Top 10 culinary specialities in Salzburg

Gastronomy is often at the forefront of our minds when we travel. That’s right! Food is sacred, it arouses in us an interest, a desire and a deep attraction. So much so, that when we’re preparing to spend a holiday abroad, we’re already excited by the idea of discovering new flavours, new aromas, different ways of cooking this or that vegetable, sweet treats to tantalise the palate… Can’t you already feel your stomach rumbling? We can! If you’re planning a trip to the country of Sissi the Empress, which is none other than Austria, you should know that each region has its own dishes. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of them, most of them from the city of Salzburg.

What to eat in Salzburg Our 10 culinary specialities to try.

1. Nockelrn

If we had to single out one famous speciality from the city of Salzburg, it would undoubtedly be Nockerln. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a dessert that both young and old love. What’s in it, you ask? Everything your taste buds need! Mix sugar, flour, eggs and a little butter, and you’ve got this rich cake. More to the point, it’s a soufflé shaped like the hills that make up the city of Salzburg. Interesting, isn’t it? Delicious, with a sweet, airy aftertaste, it goes perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. And why not an Austrian speciality? We’ll tell you all about it below!

2. Stiegel Bier

Not only is this THE most drunk national beer in the whole country, it’s also brewed in Salzburg. This is a low-fermentation drink with around 5 degrees of alcohol. Wherever you go, whatever bar, bistro or restaurant, you’ll find Stiegel Bier at the top of your menu. It’s a light-textured lager with a sweet mouthfeel that’s particularly refreshing. What’s more, it goes well with any dish… or dessert!

3. Chocolate

Salzburg is a sweet paradise, and if you haven’t realised it yet, you soon will. By the end of this ranking, you’ll be convinced. The most popular sweet? It’s undoubtedly chocolate! There are several varieties, but the most famous is certainly the sphere-shaped one. Does the name “Mozart balls” ring a bell? Master chocolatier Paul Fürst created this marvel in 1890 in honour of (you guessed it) the talented Mozart. Who could say no to pistachio marzipan covered in creamy chocolate?

4. Tiroler Gröstl

Did you know that Salzburg is the Austrian region with the most Michelin-starred restaurants? It’s undoubtedly in this city that you’ll have the opportunity to taste the best Tiroler Gröstl of your life. Ideal in winter, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, and gives you courage if you’re planning to go skiing right afterwards. This traditional meal is actually a mixture of several foods: it consists exclusively of chunks of potato, ham, sausage, onion, other herbs, and finally (icing on the cake) a fried egg to top it all off. Her Majesty is served…

5. Schweinsbraten

If we had to name a family dish from Austria, it would undoubtedly be Schweinsbraten (don’t worry, we too have trouble pronouncing it). For our carnivorous readers, you’ll be pleased to know that the main ingredient of this dish is roast pork. This is accompanied by potatoes and sauerkraut. All bathed in a fine pork sauce, the mouth-watering aroma of which would melt an entire ice-cream parlour. In Austria, it is best eaten with bread dumplings, known as “Semmerlknödel”.

6. Arctic char

Any pesco-vegetarians among our readers? Before you head off to Salzburg thinking you’ll only find meat dishes there, you should know that Navaway (you won’t find a better one on this Earth) has done its research. Did you know about Arctic char? This fish comes straight from the Salzburg lakes and is renowned for its tender, fresh meat. Sprinkled with parsley and a little lemon juice before being served with potatoes (good old potatoes), this is a dish that is both hearty and fine.

7. Wiener Schnitzel

This is undoubtedly the MOST traditional dish in Austria. Wiener Schnitzel originated in Vienna, but quickly won over the hearts and stomachs of neighbouring towns. Salzburg is no exception, to say the least! Go into one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants and order a meal consisting of a thin slice of veal escalope, salty chips and a crunchy salad. The best thing to do is sprinkle the accompanying lemon slices over the meat: it’s absolutely divine!

8. Knödel

Austria may be known for its majestic architecture, but it’s also famous for its meatballs, which can be found at practically every meal. Sweet? Savoury? Meatless? There’s something for everyone. They are usually served with sauces that are often creamy and go perfectly with the filling inside the meatballs. The most common are those filled with cheese, ham and a little onion. Otherwise, for dessert, there’s nothing better than a knödel with jam!

9. Kaiserschmarrn

Nobody says no to a good pancake, do they? Yes, we agree, the photo above doesn’t look anything like a crêpe, but… Kaiserschmarrn is a sweet treat made from crêpe batter lightened with stiffly beaten egg whites. Nicknamed the “emperor’s pancake”, the batter is grated into the pan just before being served piping hot. Austrians generally enjoy it with an exquisite plum sauce called “zwetschgen”. This particularly fresh dish can be served at breakfast to get the day off to a great start!

10.tafelspitz

A final dish, this time meat-based, to round off this ranking. Tafelspitz can be made with boiled veal or beef. It’s up to you. It is regularly eaten with the indisputable potatoes, as well as other vegetables. A very popular dish throughout Austria and Germany. Very simple to prepare, it is on the menu of many of Salzburg’s Michelin-starred restaurants, and was the favourite dish of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Suffice to say, it’s a meal fit for a king!