You wake up in a city that looks like a fairy tale. The sun hits the old stone buildings in Vienna or Salzburg. You feel a bit hungry. You want to eat like a local. It is time for a Typical Austrian Breakfast. This is not just a quick meal before you run out the door. It is a ritual. It is a slow, beautiful start to your day. You will find that the famous austrian breakfast is both simple and very fancy at the same time.
First of all, you need to know what to look for on a menu. Most places call the standard meal a Wiener Frühstück. This translates to a traditional austrian breakfast vienna style. It is the workhorse of the morning. You will usually see two fresh bread rolls, butter, and jam. A soft-boiled egg is almost always there too. Sometimes you get a glass of orange juice to top it off.
However, you might want something more filling. You can find a typical austrian meal that locals call the Farmer’s Breakfast or Bauernfrühstück. This version is much more savory. You get thick slices of bread instead of rolls.
The plate comes with aged cheese, deli meats like prosciutto, and even pickles. Plus, you might find a unique typical austrian food called carrot cream cheese spread. It is a hearty way to fuel up for a long day of tours.
The Magic of the Kaisersemmel
You cannot talk about a normal austrian breakfast without mentioning the bread. The star of the show is the Kaisersemmel. This is a special roll with a star shape on top. People call it the “Imperial Roll” because it was a high-quality bread back in the days of the monarchy. It is crispy on the outside. It is soft on the inside. You will see these everywhere in Austria.
Similarly, the way people make these rolls is an art form. Bakers use a special stamp or a hand-folding technique to get those five segments on top. You use it as a base for sandwiches or just spread it with plenty of butter and sweet jam.
Additionally, you might find a Rosinenzopf on the table. This is a sweet braided yeast bread with raisins. It is very fluffy and moist. Families often eat this during the Easter holidays, but it is a favorite all year round.
Sweet Morning Delights
You might have a sweet tooth in the morning. If so, you are in the right place. Austria loves its pastries. The traditional austrian breakfast foods often include the Apfelstrudel. You know the one. Thin layers of pastry filled with apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Sometimes they use cream cheese or cherries instead of apples.
On top of that, you must try the Kaiserschmarrn. People call this the “Emperor’s Mess”. It is a light, fluffy pancake that the chef tears into bite-sized pieces while it cooks. They caramelize it with sugar and butter until it is golden brown.
It usually comes with a side of plum compote called Zwetschkenröster. Legend says Emperor Franz Joseph I loved this dish so much he would eat his wife’s portion too. It is a piece of imperial history on your plate.
The Famous Liptauer Spread
Gradually, you will notice a bright orange spread on many breakfast boards. This is Liptauer. It is a typical austrian food vienna locals love. The base is cream cheese or a soft sheep’s cheese called Brimsen. Chefs mix it with sweet paprika powder, caraway seeds, and garlic. Therefore, it has a spicy and savory kick.
They often garnish it with chopped bell peppers, capers, and pickles. You spread it thick on a slice of dark bread or a cracker. At that time, you will realize why it is such a popular snack in wine taverns too. It adds a great burst of flavor to a typical austrian food salzburg experience or a morning in the capital.
Coffee: The Heart of the Experience
You cannot just order “coffee” here. That would be a mistake. The waiter might even look at you funny. Vienna is famous for its coffee house culture. In 2011, UNESCO even named it an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”. Coffee first arrived here in 1683 after a war with the Ottoman army. They left sacks of strange brown beans behind.
Your coffee will almost always come on a small silver tray. A glass of water is always on the side to cleanse your palate. Here are a few types you should know:
- Melange: This is the most popular choice. It is a shot of espresso with hot milk and a thin layer of foam.
- Einspänner: This one comes in a tall glass. It is strong black coffee topped with a huge swirl of whipped cream.
- Kleiner Brauner: This is a small cup of strong black coffee with a little bit of cream on the side.
- Franziskaner: It is like a Melange, but they use whipped cream instead of milk foam.
Later, you might find that coffee is the most expensive part of your meal. Therefore, you should look for breakfast deals that include a hot drink. This can save you a lot of money in the city center.
Where to Find the Best Breakfast
You have many choices for a great meal. Some spots are very famous. Others are trendy and new.
Cafe Central is a classic choice. You can sit under an oil painting of the Emperor and enjoy the beautiful architecture. Another historic spot is Demel. They have served treats since the days of the empire. Their Kaiserschmarrn is legendary because they use very refined pastry skills.
If you want something modern, try Ulrich in the 7th district. They serve organic eggs and trendy dishes like avocado toast. Wirr is another cool place with a fun menu. They serve a great Wiener Frühstück for a fair price. In fact, a breakfast for two with drinks might cost around 23 Euro there.
Finally, do not forget the Naschmarkt. This is a huge open-air market. You can sit outside at a place like Orient Occident and watch the crowds while you eat. They serve a mix of Austrian and oriental breakfast styles.
FAQ’s
What is included in a typical Austrian breakfast?
A standard meal usually has bread rolls, butter, various jams, and a soft-boiled egg. You will also see coffee, muesli, and sometimes sliced meats like ham or bacon.
What do people in Austria usually eat for breakfast?
Most locals stick to the “continental” style with rolls and coffee. On weekends, they might add more items like yogurt, pancakes, or smoothies.
Is a typical Austrian breakfast healthy or heavy?
It can be both. A simple roll with jam is light, but a Farmer’s Breakfast with cheese, meats, and pickles is quite heavy.
What bread is commonly served in a typical Austrian breakfast?
The Kaisersemmel is the most common bread. You will also find dark breads, sourdough, and sweet braided breads like the Rosinenzopf.
Do Austrians drink coffee or tea with breakfast?
Coffee is the king of the morning in Austria. While some people drink tea, the coffee house culture is a massive part of daily life.
Are there regional differences in a typical Austrian breakfast?
Yes. For example, a Wachau breakfast or a Styrian egg dish with seed oil are specific to certain areas. The Farmer’s Breakfast is also a more traditional rural style.
How does a typical Austrian breakfast differ from other European breakfasts?
It is similar to a continental breakfast but focuses heavily on the specific Kaisersemmel roll and the unique coffee rituals like the silver tray and glass of water.
Concluding Words
A Typical Austrian Breakfast is a wonderful mix of imperial tradition and simple local flavors. You can enjoy a light Wiener Frühstück with a Kaisersemmel or go for a heavy Farmer’s Breakfast with savory spreads like Liptauer.
Do not forget to pair your meal with a perfect Melange coffee served on a silver tray. This meal is the best way to start your journey through the beautiful streets of Austria.
