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.
Popular Halal Foods 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
- Vienna best: Most halal options in capital 2 Compare with halal.