“Sweet ( süss ) or spicy ( scharf )?” is the standard question you will get asked when ordering from a Viennese hot dog stand. This has nothing to do with making a choice between Sachertorte or Käsekrainer , but refers to your mustard preference – whether the mild sweet Kremser or spicy hot Estragon . Incidentally, the Käsekrainer is an Austrian invention and a traditional classic. It is a lightly smoked pork sausage with 10-20% cheese content.

The city’s hot dog stands – mostly small sidewalk kiosks – sell not only hot dogs but also wieners, Käsekrainer and fried sausage, and as well as a whole range of culinary surprises. They are complemented by an impressive variety of beverages from raspberry pop to specialty beers.

One of the popular stands is the legendary “ Würstelstand am Hohen Markt ” located on a traffic island in the heart of Vienna’s old city. During the day it is the ideal place to grab a quick snack while shopping or sightseeing. However, it owes its cult status to its late night opening hours and the diversity of its night owl clientele. It is nothing unusual for bankers to be seen eating shoulder-to-shoulder with punks.

The Albertina Sausage Stand is a contemporary interpretation of the classic Austrian sausage stand: in a kiosk with gilded steel facade and large glass front complete with a video monitor embedded in the facade (architects Schuberth & Schuberth) draft beer, bottled wine and champagne will be offered alongside the usual classic Bosna sausage and goulash soup.

“ Kiosk ” in the trendy Freihaus district is a stark contrast. Culinary offerings are akin to a classic hot dog stand, but considerably more diverse. Gourmets will delight in a constantly varying range of sausage specialties from all over the globe, and even vegetarians are catered for. By the way, the kiosk -- despite the name -- is not a kiosk but rather a corner shop, that has established itself as an original in-spot. It manages to be innovative while remaining in the authentic Vienna tradition.

Würstelstand am Hohen Markt

1., Hoher Markt
Tel. 0699 1 846 21 86
7 am – 4 am daily

Kiosk

4., Schleifmühlgasse 7
Tel. (01) 585 40 77
mon-wed 11 am - 2 am, thu 11 am - 3 am, fri, sat 11 am - 4 am, sun 6 pm - 1 am
www.xpedit.at

Würstelstand Albertina

1., Albertinaplatz
mon–sat 7 am – 4 am
sun 10 am – 4 am

Würstelstand Zur Oper

1., Kärntner Strasse 42
sun–thu 10 am – 5 am
fri, sat, pub. hol.
10 am – 8 am
www.bitzinger.at