How to find Vegetarian Food in Austria as a Traveller

When you see cows and goats on Austria’s beautiful alpine pastures, you know there’s plenty of cheese.

When you see organic farming and fine vegetable markets in cities, you know there is fresh vegetables

With this, just when you assume Austria is vegetarian-friendly, its hunting tradition and national symbol—schnitzel made from deer meat—make you wonder: is there vegetarian food in Austria at all?

I had the same doubt. But after spending two weeks in this beautiful Central European country as a vegetarian traveller with my mother, I found that vegetarian food is easy to find in Austria.

In this blog, I’ll share tips on what vegetarian food you can eat in Austria, where to find it, and how to order meat-free meals at restaurants.

By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy delicious traditional vegetarian food in Austria without any worries.

Is Austria good for vegetarians?

Austria is vegetarian-friendly, even though only about 8-10% of its population is vegetarian or vegan. While the local diet is meat and cheese-heavy, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options.

I found Austria is more vegetarian-friendly than Greece but not as great as Turkey in terms of variety.

Many warned that my egg-free mother would struggle, so I packed ready-to-eat Indian food like Avalakki and Theplas—but we never needed them! Austria had plenty of tasty, healthy vegetarian food, and my mother easily found egg-free meals.

What is the national dessert of Austria?

Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) is Austria’s most famous dessert—a flaky pastry filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs, baked to crisp perfection.It’s usually served with vanilla sauce to balance the sweetness.

Strudel is so famous that, Austria has a National celebration day for it!

While it’s popular, it’s not my favourite—wait until you see the dessert that stole my heart.

What is a typical Austrian breakfast?

Breakfast in Austria revolves around bread, jams, and cheese. Even metro station bakeries offer 20+ fresh bread varieties—some hard and salty, others buttery, nutty, or sweet. Croissants are the star of them all.

Austrian croissants are so buttery, they don’t need toppings.

Unsure which bread to pick? Just ask the baker—Austrians happily describe whether it’s soft, sweet, or tangy. They even suggest cheese and jam pairings.

Other breakfast options include cheese toast, cucumber salads, and avocado sandwiches, always paired with aromatic Austrian coffee.

Fresh fruit juice is rare—canned apricot or apple juice is the norm.

Is coffee famous in Austria?

Absolutely! Austria is coffee heaven. I was loyal to my Chikamagalur filter coffee—until I tasted Austrian coffee. After that, even my own brew felt weak.

Austria’s Milk and Dairy products

Austria is famous for dairy, with cheese, butter, and milk as essentials in its cuisine. There’s even a “Cheese Trail” hiking route, but you don’t need to go there to taste great dairy.

Milk varies by region. In Kirchberg (Tirol) the gorgeous Alpine town, it was thicker and richer than in Vienna or Salzburg.

My homestay owner in Tirol explained that milk quality and price depend on the region. Mountain cows produce the best, most expensive milk, while town-farm milk is cheaper and milder.

She even described “Flower Milk” (from cows eating wildflowers), “Pasture Milk,” and more. Austria’s dairy scene is next-level!

Is Austrian food the same as German?

Austrian food differs from German food. Austrian vegetarian dishes are sweeter and more ingredient-rich, while German ones are mostly potato-based.

Austrian croissants are soft and buttery, whereas Germany’s staple pretzels are harder and saltier.

1. Knodeln – Dumplings

Knödeln (K-nur-del) are Austria’s beloved dumplings. These bread dumplings-are soft, fluffy, and made from dry bread rolls, milk, onions, and herbs—Austria’s ultimate vegetarian comfort food.

Some are pink (beetroot-infused), others come with chive or cream sauce, but the real treat is the buttery drizzle.

The best I had was in a cosy 600-year-old restaurant in heart of Innsbruck—warm, buttery, and perfect after a summer rain.

2. Marillenknodeln – Apricot dumplings

Apricot Dumplings! A fruit-based main course that doubles as a dessert. This dish features freshly cooked apricots.

The seeds are removed, the fruit is wrapped in sugar-dusted dough, and cooked. You can request a “Less-Sugary” version to skip the sugar cube in the endocarp.

In Wachau, home to endless apricot farms, they taste the best—fresh, fruity, and melt-in-the-mouth.

I had mine at a sidewalk café in Melk’s central plaza with Gruner Veltliner wine ( it is the best souvenir you can buy in Austria) and loved every bit of it.

