From Vienna to Hallstatt: A Culinary Guide to Traditional and Christmas Austrian Foods, including Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Specialties
- maxtravelabroad
- Oct 24, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 29, 2024
by Dr. Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC
Austria’s cuisine is a tapestry of rich flavors and time-honored traditions, blending hearty regional dishes with iconic holiday treats.
From Vienna’s Wiener Schnitzel to Salzburg’s famous Kasnocken and sweets like Apfelstrudel and Kaiserschmarrn, Austria’s culinary heritage promises something for every palate.
Join us on a Max Travel Abroad tour, either next fall or our Christmas tour to taste these specialties firsthand, where we’ll savor both traditional Austrian foods and seasonal delights with vegetarian and gluten-free options for all. Let’s dive into the dishes—from savory to sweet—that await us in these magical cities!
Vienna: A Taste of Tradition
Vienna's culinary reputation is as grand as its palaces. Here’s what will tempt you at the table:
Wiener Schnitzel (Main Course) – The king of Austrian dishes, crispy thin breaded and fried cutlets of veal. Traditionally made with beef veal, however Schnitzel from pork or turkey are also popular.
Kaiserschmarrn (Dessert) – Fluffy, torn pancake pieces served with stewed plums or applesauce. It's a big dessert, but you can also argue it’s a “snack” because it’s so filling. You’ll thank me later.
Viennese Apple Strudel (Dessert) – Layers of warm buttery thin dough wrapped around spiced cooked apples, and hopefully served with rich creamy vanilla sauce. Don’t worry, gluten-free travelers, the Vienna Christmas markets have your back with their tart, look for gluten free versions of this cinnamon-spiced apple strudel.
Christmas Market Specials:
Glühwein (Drink) – Warm sweet spiced wine, perfect for sipping while browsing stalls. It’ll warm you from head to toe.
Maroni (Appetizer/Snack) – Roasted chestnuts, are sweet and buttery, naturally gluten-free and easily snuck into your pocket for later, however watch out they can dry out a parched throat!
Salzburg: Alpine Cuisine and Local Cheeses
Salzburg, Austria, is a Baroque masterpiece, where the spirit of Christmas feels almost magical against the backdrop of Mozart’s birthplace. The city’s markets are set within elegant squares, beneath towering church spires and the glistening white fortress centuries as a Catholic stronghold. Many know Salzburg as the city set for the movie Sound of Music.
Christmas booths, adorned with twinkling garlands, offers a taste of tradition—gingerbread, mulled wine, and the rich scent of pine—making Salzburg a quintessential holiday destination that feels straight out of a winter dream
Kaspressknödel (Appetizer or Main Course) – One of my personal favorites. These cheesy bread patties are as comforting as a hug from an Austrian grandma. They come either served in a broth (perfect for winter) or with a crisp salad during the warmer months.
Kasnocken (Main Course) – Think Austrian mac and cheese, but with handmade pasta dumplings instead of noodles,and strong aged cheese, topped with crispy onions. It’s vegetarian and absolutely indulgent.
Salzburger Nockerl (Dessert) – A light-as-air souffle that looks like Salzburg’s snowy peaks on a plate. Get your cameras ready—this one’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Christmas Market Specials:
Raclette or Bergkäse – Raclette is melted mountain alpine cheese, often served over potatoes or bread. Its rich, creamy flavor makes it a warming indulgence perfect for chilly evenings.
Apfelpunsch (Drink) – A non-alcoholic, spiced apple punch that’s ideal for a warming kid-friendly option. Tip: be sure to ask for "Kinder" Apfelpunsch if want the alcohol free version.
St. Wolfgang: Cozy Mountain Dishes
This lakeside village offers hearty dishes that bring all the Alpine warmth to your plate.
Steirische Kürbiskernsuppe (Appetizer) – A velvety pumpkin soup from the Austrian region of Styria, perfect for those chilly December days.
Röstkartoffeln (Side Dish) – Golden, crispy roasted potatoes that could accompany just about anything. In the vegetarian-friendly realm, these often come topped with fresh herbs or even a fried egg.
Gluten-free Wiener Backhendl (Main Course) – Crispy fried chicken, made with cornmeal instead of flour. A great option for those avoiding gluten but still craving something crispy and savory.
Christmas Market Specials
Bratkartoffeln (Snack) – Pan-fried potatoes that are served hot with sour cream—an easy and comforting bite while you stroll the market.
Hallstatt: A Christmas Postcard Come to Life
Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Austria’s most picturesque villages, clings to the rugged slopes of the Salzkammergut Alps. Famous for its ancient salt mines, the village transforms into an idyllic Christmas scene during the festive season.
Its wooden houses, perched along the dark lake, are filled with local crafts and the sweet scent of spiced pastries. Disney fans have speculated Hallstatt was the inspiration for the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, making Hallstatt a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale.
Gröstl (Main Course) – A hearty skillet dish of fried potatoes, onions, and topped with a fried egg. This vegetarian option will keep you going all day as you explore this postcard-perfect village.
Germknödel (Dessert) – Fluffy yeast dumplings filled with spiced plum jam and drenched in...drum roll...vanilla sauce. I could eat a shoe if it was covered in vanilla sauce, and this dessert takes it to the next level!
Fischsuppe (Appetizer) – A savory fish soup made with fresh lake fish, this dish is the perfect gluten-free option for those seeking something lighter but packed with flavor.
Christmas Market Specials:
Spekulatius (Dessert) – Spiced Christmas cookies with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Konditorei: A Sweet Escape to Decadence
Walking into an Austrian Konditorei feels like stepping into a world where time slows down, and every detail matters—from the grand chandeliers to the immaculate display cases filled with pastries so perfect, they almost look too good to eat. Almost.
These elegant patisseries are not just places to grab a quick snack; they are an experience—fancy, indulgent, and distinctly Austrian.
Sachertorte, arguably the most famous cake to emerge from Vienna, has garnered international acclaim, but if you ask me, I never understood the hype. My personal review? "It’s a chocolate cake with a PR team!" Dry and somewhat uninspiring with a hint of apricot jam, it’s a classic that just doesn’t ignite my taste buds.
Maronitorte (Chestnut Cake) is my dream cake, especially since it is seasonal in the winter months. This rich, velvety cake made with chestnut puree is all about deep flavors and smooth textures.
Marzipan Stollen - a festive must-have! This traditional holiday bread, studded with dried fruits and nuts, hides a sweet almond paste surprise in its center. Each slice is like biting into the spirit of Christmas itself, all wrapped in powdered sugar.
Still, there’s no end to the confections that deserve attention in these beautiful pastry temples. Austrian Konditorei are as formal as they are delicious, making them the perfect spot to take a break from the Christmas market bustle, or perhaps to escape with a new favorite treat (or two).
On our Max Travel Abroad tours we take you to our favorite hidden gems, like Lake Wolfgang, to enjoy the local and regional specialties.
While Sachertorte might be famous, I’ll bet you’ll fall in love with something much more flavorful behind those glittering glass cases!
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