Must-try Dishes
Steirisches Krenfleisch - Styrian Horseradish Beef - Tender slices of boiled beef served with a spicy horseradish sauce and pickles. This is a classic Sunday dish enjoyed by families, often served at local restaurants where the atmosphere is warm and communal.
Riesenbratwurst - Giant Grilled Sausage - A hefty sausage made from a blend of pork and beef, grilled to perfection and served in a bread roll. Locals love to enjoy this as street food during festivals and markets, and it makes for a great late-night snack.
Käferbohnen - Beetle Beans - These locally grown beans are simmered with paprika and served either as a side or main dish. They’re a popular choice for a filling lunch, especially in the autumn when the beans are freshly harvested, providing a hearty meal.
Backhendl - Fried Chicken - Crispy, breaded chicken fried to golden perfection, often accompanied by potato salad. Historically, it’s a classic dish for festive occasions, and you’ll frequently find it on menus at traditional inns around Graz.
Steirischer Apfelstrudel - Styrian Apple Strudel - A delightful twist on the classic apple strudel, featuring locally-sourced apples and a hint of cinnamon. Surprisingly, locals enjoy this savory dish with a dollop of sour cream, which adds a unique creaminess to the sweet filling.
Schwabenknoedel - Swabian Dumplings - These dense, potato-based dumplings are perfect for soaking up rich sauces. A popular dinner option, they are often paired with gravy-rich meats, especially during winter months, making for a delightful comfort dish.
Fleischlaberl - Meat Patties - Hearty meat patties made from a mixture of beef and spices, pan-fried until crispy. They’re commonly eaten as a quick lunch or dinner, often served with potato salad, and are a staple in local kitchens.
Grazer Stadtfleisch - Graz City Meat - A generous portion of slow-cooked pork, traditionally seasoned with herbs and served with roasted vegetables. Ideal for a hearty dinner, this dish is best enjoyed during local festivals, where it highlights Graz's culinary tradition.
Desserts & Drinks
Melange - Melange (coffee drink) - A cozy blend of espresso topped with steamed milk and frothed milk, creating a creamy delight. Locals often sip this at their favorite café while catching up with friends, especially in the afternoon when the city feels alive.
Schilcher - Schilcher (rose-fruity wine) - This refreshing rosé wine is made from the local Blauer Wildbacher grape, giving it a fruity tang. It’s often enjoyed as an aperitif on warm summer nights, and locals love to pair it with light dishes for a refreshing treat.
Topfenstrudel - Topfenstrudel (cheese strudel) - This delightful pastry is filled with a mixture of quark cheese, eggs, and a touch of vanilla, encased in a flaky pastry. You’ll see it served warm in bakeries, often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar—perfect for coffee time or a sweet afternoon snack.
Eisbecher - Eisbecher (ice cream sundae) - A mixture of creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream, drizzled with rich chocolate or fruit sauce and topped with whipped cream. Commonly enjoyed during the hot summer months while strolling through Stadtpark, it’s a delightful way to cool off while taking in the sights.
Lebkuchen - Lebkuchen (traditional gingerbread) - A festive spiced gingerbread, often decorated with icing, it becomes especially popular during the Christmas season. Locals indulge in these soft cookies at holiday markets, with many families making their own recipes that unite generations around cozy gatherings.
On our way back home, we stumbled upon a strawberry farm where you can pick your own strawberries. They give you boxes at the entrance, and it's €2.30 per kilo. But that's not the point :)) It's such a joy to dig through the strawberry bushes :)))))) In the end, we picked nearly 6 kg of strawberries after a bit of fun, and then we headed out for ice cream :)" »