3. Schupfnudeln – Potato Pasta

Schupfnudeln are Austria’s take on potato pasta—soft inside, crispy outside, and loaded with buttery, cheesy goodness.

Made from mashed potatoes and flour, they’re pan-fried until golden and tossed with herbs, cheese, and oil.

You won’t find them in fancy restaurants, but small, family-run cafés do them best.

I had the best plate in Saint Gilgen, a cosy lakeside town near Salzburg—hot, crispy, and ridiculously good. If you love carbs (who doesn’t?), you’ll love this!

4. Kasespatzle – Cheese noodles

Kasespatzle (Cheese Noodles) is Austria’s answer to mac and cheese—but way better! And my absolute favourite.

Originally from Germany, this cheesy dish is a must-try in Tyrol, where dairy products are top-notch.

It’s made with Spatzle (soft egg noodles), loads of melted cheese, and sometimes mushrooms.

But watch out—many places add bacon, so always ask for a vegetarian version.

The best one I had was in my Kirchberg guesthouse—piping hot, extra cheesy, and perfect after a long hike.

If you’re okay with eggs, this is one of Austria’s best traditional vegetarian dishes.

5. Suppe – Soups

Austrians love hearty soups, but most contain beef or pork. But vegetarian versions are always available, usually packed with potatoes, carrots, and fresh herbs.

Most places call their soups “home-style,” so ingredients vary, but if you love a warm bowl, you’re in for a treat!

Try Flädlesuppe—a light, savoury broth with thin pancake strips. Simple yet satisfying.

Think Austria and coconut soup don’t mix? Think again. I had the most delicious coconut soup in Saint Gilgen’s town square—creamy, nutty, with a hint of chilli flakes—perfect by the lake.

6. Belegte Bronte

Belegte Brötchen, meaning “open-face sandwich,” is Vienna’s local delicacy and Austria’s most affordable vegetarian food.

These bite-sized, flavour-packed sandwiches feature dense, hearty bread topped with spreads like creamy cheese, paprika, tangy beetroot, and tomato.

The best place to try them is Trzesniewski near the famous Stephansplatz in Vienna, a historic spot serving rye-based mini sandwiches since 1902.

They offer six vegan and two cheese-based options, making it a great choice for vegetarians.

I paired mine with carrot juice—a surprisingly great combo on a sunny day. Cheap, quick, and delicious, it’s perfect for refuelling while exploring Vienna!

7. Kaiserschmarrn – Torn sweet pancakes

I never knew pancakes could be this good until I had Kaiserschmarrn in Vienna.

Unlike the usual fluffy stack, this torn-apart, caramelised pancake is served warm, golden, and crispy at the edges.

Tossed with powdered sugar, it’s often paired with plum or apple compote, though some versions go all out with cream and berries. The mix of crispy bits and soft, fluffy centres? Absolute heaven!

And the best part—it’s not just a dessert but a full meal for breakfast in Austria.

I had mine with blueberries in a cosy café by the Donaukanal, watching Viennese street artists bring walls to life—a perfect mix of food and city vibes

8. Karntner Kasnudeln – Carinthia Noodles

If Austria had a vegetarian comfort food champion, it would be Kärntner Kasnudeln. These handmade pasta pockets are filled with a delicious mix of potatoes, quark cheese, chives, and herbs, then sealed with a decorative twist.

The best one I had was in Salzburg, drenched in melted butter and topped with crispy fried onions—rich, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying.

The filling is slightly tangy, making it unique compared to other dumpling-style dishes.

1. Cheese Strudel

I’ve had my share of Austrian strudels, but cheese strudel is the best dessert in Austria. Imagine flaky, golden pastry wrapped around a creamy, slightly tangy cheese filling, with a hint of cinnamon and lemon for balance.

It’s sweet yet rich, buttery yet light—absolute perfection. The best one I had was in a small bakery outside the city, surrounded by mountains and grazing cows.

One bite, and I was in heaven. If you love cheese-filled desserts, this is a must-try in Austria!

2. Croissant

Austrian croissants are flaky, buttery, and unbelievably light—perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying snack. You’ll find them everywhere, from metro station bakeries to fancy cafés—a great budget saviour in an expensive country.

Unlike the crisp, airy French version, Viennese croissants are softer, richer, and packed with buttery goodness—and for good reason!

They’re part of Viennoiserie, a baking tradition that actually started in Vienna, not France.

The best one I had was at a small Salzburg bakery, fresh from the oven, with a golden, crispy shell and pillowy soft layers inside. If you love pastries, missing this would be a crime!

