Viennese Food:
Falling in Love with a City Through Its Cuisine
The culinary diversity of the “Imperial City”: Schnitzel, Goulash, Tafelspitz, Apple Strudel & Powidltascherl
Few culinary experiences are as closely associated with Vienna as Viennese food. For centuries, specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Goulash have shaped the city’s dining culture. At the same time, the sweet side of Vienna cuisine is just as important: classics like apple strudel and Powidltascherl are considered essential elements of traditional Viennese food and remain beloved to this day.
This remarkable variety is what defines traditional food in Vienna — a cuisine that unites hearty dishes and refined desserts under one culinary identity.
Origins & development of Vienna cuisine
The roots of traditional Viennese cuisine date back to the late 18th century, a period of transition from an aristocratic to a bourgeois society. In contrast to earlier times, when sumptuous dishes alone dominated courtly dining, this new era focused on combining economy with taste.
Recipes from Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, and Moravia were blended together, creating the diversity that still characterizes traditional food Vienna is known for today.
Learn more about our Viennese recipes:
https://www.figlmueller.at/en/recipes/
Classics of Viennese specialties
– hearty dishes
At Figlmüller, we ensure that every dish reflects authentic traditional Viennese food. Our core repertoire includes classics such as Wiener Schnitzel, the original Figlmüller Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Goulash, calf’s liver, and sweetbreads — dishes that have represented Viennese food culture for generations.
These classics are more than just iconic meals; they also carry social significance. In Vienna, enjoying traditional food at a historic restaurant is considered a special experience.
Experience Vienna cuisine for yourself – reserve your table now:
https://www.figlmueller.at/en/reservation/
Typical Viennese desserts:
Apple Strudel, Kaiserschmarrn & more
Sweet dishes are an integral part of Vienna cuisine. Classics such as apple strudel, Powidltascherl, Topfenstrudel and Kaiserschmarrn have been appreciated for generations and remain staples of both tavern and coffeehouse culture.
Apple strudel dates back to the 17th century and is closely linked to Vienna’s famous coffeehouse tradition. Powidltascherl reflect the connection between rural heritage and urban cooking, while Kaiserschmarrn — once served at the imperial court — gained popularity through Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Enjoy Kaiserschmarrn the traditional way:
https://www.figlmueller.at/en/kaiserschmarrn-vienna/
Figlmülller cookbook
& original receipes:
– experience Viennese food at home
what you´re doing
Our Figlmüller recipes in a single book: Award-winner for Austria’s most beautiful cookbook in 2021.
Preserving classic Austrian and traditional Viennese food is especially close to our hearts, and we are proud to share it with our guests.
The recipes of great-grandmother Anna Figlmüller (around 1920) still form the foundation of the Viennese food we serve today. Our core repertoire includes Tafelspitz, calf’s liver, sweetbreads, Goulash, and of course breaded specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel and the exceptional Figlmüller Schnitzel — true highlights of traditional Viennese food.
Purchase the cookbook in the Figlmüller shop
Experience Viennese food firsthand – sign up now!
Learn the art of the perfect Wiener Schnitzel at our Schnitzel Academy and bring a piece of traditional food Vienna into your own kitchen:
https://www.figlmueller.at/en/wiener-schnitzel-academy/
How it’s done – Wiener Schnitzel & classics to recreate at home
At Figlmüller in Bäckerstraße, we serve Wiener Schnitzel just as our great-grandmother prepared it 100 years ago. We use only the finest cuts from the hind leg of the veal.
The schnitzel is fried in a carefully blended oil mixture based on old family recipes until it turns golden yellow and perfectly crisp before reaching our guests’ plates. Naturally, the classic side dish remains an old Viennese potato salad. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently asked questions about Viennese food
What is typical Viennese food?
Typical Viennese food is defined by classic tavern dishes that have been prepared for generations. At Figlmüller, this primarily includes Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Goulash, and breaded specialties based on traditional recipes. These dishes may seem simple, but they require craftsmanship and experience.
What defines Vienna cuisine?
Vienna cuisine is built on time, tradition, and consistency. Characteristic elements include passed-down recipes, clear preparation methods, and deep respect for ingredients. In a Viennese tavern like Figlmüller, it’s not about trends — it’s about dishes that have been valued for decades.
What is Vienna’s national dish?
Wiener Schnitzel is widely regarded as Vienna’s national dish. Few other dishes represent Vienna’s traditional cuisine so clearly and are so well known internationally. It’s not the size that matters, but the right preparation – from careful frying to the classic side dishes.
What is typically Viennese?
The combination of good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and lively pub culture is typically Viennese. People take their time, enjoy several courses, and appreciate reliability. It is precisely this understanding that has shaped Figlmüller for generations.