National Wiener Schnitzel Day celebrates Austria’s iconic breaded veal cutlet dish, which has become a beloved culinary treasure worldwide. This crispy, golden-brown delicacy represents the pinnacle of Viennese cuisine.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 9th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #WienerSchnitzelDay
- When was founded?: Early 20th century
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History
The Wiener Schnitzel emerged in Vienna during the 19th century. The name is protected by law in Austria and Germany, requiring authentic Wiener Schnitzel to be made exclusively from veal. While legend credits Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky for bringing the recipe from Italy in 1857, food historians dispute this claim.
Timeline
- Middle Ages: Arab merchants covered meat in breadcrumbs
- 1st Century: Romans documented breaded meat dishes
- 1831: First cookbook mention of Wiener Schnitzel
- 1862: Term “Wiener Schnitzel” becomes popular
- 1949: Declared protected cultural dish in Austria
Future Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 9 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 9 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 9 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by enjoying authentic Wiener Schnitzel at Austrian restaurants or making it at home. Traditional preparation involves pounding veal until thin, coating it in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then pan-frying until golden brown.
Fun Facts About Wiener Schnitzel
- It must be made with veal to be called “Wiener Schnitzel” in Austria
- The dish is considered Austria’s national dish
- “Wiener” means “Viennese” in German
- Traditional garnishes include lemon wedges and parsley
- The breading should not be pressed against the meat
Quiz
- What meat must authentic Wiener Schnitzel contain?
- In which city did Wiener Schnitzel originate?
- What year was it first mentioned in a cookbook?
(Answers: 1. Veal, 2. Vienna, 3. 1831)
FAQs
Q: Can Wiener Schnitzel be made with other meats?
A: While variations exist, authentic Wiener Schnitzel must use veal.
Q: What are traditional side dishes?
A: Potato salad, parsley potatoes, or cucumber salad.
Importance of Wiener Schnitzel Day
This celebration highlights Austria’s culinary heritage and promotes cultural exchange through food. It preserves traditional cooking methods and raises awareness about authentic Austrian cuisine.
Related Holidays
- National Pork Month
- International Food Day
- Austrian National Day
- European Cuisine Day
- World Food Day