John Myers
Exploring the Vegetarian Side of Austrian Cuisine
When it comes to Austrian cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is often meat-heavy dishes like schnitzel, sausages, and goulash. However, vegetarian options are also available in Austrian cuisine, and they are just as delicious and satisfying as their meaty counterparts. Austrian vegetarian cuisine is a mix of traditional and modern dishes, and it features ingredients like cheese, potatoes, mushrooms, and vegetables.
Vegetarianism has been gaining popularity in Austria, and the country has been adapting its cuisine to cater to vegetarians and vegans. The Austrian Vegetarian Society, for example, has been promoting vegetarianism and veganism since 1897, and it has been working with restaurants and chefs to create vegetarian-friendly menus. Austrian supermarkets also offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan products, including meat substitutes, tofu, and plant-based milk.
Traditional Austrian Dishes with Vegetarian Alternatives
While some traditional Austrian dishes are meat-heavy, many of them can be easily adapted for vegetarians. For example, instead of using meat for schnitzel, you can use breadcrumbs or seitan. Instead of using beef in goulash, you can use mushrooms or beans. Potato dumplings, cheese spätzle, and vegetable strudel are also popular vegetarian alternatives to traditional Austrian dishes.
Austria is also known for its desserts, and many of them are vegetarian-friendly. Apple strudel, for example, is a classic Austrian dessert that is made with apples, cinnamon, and raisins, and it is usually served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream. Other popular Austrian desserts that are vegetarian-friendly include sachertorte, linzer torte, and topfenstrudel.
A Guide to Finding Vegetarian Options in Austrian Restaurants
If you’re visiting Austria and you’re a vegetarian, you don’t have to worry about finding vegetarian options in restaurants. Many Austrian restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, and some of them even have separate vegetarian menus. Some popular vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Austria include Tian in Vienna, Grünzeug in Salzburg, and The Greens in Innsbruck.
When ordering food at a restaurant, it’s always a good idea to ask the waiter if the dish contains meat or any animal products. If you’re not sure what to order, you can also ask the waiter for recommendations. If you’re staying in a self-catering accommodation, you can also buy vegetarian ingredients from supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Austria has a lot to offer to vegetarians, and with a little bit of research, you can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals in this beautiful country.
