Steiermark Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes and Local Wines

A Foodie's Guide to Steiermark, Austria

Nestled between rolling green hills, ancient vineyards, and pristine alpine meadows, Steiermark (Styria) is one of Austria's best-kept culinary secrets. Whether you're wandering through the charming streets of Graz or exploring the countryside wine routes, the region rewards every traveler with bold flavours, warm hospitality, and an unmistakable sense of place on every plate. This guide covers the must-try dishes, iconic local wines, and the best ways to experience Steiermark's food culture during your stay.

The Heart of Styrian Cuisine

Styrian cooking is rooted in honest, seasonal ingredients. It's hearty without being heavy, and sophisticated without losing its rustic soul. The cuisine leans heavily on fresh produce, river fish, cured meats, and above all, the region's liquid gold: pumpkin seed oil.

Kürbiskernöl – Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil

No visit to Steiermark is complete without tasting Kürbiskernöl. This dark, richly nutty oil is pressed from roasted Styrian pumpkin seeds and carries a protected designation of origin. Locals drizzle it over everything — salads, soups, vanilla ice cream, and even coffee. Pick up a bottle at a farmers' market to take home as the ultimate edible souvenir.

Steirischer Wurzelfleisch

This traditional boiled pork dish is simmered low and slow with root vegetables and aromatic herbs. Served warm with freshly grated horseradish, it's a staple on menus across the region and a true taste of old-world Styrian comfort food.

Verhackert

A uniquely Styrian spread made from finely chopped, cured pork fat mixed with garlic and spices. Verhackert is typically served on thick slices of dark bread as a starter or snack. Simple, bold, and deeply satisfying — it's a dish you won't easily forget.

Steirisches Schöpsernes

For meat lovers, this braised mutton dish cooked with root vegetables and herbs is a regional classic. It's warming, flavourful, and often found in traditional Gasthäuser throughout the Styrian countryside.

Backhendl

Austria's answer to fried chicken, Backhendl is a crispy, golden-breaded chicken dish that appears everywhere from Graz's upscale restaurants to roadside inns. It's best enjoyed outdoors on a warm evening with a cold glass of Styrian white wine.

Styrian Wines: A World-Class Secret

Steiermark is divided into three distinct wine-growing regions — Südsteiermark (South Styria), Weststeiermark (West Styria), and Vulkanland Steiermark — each producing wines of remarkable quality and character. The area is often compared to Tuscany for its scenic beauty and wine culture, and it's increasingly drawing attention from international wine enthusiasts.

Sauvignon Blanc

South Styria is famous for producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in all of Europe. Crisp, aromatic, and bursting with notes of gooseberry and fresh herbs, Styrian Sauvignon Blanc is a must-taste. Visit a Buschenschank — a traditional wine tavern — to sip it straight from the source while overlooking vine-covered hillsides.

Welschriesling

Light, refreshing, and pleasantly acidic, Welschriesling is the everyday white wine of Styria. It pairs beautifully with local fish dishes, fresh salads dressed with pumpkin seed oil, and everything in between.

Schilcher – The Rosé of Styria

Produced exclusively in West Styria from the Blauer Wildbacher grape, Schilcher is a vibrant, spritzy rosé with a distinctive tartness. It's unlike any other wine in the world and perfectly captures the bold, independent spirit of the Styrian wine culture.

Where to Eat and Drink in Steiermark

• Graz's Farmers' Markets: The Lendplatz and Kaiser-Josef-Markt markets are ideal for sampling local cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and seasonal produce. Go early on a Saturday morning for the best selection.
• Buschenschanken: These traditional wine taverns are scattered across the countryside and serve simple cold platters — bread, cheese, meats, spreads — alongside the estate's own wine. No reservations needed, just show up and stay awhile.
• Graz Old Town Restaurants: The UNESCO-listed old town of Graz is packed with excellent restaurants ranging from modern Styrian cuisine to classic Austrian Gasthäuser. Look for seasonal menus featuring local ingredients.
• Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße): This scenic driving route winds through South Styria's wine villages. Stop at family-run wineries for tastings, buy direct from the producer, and soak in some of the most beautiful landscapes in Central Europe.

Tips for Your Culinary Trip to Steiermark

• Eating seasonally is part of the culture — look out for pumpkin dishes in autumn, asparagus in spring, and wild mushrooms in early summer.
• Most Buschenschanken are cash only and close when the food runs out, so arrive early.
• Book a cooking class in Graz to learn how to make traditional Styrian dishes yourself.
• Always ask for the regional wine list — many restaurants in Steiermark stock exclusively local producers.

Stay Close to the Flavours

The best way to experience Steiermark's extraordinary food and wine culture is to base yourself right in the heart of it. Our hand-picked holiday homes and apartments across the region put you within easy reach of farmers' markets, vine-covered hillsides, and authentic local restaurants — without the noise and cost of a hotel. Book directly with us for the best rates, flexible check-in, and a genuine Styrian welcome. Your table is waiting.