Austrian Specialities: 5 Dishes To Write Home About

Posted on July 3, 2015 in Inghams Lakes & Mountains Lifestyle by Kevin.Holland Tags: , , ,

One of the most exciting parts of visiting a new country is undoubtedly getting to try out the local cuisine! Fortunately for you, I’ve already managed to test out some of the delicacies that Austria has on offer, so you can take it from me, these top 5 are definitely worth a try, though maybe not in one sitting!

Apple Strudel

One of the most well-known Austrian specialities is, of course, the apfel strudel. Originating from Vienna, this sweet pastry and variations on it, are now made all over Austria. Strudel is made with stewed fruit and sweet filo pastry, coated in icing sugar and served with cream or ice-cream. Though traditionally made with apples, there are in fact many varieties of available here and you can also find strudel filled with sweet fruits such as plums, apricots, cherries and even nuts.

 

Austrian Breads

When I first started working abroad I thought that no country could make fresh break better than the UK. What can I say, I’m a sucker for home comforts! But since moving to Austria I have discovered that there are so many excellent types of bread produced on the other side of the ocean. One of the most common types, one that you will see everywhere here, is the Semmel roll which is most delicious I’ve found, with a schnitzel! Being close to Italy you will also find a lot of Italian style breads such as ciabatta.

Wiener schnitzel

Schnitzels were originally Viennese but you can now find them all over Austria and, increasingly, throughout the world! They are traditionally made from veal that is thinned with a meat tenderiser, coated in a mix of flour and breadcrumbs and then deep fried. Normally served with a not so Austrian side of chips and salad, a very similar dish is often referred to as escalope in many countries outside Austria.

Tiroler Gröstl

Perhaps the least well know in the list, Tiroler Grostl is a warming, traditional dish originating from the Tyrol valley, hence the name. The main ingredients in a Tiroler Grostl are potatoes, onions, bacon lardons and paprika. There are all fried together and then traditionally served in the pan with a fried egg on top. A great way of using up left overs, this is the perfect meal after a long day hiking!

Sacher Torte

The Sacher Torte which is now famous worldwide was created by a young apprentice chef in 1832. It is a beautifully rich chocolate cake and is marvelled by chocolate lovers all over the globe. The recipe is of a traditional chocolate cake but does include some special ingredients…. One of those being rum! How could you say no?…

Glühwein

More commonly known as mulled wine in the UK, this warming alcoholic beverage is made with a base of red wine which is heated with a number of spices. It is hugely popular in mountain resorts during the winter season to warm skiers after a long day up the mountain but it is equally enjoyable on cooler evenings in the summer months too.

The secret to a great Glühwein is in perfecting the ration of wine to spice and through ensuring that you never allow the mixture to boil.

Words by Robyn Doolan, Resort Representative in Ischgl.