Vienna Is A Foodie Wönderland
Vienna is leiwand. An Austrian slang word meaning cool.
Austria’s capital city is steeped in old world charm. Year after year, Vienna ranks highest for quality of living. It’s considered the most livable city in the world for 9 straight years according to 2018 global indexes.
This venerable city receiving such high marks may not come as much of a surprise. But I reckon many don't realize that this city has a fantastic culinary scene. One that is vastly overlooked by it's neighboring European capital cities. So I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the amazing food scene in Vienna in my video below.
HOTEL SACHER
We start things off at Hotel Sacher. The original home of the Sacher-Torte!
Sweet apricot jam is layered between the moist chocolate cake. With an outer layer of chocolate ganache that seals divinity inside.
It’s the total Viennese experience at Hotel Sacher. Everything is decked out in velvet and gold with plush seating.
But it's all about their incredible Sacher-Torte. It’s a sensual rush as soon as the decadent cake hits your mouth. The cake is complete with a dollop of whipped cream. Then wash it all down with an excellent Viennese coffee. This is the greatest cake I’ve ever had. Accept no substitute. It’s cake mastery at it’s absolute best.
People love this cake so much, that Hotel Sacher even sell it in these wooden boxes that you can bring with you on a plane and apparently the cake will still taste great!
NASCHMARKT
Next we head to the Naschmarkt. Vienna’s open air food market.
The Naschmarkt is closed on Sundays.
The Naschmarkt is open everyday except on Sunday. Don’t be like me and arrive to only find pigeons strutting along this ghost town. But all other days, this market comes ALIVE!
Naschmarkt comes from the German word, Naschen which means to nibble.
The vendors are all super friendly and often times pretty ridiculous in order to grab your attention. There's seemingly endless rows of vendors. All vying for you to sample their food.
But don’t feel pressured to buy anything! The point of the Naschmarkt is to nibble around the entire mile long stretch. You can always come back for more after taking in all the smells and flavors of this incredible place.
The Naschmark is very diverse. When you think about it Austria is smack dab in the middle of Europe at the crossroads of many different culinary influences from the west, east, north and south! And I’m happy to be here to sample them all!
CAFE DRECHSLER
Just across from the Nashmarkt, you’ll find my favorite brunch spot in Vienna.
Käsespätzle - Mac n cheese 2.0.
Cafe Drechsler does brunch oh so well. It's one of my all time favorite brunch spots for Eggs Benedict.
And I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the Käsespätzle. Not only is it a really fun word to say, but Käsespätzle is macaroni and cheese taken to new heights.
Delicious pillowy egg noodles with a savory blend of Emmenthaler and Gruyere cheese. This work of art is garnished with fresh chives on top.
WÜRSTELSTAND AM HOHEN MARKT
Wanna know the greatest hotdog EVER? Read on...
These put the New York “Dirty Water” hotdogs to shame.
Next up we check out Würstelstand am Hohen Markt for their Käsekrainer or cheese-filled hotdog.
These ingenious Austrian’s have unlocked the secret to one of life’s biggest quests: Drinking food perfection. Not only is it cheap, fast, and tasty. But they’ve got it down to a science in 3 easy steps…
STEP 1 Order the Käsekrainer. This is with melted cheese filling. Oozing with velvety liquid gold.
STEP 2 Puncture the bread. They spear the center of the bun, this way the meat fits perfectly snug inside. And we’re talking some great bread here. Not that wimpy wonder bread hotdog bun!
STEP 3 Enjoy responsibly. The molten cheese trapped inside can become harmful projectiles as you take a bite.
FIGLMÜLLER
Just a 5 minute walk from the würstelstand is the legendary Figlmüller
Schnitzel etiquette: No sauce! And only potatoes or side salad. No rice or french fries.
Figlmüller is home to the best schnitzel in Vienna. They’ve been around for over 100 years and have been turning out high quality food ever since. The wait can be a bit long but your patience will be rewarded.
Schnitzel has origins from Turkey, which made it’s way to Northern Italy and then to Austria. A truly viennese culinary classic.
Austrian’s eat schnitzel almost weekly. And since veal would be too expensive, there are variations of pork and turkey that are enjoyed here too. But for my lovely viewers, I pulled out all the stops for their trademark veal schnitzel.
The Wiener Schnitzel is a boneless, fried veal cutlet. Served with a lemon wedge and side potatoes. And there’s no sauce!
It’s easy to agree that this is the best schnitzel in Vienna. It’s sublime.
MEIEREI IM STADTPARK
And for the grand finale...
Kaiserschmarrn or "Emperor’s Mess" is named after Kaiser Franz Joseph.
It all started with a business card. A recommendation from a friend. Tales of an epic treasure tucked away in Vienna’s state park.
For my last food adventure in Vienna, I must fight against daylight in search of the holy grail of Viennese desserts.
It was a race against time. But I arrived just in time for the coveted Kaiserschmarrn!
Kaiserschmarrn are no ordinary pancakes. They are pillowy morsels of sweet heaven. Add warm lavender milk to the equation and your soul is lifted into pure nirvana.
The Viennese really love their sweets. And Kaiserschmarrn is perhaps the greatest dessert I have ever tasted.
Chowing down on these gold doubloons of happiness in a beautiful, tranquil setting in the heart of Vienna’s state park. It’s like a nice warm hug.
Let’s put it this way…life doesn’t suck.
I can see myself living in Vienna one day. It’s a truly special city with an extraordinary food scene. I hope you’ll consider visiting one day!
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