Cuisine

One of the pleasures of traveling is experiencing the delightful variety of local cuisine. In Austria, thick soups of paprika and onion, veal, beef and venison with cranberries are popular, as is the renowned Wiener Schnitzel. For fish-lovers there are excellent wild trout, carp and crayfish. But perhaps desserts provide the most memorable aspect of Austrian cuisine—strudels made with all kinds of fruit and nuts, soufflés and elegant chocolate cakes such as the world-famous Sachertorte.

Hungary boasts goulash as its national dish, but also is known for its excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish and preserved fruits. Czech food is hearty, and you will find large portions of veal, beef and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.

German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are rich dumpling stews and sauerkraut cabbage, tasty thick sausages and smoked cheeses, dark breads and tempting chocolate cakes. Germany also produces some of the world’s finest and purest beers, while white German wines are exceptionally good.