Wiener Schnitzel: A classic from Austria

The Viennese schnitzel is not just a dish, but a piece of Austrian culture and tradition. This famous dish, made from a breaded and fried veal schnitzel, is known worldwide and is often associated with Austrian cuisine. During your vacation in Austria, you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy this culinary highlight, which has been an integral part of Austrian food culture for centuries.

The origin of the Viennese schnitzel is not entirely clear, but it is generally believed to have roots in Italian cuisine. In the 19th century, Austrian soldiers brought the recipe for breaded veal schnitzel from Italy to Austria. Upon arriving in Vienna, the dish quickly developed into a popular classic of Austrian cuisine that is now known worldwide.

Preparation – A Masterpiece of Austrian Cuisine

Preparing a perfect Viennese schnitzel requires skill and attention. During your vacation in Austria, you will find that preparing this dish is an art form, perfectly mastered in many restaurants and inns.

The Choice of Meat

The traditional Viennese schnitzel is made from veal. The meat should be tender and of high quality to ensure the best flavor and right texture. The schnitzels are cut into thin slices and lightly pounded to maintain their delicate consistency.

There are also variants of the Viennese schnitzel made from pork or chicken, but the classic recipe uses veal. The meat is lightly seasoned with salt and pepper before being dipped into the breading.

The Breading

The breading is an essential component of the Viennese schnitzel, providing the characteristic crispy crust. The breading consists of three layers: flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. The schnitzels are first rolled in flour, then dipped in beaten egg, and finally coated in breadcrumbs.

The right ratio and technique when breading are crucial for achieving an evenly crispy crust. The breading should be thin and even to avoid weighing down the meat.

The Cooking

The breaded schnitzel is fried in hot clarified butter or oil until golden brown and crispy. The correct temperature of the fat is crucial – it should be hot enough so that the schnitzel browns quickly, without the breading becoming too dark or the meat remaining raw inside. The schnitzels are often fried in several batches to ensure they are cooked evenly.

Where to Find the Best Viennese Schnitzel in Austria

During your vacation in Austria, you will have numerous opportunities to enjoy an excellent Viennese schnitzel. From traditional inns to modern restaurants, there are many places where you can taste this delicious dish. Here are some of the best places to enjoy authentic Viennese schnitzel:

Vienna

In Vienna, the capital of Austria and the birthplace of the Viennese schnitzel, there are many renowned restaurants that prepare this dish perfectly. Particularly famous is Figlmüller, often referred to as the "Emperor of Viennese Schnitzel." Here you can enjoy a traditional Viennese schnitzel in generous portions. Gasthaus Pöschl is also a popular place to sample this dish, offering a cozy atmosphere that further enriches the culinary experience.

Salzburg

In Salzburg, you will also find excellent options for enjoying Viennese schnitzel. Gasthof Goldgasse is known for its traditional cuisine and serves a delicious Viennese schnitzel prepared according to classic recipes. St. Peter Stiftskeller, one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, also offers an exquisite Viennese schnitzel in a historic setting.

Innsbruck

In Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrolean Alps, you should visit Gasthof Goldener Adler. Here, the Viennese schnitzel is made with fresh ingredients and of the best quality. The restaurant not only offers excellent food but also a cozy atmosphere and a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.

Wiener Schnitzel – A Classic at Markets and Festivals

The Viennese schnitzel is a popular dish not only in restaurants but also at markets and festivals. During your vacation in Austria, you will find many stalls at markets and festivals offering freshly prepared Viennese schnitzel. These stalls often provide a straightforward way to enjoy the dish and are a great place to experience local culture and atmosphere up close.

Especially at folk festivals and Christmas markets, you will find numerous stalls that offer Viennese schnitzel in various forms. These events are an excellent opportunity to sample different local specialties and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the festivities.

Cook Viennese Schnitzel at Home – A Piece of Austria for Your Kitchen

If you enjoy a Viennese schnitzel during your vacation in Austria and want to take the flavor of this delicious dish home, you can try to make it yourself. With the right ingredients and recipes, you can achieve a similar taste experience and bring a piece of Austria into your kitchen.

The Ingredients

To prepare Viennese schnitzel, you will need veal, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and clarified butter or oil. These ingredients are available in most supermarkets. If you want to serve the schnitzel with sides like potato salad or lingonberries, you should also get these ingredients.

The Recipe

1. Prepare the meat: Pound the veal schnitzels thinly, and lightly season with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the breading: Coat the schnitzels first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
3. Fry: Heat clarified butter or oil in a pan and fry the schnitzels until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve: Serve the Viennese schnitzel with traditional sides like potato salad, lingonberries, and a lemon wedge.

Conclusion: Viennese Schnitzel – A Must-Try for Your Austria Vacation

The Viennese schnitzel is far more than just a dish – it is a significant part of Austrian cuisine and culture. During your vacation in Austria, you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy this delicious dish in its authentic form. Whether in a traditional inn, at a market, or at a festival – the Viennese schnitzel offers you an incomparable taste experience and is a true highlight of your trip.