Asian Cuisine in Austria
With a focus on Chinese food — from classics to authentic regional specialties
Overview
Austria has a lively and diverse Asian food scene, especially in Vienna. Alongside Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean places, Chinese cuisine remains one of the most visible and varied options — ranging from familiar “European-style” menus to increasingly authentic regional cooking.
Vienna & the “Chinatown” Area
In Vienna, a well-known cluster of Chinese businesses and restaurants is often described as “Vienna’s Chinatown”. Many guides locate this area around the Naschmarkt corridor — roughly between Karlsplatz and Pilgramgasse — with a notable density near Kettenbrückengasse.
If you’re looking for a broader choice and more traditional dishes, this is a great place to start exploring.
Chinese Cuisine: More Than One Style
“Chinese food” is not a single cuisine. It includes multiple regional traditions — for example: Sichuan (spicy, bold), Cantonese (lighter, fresh), Northern (dumplings and wheat-based dishes), and Shanghai (often slightly sweet-savory).
Popular dishes to try
- Dim Sum — steamed or fried bite-sized dishes
- Jiaozi — Chinese dumplings (boiled or pan-fried)
- Mapo Tofu — a famous Sichuan-style tofu dish
- Peking Duck — crispy duck served with pancakes
- Fried noodles / fried rice — classic everyday options
Authenticity tip
Some places offer both a standard menu and a more traditional selection. Politely ask if there are regional specialties or a traditional Chinese menu.
Where to Eat (Austria)
Vienna is the biggest hub for Chinese cuisine in Austria, and several curated lists and booking directories highlight a broad selection of Chinese restaurants in the city.
Helpful starting points
- Vienna: Explore the Naschmarkt/Kettenbrückengasse area often referred to as “Chinatown”.
- Curated picks: Falstaff’s restaurant guide publishes “Top Chinese restaurants in Vienna”.
- Browse & book: Booking directories list many Chinese restaurants in Vienna
Tips & Recommendations
- Ask for regional dishes (Sichuan, Cantonese, Northern-style dumplings, etc.).
- Check spice levels — “spicy” can mean very spicy in authentic Sichuan cooking.
- Go with a group and share dishes: you’ll taste more variety.
- Reserve ahead for popular places, especially on weekends.