Before studying abroad, one aspect of traveling that I was most excited about was the food and Austria did not disappoint. Before I left, I researched “Austrian foods” and was slightly concerned with the results. I prioritize eating a variety of healthy foods, and every website listed mostly meats, breads, and desserts; however, I was being naïve. Similar to the United States, Austria had a wide array of cuisines and plenty of options. Our trip had the luxury of being able to choose dinner at one of the many surrounding restaurants almost every night. My friends and I had one rule when it came to finding food: NO REPEATS. Traditional Austrian food includes dishes such as beef goulash (a savory beef soup), schnitzel (thinly pounded meat which was breaded and often served with a cranberry sauce), and of course for dessert, there was always the option of apple strudel. While these dishes are a must-try while in Austria, I can’t recommend the Italian food enough. This was no surprise, as pizza and pasta are some of my favorite dishes to eat at home; however, the Italian food in Austria exceeded my expectations exponentially. Looking at a map, this makes sense, as Austria lies right above Italy.
During our first few weeks abroad, we learned a lot about Austrian history. By doing so, we also learned about certain aspects of their food culture. Around every corner, there are coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream. While I expected this since we were in Europe, I didn’t realize there is rich history behind many foods. For example, croissants as well as the coffee and tea culture in Austria stem from the Turkish invasions during the ruling of Karl V of the Ottoman Empire. Once the Turks retreated, Austrian bakers celebrated by making bread pastries in the form of a crescent, the symbol on the Turkish flag.
We stayed at hotels our entire time abroad. Each hotel had a slightly different breakfast, but they all had the same staple items: thinly sliced meats, assorted cheeses, various breads, fresh fruit, and eggs. From my previous knowledge, this seemed to be a typical European breakfast; however, learning about healthcare in class informed me on its history. Galen, a physician during the Roman Empire, had a large influence when it came to many staple foods in Austrian diets. He promoted nutrition as medicine for those who were sick. What foods did he recommend nurses feed patients? Exactly the same foods seen at breakfast.
The meals in Austria were a highlight of my trip. While I have always been a foodie, I usually only focused solely on taste and nutrition. Not only was I able to try delicious new foods abroad, but I came back with so much more. I gained knowledge that connects Austrian food with its history, which adds meaning to every bite.
