Halal food in Austria refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. Austria has approximately 700,000 Muslims (about 8% of the population), primarily of Turkish and Bosnian origin. This creates good halal food accessibility, particularly in Vienna. Explore halal certification for more information.

Vienna’s multicultural character and historic immigrant communities ensure diverse halal dining options.

How Accessible Is Halal Food in Austria?

Halal food accessibility varies by location:

Vienna: Good accessibility with many options Salzburg: Moderate options Innsbruck: Some halal restaurants Graz: Growing halal scene Smaller towns: Limited options

Vienna is the best destination for halal food in Austria.

Turkish cuisine (most common):

  • Döner kebab
  • Lahmacun and pide
  • Turkish grill meats
  • Meze and salads

Bosnian/Balkan:

  • Ćevapi (grilled meat)
  • Burek (filled pastry)
  • Pljeskavica (meat patty)
  • Balkan grills

Middle Eastern:

  • Shawarma
  • Falafel
  • Lebanese cuisine
  • Syrian restaurants

Austrian adaptations:

  • Some restaurants offer halal schnitzel
  • Halal sausages at some vendors

Best Areas in Vienna

Naschmarkt Area

  • Famous market with diverse food
  • Middle Eastern vendors
  • Turkish and Balkan options
  • Fresh produce and halal meat

Brunnenmarkt (16th District)

  • Multicultural market
  • Turkish and Middle Eastern
  • Halal butchers and groceries
  • Authentic ethnic food

Favoriten (10th District)

  • Large immigrant population
  • Abundant halal restaurants
  • Turkish and Balkan communities
  • Halal supermarkets

City Center

  • Tourist area with some halal options
  • Middle Eastern restaurants
  • Turkish kebab shops
  • International cuisine

Halal Certification in Austria

Islamic Religious Authority of Austria provides oversight:

  • Look for halal certification
  • Turkish restaurants often halal by default
  • Bosnian restaurants typically halal
  • Some formal certification exists
  • Ask about meat sources when uncertain

Is Austria a Muslim Country?

No, Austria is not a Muslim country:

  • Catholic majority: Historically Christian
  • 8% Muslim population: Growing community
  • Turkish origin: Largest Muslim group
  • Bosnian community: Significant presence
  • Religious freedom: Islam officially recognized

Is Austria Safe for Muslims?

Austria is generally safe:

  • Legal protections: Religious freedom
  • Established mosques: Vienna Islamic Centre, others
  • Tolerant society: Generally welcoming
  • Some tensions: Political debates about integration
  • Safe for tourists: Low crime

Other Austrian Cities

Salzburg

  • Some Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants
  • Limited compared to Vienna
  • Tourist area with some options
  • Self-catering may help

Innsbruck

  • Small halal scene
  • Near university area
  • Limited but available

Graz

  • Growing Muslim community
  • Some halal restaurants
  • Check local directories

Austrian Cuisine Considerations

Traditional Austrian food often uses pork:

  • Wiener Schnitzel (often pork, ask for veal/chicken)
  • Wurst (sausages, usually pork)
  • Schweinsbraten (pork roast)

Safe alternatives:

  • Halal schnitzel at Turkish restaurants
  • Grilled chicken dishes
  • Fish and seafood
  • Vegetarian options (käsespätzle—cheese noodles)

Practical Tips

  1. Vienna best: Most halal options in capital 2 Compare with halal.