Hot Dog Stands in Vienna

“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 Bitzinger sausage stands at Albertinaplatz and next to the Giant Ferries Wheel are widely held to be the best in Vienna. Choose between a delicious Bosna, hot dog or Käsekrainer and a range of traditional side orders. Draft beer, bottled wine or champagne are also on the menu here.

“Xpedit 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.