Must-try Dishes
Wiener Frühstück - Viennese Breakfast (hearty choice) - A substantial platter featuring a mix of soft boiled eggs, ham, cheese, and fresh bread. Locals enjoy this leisurely breakfast in cafes, often with a side of strong coffee.
Leberkäse - Liver Cheese (savory meatloaf) - This is a meatloaf-like dish made from finely ground pork and beef, served hot in a bun or with potato salad. You’ll see locals grabbing it as street food, especially at Würstelstands during lunch.
Sachertorte - Sacher Torte (chocolate cake) - Although often called a dessert, this rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam is sometimes enjoyed as a substantial afternoon snack, typically accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream.
Tafelspitz - Boiled Beef (traditional dish) - A slow-cooked beef dish served with root vegetables and a side of horseradish sauce, often enjoyed during family gatherings. Locals love enjoying it with a glass of wine on Sunday afternoons.
Bratwurst - Sausages (richly spiced) - Grilled sausages made from minced pork, typically served with mustard and bread; a popular street food option enjoyed on-the-go. By the way, don’t make the mistake of thinking they're similar to hot dogs!
Gulasch - Goulash (thick stew) - A hearty, paprika-spiced stew made with beef and vegetables, often served with bread or dumplings. It’s best enjoyed in the cooler months, warming up locals at cozy taverns.
Spargel - Asparagus (seasonal specialty) - White asparagus is revered in spring and often paired with hollandaise sauce or melted butter on the side. Locals feast on this delicacy during the warmer months, making it a celebratory seasonal treat.
Desserts & Drinks
Wiener Melange - Wiener Melange (coffee variation) - This delectable drink is a mix of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a light froth. Locals often savor it leisurely in cafes while catching up with friends, particularly during chilly afternoons, with a side of a pastry.
Fanta - Fanta (orange soda) - A fizzy refreshment made from carbonated water and fruity taste, easily found across the city. On warm summer days, you'll often see Viennese youth enjoying this at picnics in historic parks, especially alongside a savory snack.
Sturm - Sturm (young wine) - This is a partially fermented grape juice that is slightly fizzy and sweet, served fresh from vineyards during the harvest season. Enjoying Sturm in autumn is a cherished custom at local heurige (wine taverns), where it's typically paired with a rustic bread and cheese platter.
Sachertorte - Sachertorte (chocolate cake) - A rich chocolate sponge cake layered with apricot jam and topped with dark chocolate icing, it's often served with a dollop of whipped cream. This indulgent treat is a favorite among locals during celebratory meals, especially around birthdays or special occasions.
Eis - Eis (ice cream) - Handcrafted ice creams come in unique flavors such as chestnut or elderflower, with a texture that's both creamy and velvety. Popular in the warmer months, locals line up at famous parlors in the evenings to cool off with a cone, but beware: some shops close early, so plan ahead!
In July I tried apple strudel for the first time. We have it in St. Petersburg. I really liked it, especially since I hadn’t tasted such a dessert in ages. And for years I had a dream: to try authentic Viennese apple strudel! I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner, but nevertheless - dreams do come true!
Traveling to Vienna just to try strudel is totally worth it!!! And yes! Everything I ate before - it’s definitely not the same! 🍏😍 »
There's also interesting pricing. A coffee will cost around $4-5. A bottle of decent wine at the supermarket is about $3-6. A single metro ticket costs around $2.4. A bus ticket from Vienna (Austria) to Bratislava (Slovakia) is approximately $5. And a ticket for an observation wheel is about $10. 😁 »
P.S: I make better coffee. »