln (Sweet Yeast Rolls)
I’ll never forget my first bite of Buchteln on a trip to Austria. They were sweet, impossibly fluffy, and almost creamy.
A skillet full of warm bread rolls for dessert might sound surprising, but trust me, your family will devour them. If you can, fill them with apricot jam.
Short on time? Just drizzle with vanilla sauce and they’re still amazing.
3. Backhendl (Austrian Fried Chicken)
Think of it as Austria’s answer to fried chicken. The key difference from schnitzel is the meat stays chunky, not pounded thin, so it needs a bit more time to cook. What you get are juicy, hearty bites wrapped in an irresistible crispy coating.
4. Käsespätzle (Austrian Style Mac & Cheese)
Once you taste Käsespätzle, you’ll never look at boxed mac and cheese the same way again. It’s gloriously indulgent and utterly irresistible.
Worth every bit of effort. You start with homemade spätzle, those herby egg noodles you make by pressing the dough right through a colander into boiling water. It’s cheesy heaven.
5. Semmelknödel (Bread Dumplings)
Imagine the love child of a savory bread pudding and a stuffing ball, and you’ve got Semmelknödel. They’re made by soaking stale bread in a seasoned egg and milk mixture, shaping them, letting them rest, and then boiling. My favorite move is a quick sizzle in butter after boiling to get that golden, crispy outside.
6. Faschingskrapfen (Austrian Doughnuts)
Consider yourself warned: these doughnuts are dangerously good. The dough itself is enriched with milk, butter, eggs, a splash of rum, and bright citrus zest, so they’re incredible even plain. For an authentic touch, pipe in some apricot jam, but strawberry jam, Nutella, or custard are all fair game too.
7. Wiener Schnitzel
It's Austria's iconic national dish, so beloved it's actually protected by law. Authentic Wiener Schnitzel is made with veal, but you'll often see pork or chicken used instead since veal isn't for everyone. For me, the magic is in that impossibly thin, golden crust with its perfect crunch.
8. Frittatensuppe (Austrian Pancake Soup)
Frittatensuppe is exactly what it sounds like: pancake soup. You make a batch of thin pancakes, slice them into ribbons, and let them swim in a steaming bowl of broth.
It’s wonderfully savory and super easy on the wallet. You can use beef broth or vegetable stock, whatever you have on hand.
9. Austrian Style Bread Rolls
These beautiful light rolls come with a story. Back in the day, only certain bakers had the right to make them, and they’re still famous for that signature five point star folded on top. The dough is enriched with butter and milk, so they’re way more flavorful than your standard white roll.
10. Tafelspitz (Viennese Boiled Fillet)
Tafelspitz is wonderfully simple. A cut like top round or rump gets gently simmered in a flavorful broth for a couple of hours until it’s fall apart tender.
Slice the beef and serve it alongside a bowl of that rich, beefy vegetable soup. I love pairing it with the Austrian bread rolls I’ve included in this list.
11. Austrian Liptauer
If you’ve explored Austrian food, you know the joy of an open faced sandwich piled high with spreads, meats, and cheeses. Liptauer is one of those iconic spreads: a spiced, tangy cottage cheese delight. I love it slathered on dark rye bread or used as a dip with crunchy pretzels.
12. Linzer Torte and Cookies
These beautiful treats hail from the city of Linz, and despite what you might see, they’re proudly Austrian, not German. The crust is nutty and gently spiced, and it's surprisingly thick, almost like a cakey cookie rather than a delicate pastry. Raspberry jam is the traditional filling, but feel free to use your favorite.
13. Erdäpfelsalat (Austrian Style Potato Salad)
Potatoes are an absolute cornerstone of Austrian cooking, and this potato salad is as authentic as it gets. There’s no mayo in sight, so it’s not the heavy, creamy kind you might be used to.
Instead, it’s wonderfully tangy and fresh, with a gentle kick from the vinegar and mustard. A total classic.
14. Kaiserschmarrn (Scrambled Pancake)
Kaiserschmarrn was the very first recipe I tested when I started putting this list together, and oh my, those fluffy golden pancake bits with crispy edges got me hook, line, and sinker. The rum soaked raisins tucked inside are pure magic. I love serving it with a drizzle of syrup, sweet jam, caramel, or a big spoonful of Nutella.
15. Sacher Torte
This is easily one of the most legendary cakes in the world, dreamed up by a young apprentice cook way back in the 1800s. It’s a sinful combination of dense chocolate cake and a sweet fruity layer, wrapped in a velvety smooth ganache that’s completely irresistible. A generous cloud of whipped cream on the side is the perfect way to balance all that richness.
16. Marillenknödel (Austrian Apricot Dumplings)
Quark is a staple in Austrian kitchens and it’s the secret to these tender dumplings. Can’t find it?
Cream cheese, mascarpone, or even silken tofu will do the job beautifully. Apricots are the classic choice, but I also love using fresh peaches, strawberries, or plums when they’re in season.
17. Wiener Apfelstrudel (Viennese Apple Strudel)
For the most authentic strudel you can make at home, this is the one. The dough is delicate, and the trick is letting it rest before carefully stretching it until it’s whisper thin. That’s the secret to those gorgeous, flaky layers that taste like a Viennese bakery.
18. Easy Potato Goulash
Goulash usually brings to mind a meaty Hungarian stew loaded with paprika, but this Austrian twist is completely plant based. It’s meatless, gluten free, and totally vegan, yet somehow it’s still crazy hearty and satisfying. I’m always amazed at how decadent this feels.
19. Topfengolatschen Mit Marillen (Austrian Apricot Kolaches)
These adorable apricot pockets are perfect with your morning coffee or tea. They’re light, sweet, and that fruity filling gets a lovely tangy balance from a generous amount of topfen. This particular version is vegan, so it cleverly uses cashews and soy yogurt to mimic that creamy goodness.
20. Palatschinken (Austrian Crêpe)
If savory pancake soup isn’t your thing, these sweet Palatschinken are here to save the day. They’re slightly thicker than French crêpes and often get rolled up snug like little taquitos.
Fill them with jam, chocolate, or caramel, or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pure bliss.