3. Austrian cakes

I’ve lost count of how many cakes I’ve eaten in Austria, but one thing’s for sure—they’re all ridiculously good.

The most famous is Sachertorte, a rich, dense Viennese chocolate cake layered with apricot jam, always served with whipped cream to balance the intensity.

But Austrian cakes go beyond that. Café Tomaselli in Salzburg had 30+ cakes, all impossible to resist. I had cake for lunch multiple times—zero regrets!

Some standouts? Erdbeerschüsserl, a sponge cake with chocolate cream, vanilla cream, and fresh strawberries—light yet indulgent.

Dobostorte, with its seven caramelized layers, was a treat. They even had seasonal apricot and plum cakes when I visited in summer 2022.

I also tried their banana cake, raspberry slices, and Tomaselli Gateau, a multi-layered cake with pastry and chocolate icing. The Kardinalschnitte, with éclair-like layers and whipped cream, felt baked just to make me happy!

Other cities, like Melk in Wachau, had surprising flavours. I found Ribiselschnitte, a currant berry slice, at a streetside cart—the perfect snack on my Melk to Salzburg train journey.

Some seasonal desserts include Moosbeernocken, especially when berries bloom during summer in Tirol. Don’t forget to try this treat if you are visiting Innsbruck between June and August.

International vegetarian options

Austria is multi-cultural, so it’s no surprise you’ll find a variety of international cuisines. While not as diverse as Frankfurt or London, there’s still a great mix of global flavours.

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll easily find dishes from India, Turkey, Israel, and Italy in Austria’s bigger cities. And with Austria’s amazing dairy products, good pasta and pizza are never far away!

We enjoyed Italian spaghetti and soup served by a Czech chef.

In Vienna, I had Israeli shakshuka made by a Lithuanian chef, and a gentleman from Samarkand crafted an incredible falafel wrap at Naschmarkt.

In Innsbruck, I tried grilled halloumi at a shop owned by a woman from Avanos. We chatted about Cappadocia and how much we missed Kayseri cheese with mushrooms.

In Salzburg’s Altstadt, near Hofwirt, I found one of the city’s most popular Indian restaurants and had a wholesome meal on my mother’s birthday.

After a late-evening visit to Swarovski Crystal World in Innsbruck, I was relieved to find a small Indian food joint serving quick vegetarian bites.

1. Cafés

Cafes are Austria’s most common food spots, offering coffee, pastries, and light meals. Vegetarian options include strudels, croissants, Kaiserschmarrn (torn sweet pancakes), and cheese-filled pastries.

Some also serve vegetarian soups and salads. Prices vary from affordable to expensive in touristy areas.

I’ve tried many cafés across Austria, but the best was Café Hawelka in Vienna.

2. Hut Cafés (Hütten)

Found along hiking trails, these cafés offer basic meals like cheese, bread, and beer.

Vegetarian options include cheese platters, fruit with yogurt, vegetable soups, and apricot dumplings. Seating is informal, often with stunning mountain views.

I tried Voit’l Hütte am and Arnika Hütte at Zwölferhorn. Both served fresh juice, cheese with fruits, toast, beer, and bottled juices—perfect after a hike.

The food was simple, fresh, and tasted even better with the mountain view.

3. Bakeries

Small grab-and-go spots selling fresh bread, croissants, and sandwiches.

Vegetarian options include cheese-filled rolls, vegetable sandwiches, apple strudel, and sweet brioche. They are affordable, with limited or no seating.

Found in small towns and train stations, these bakeries serve fresh food every day.

They are my favourite for breakfast or a quick snack during train changes; sometimes train connection time in Austria are as short as 5 minutes. They are the best budget-friendly option for trying local food

Some of the best bakeries I tried in Austria include Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter in Salzburg, the city’s oldest bakery, known for its delicious sweet raisin brioche buns.

Another favourite was Röblhuber Café, located near Salzburg’s Maria Plain hiking trail, perfect for a post-hike treat.

4. Regular restaurants

Regular restaurants in Austria are usually budget-friendly, with both outdoor and indoor seating. They serve a variety of cuisines, from traditional Austrian to Italian.

It includes truffle pasta, stuffed dumplings, risottos, and gourmet vegetable platters.

Most have an English menu with clearly marked vegetarian options, and some also label gluten and other ingredients.

They typically open for lunch at 12 PM, close by 4 PM, and reopen for dinner after 7 PM. Some close on Sundays and shut down during the off-season.

