Wiener Schnitzel
(Wienerschnitzel)
One of the best-known dishes of Austrian cuisine, the Wiener schnitzel is a thinned, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet that is traditionally served with a dollop of lingonberry jam, lemon wedges, and either buttered parsley potatoes, a simple potato salad, or french fries.
The dish is protected under Austrian law, and—if it is to be called Wiener schnitzel—it must be made with veal.
However, pork is often used instead of veal because it's more available and cheaper. Such a schnitzel is not considered a real Wiener schniztel and is referred to as Wiener schnitzel vom schwein (lit. Wiener schnitzel from pork) or schnitzel Wiener art (lit. Viennese style schnitzel). Read more
But sadly, these days, the schnitzel made with pork is what most people consider the real-deal Wiener schnitzel. Even Figlmüller, probably the most popular schnitzel spot in Vienna, offers both the Wiener schnitzel made with pork and the one made with veal.
Despite this dish being one of Austria's most popular offerings, it has been suggested that this Austrian national dish was actually invented elsewhere. According to one legend, in the 19th century, Austrian field marshal Josef Radetzky supposedly brought the schnitzel to Vienna upon returning home from Italy, where he had enjoyed the Milanese cotoletta, a dish that bears quite a strong resemblance to the Viennese classic.
Regardless of its true origins, the crispy yet tender Wiener schnitzel remains a favorite in Austria and beyond.
Pairing tips
Grüner Veltliner
This famed dry white wine is produced mostly in Austria and, in a smaller part, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It is believed to date back to Roman times while its name ... Read more
Weissbier
Weissbier is a classic Bavarian wheat ale that is top-fermented and characterized by its mousse-like foam and cloudy appearance—which is a result of a large ... Read more
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a grape variety grown in the Loire valley of France, from where it spread to South Africa and became popular as Steen. Due to its versatility,... Read more
Serve with
Kartoffelsalat
Kartoffelsalat is a traditional potato salad hailing from the region of Swabia in Southern Germany. It typically consists of boiled and sliced potatoes, chopped onions,... Read more
Wiener Schnitzel Authentic recipe
Published by the Austrian Tourist Board, this recipe gives instructions on how to prepare a proper Wiener schnitzel. Even though some recipes alternatively use pork meat or even turkey, this iconic Austrian dish is protected by law, which means that for a breaded cutlet to be called Wiener schnitzel, the meat must come from veal.
WHERE TO EAT The best Wiener Schnitzel in the world (according to food experts)
