The culinary life of Vienna relies on three dishes representing the flavors of ancient Austria: Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded veal cutlet pounded tender, usually served with potato salad; Emperor Franz Joseph’s favorite, Tafelspitz, boiled beef served with roasted potatoes and vegetables and horseradish sauce; and Gulasch, a hearty meat stew seasoned with paprika, which comes from Hungary.

Pastries not to be missed include flaky, crunchy Apfelstrudel with apples and raisins or fluffy shredded pancake Kaiserschmarrn served with fruit compote. To really experience Austria, stop by one of many Würstelstände (street sausage stands) where you’ll probably find their most popular Käsekrainer in abundance: a cheese-filled sausage with small cubed cheese inserted inside.

Where to try these culinaries : Figlmüller started serving Wiener Schnitzel in 1905 and remains renowned for it, while Tafelspitz can be best tasted at the favorite haunt in Vienna, Plachutta. The historical Griechenbeisl has been operating the oldest restaurant in Vienna since 1447, and Würstelstand LEO is surely the oldest sausage stand in Vienna and on the street food menu since 1928.