6. Beer Gardens

Open-air spaces serving beer and hearty local dishes, popular among locals for a relaxed meal.

Vegetarian options include Käsespätzle (cheesy egg noodles), pretzels, potato salad, and fried cheese. Usually mid-priced, with communal seating.

I loved Augustiner beer garden in Salzburg and loved it – They have a unique way of serving beer. Plus their front counter with food stalls got some decent choice for vegetarians including corn and cheese salad.

7. Heuriger

Traditional wine taverns in vineyards, serving house wine and simple Austrian food. Common in Wachau Valley’s towns, especially Spitz, and Vienna’s 19th district.

Vegetarian options include bread with cheese spreads (Liptauer or Obatzda), potato dumplings, and seasonal salads.

Seating is outdoors in a rustic setting. Prices are generally reasonable.

8. Irish Pubs

Popular nightlife spots serving beer, cocktails, and international food. Vegetarian choices include nachos, potato wedges, veggie burgers, and cheese toasties. Mid-range pricing, casual atmosphere with bar seating.

9. Fast food & takeaways

Includes global chains and local snack bars serving quick vegetarian-friendly meals.

Common options include falafel wraps, veggie kebabs, cheese-stuffed bread, potato croquettes, and vegetarian pizzas. They are usually cheap with limited seating.

Surprisingly, apart from India, the only place I’ve seen a veggie burger at KFC is in Vienna!

Even McDonald’s offers a “Plant Burger,” making it easier for vegetarians to find fast food in Austria.

10. Supermarkets with vegetarian products

Spar, the most common supermarket in Austria, and Mpreis, found in smaller towns, offer good vegetarian options.

Besides groceries and fresh produce, they have ready-to-eat sandwiches, croissants, and other bread, making them a convenient choice for vegetarians on the go.

How to order vegetarian food in Austria (useful phrases & tips)

I found ordering vegetarian food in Austria was easier than in Japan or Greece.

Since Austrians speak German, I learned a few basic phrases and used Google Translate to read menus, especially in non-touristy areas without English menus.

My only struggle was my German accent. If a waiter didn’t understand me, I typed my request and showed the translation. When unsure about the menu, I pointed at the dish and used Google Translate to ask for details.

Essential German phrases for ordering vegetarian meals

How to confirm if a dish is vegetarian

Always ask, “Ist das komplett vegetarisch?” (Is this fully vegetarian?).

Some dishes may contain meat broth, bacon bits, or gelatin, so clarify with “Kein Fleisch, kein Fisch, keine Brühe” (No meat, fish, or broth).

If you’re vegan, add “Kein Ei, keine Milch” (No egg, no milk).

Navigating language barriers in restaurants

If German isn’t your strong suit, use Google Translate to check menus. Many restaurants in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg have English menus, but small-town spots may not.

Pointing to ingredients or using basic German phrases helps. In bigger cities, staff usually understand basic English.

Austrian dining etiquette at restaurants

After learning about Austria’s strict traditions, like Ballroom dancing, I wondered if dining etiquette would be just as formal.

Fortunately, I didn’t find anything too complicated, at least in homestays, cafés, and casual restaurants. Fine dining might have stricter rules, but here are my personal observations

Reservation & seating etiquette

Dining etiquette

Drinks & portion sizes

Common challenges for vegetarians in Austria & how to handle them

Best places to eat in Austria’s top cities

Here is a list of vegetarian places ( Google map location included) I tried and loved in Austria during 2 weeks.

Vegetarian places to eat in Vienna

• Trzesniewski since 1902, near Stephansplatz – Traditional Austrian open sandwiches, including vegetarian options like tomato, beetroot, and cream cheese.
• Trattoria Santo Stefano, near Stephansplatz– Pasta and pizza.
• Cafe Hawelka since 1939, near Stephansplatz – Coffee and cheese strudel.
• Motto am Fluss, Donaukanal– Kaiserschmarrn Breakfast with fresh vegetarian options.
• Dr. Falafel, Naschmarkt – Turkish food Halloumi and falafel wraps.
• Neni, Naschmarkt – Hummus, shakshuka, and Israeli dishes.
• MQ Daily at Museum Quartier – Vegetarian snacks, best forr evenings with beer.
• Cafe Bellaria, near Rathaus – Coffee, croissants, and cakes.

Vegetarian places to eat in Salzburg

Vegetarian places to eat in Innsbruck

Wachau valley