Vienna; Cooking Class: Make Schnitzel & Apple Strudel

Trying to find a way to learn about Vienna’s culinary traditions without just eating at restaurants? A hands-on cooking class focused on classic dishes like schnitzel and apple strudel might be just what you need. Guided by a local Viennese chef in her charming apartment, this experience offers a genuine taste of Austrian comfort food — made by you.

From the moment you step into Lena’s colorful 1800s apartment, you’ll notice its cozy yet lively vibe, filled with antiquities and modern art. The friendly atmosphere and personalized attention make this class stand out. We love that it’s small (limited to six participants), which means lots of individual guidance and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

A couple of points to consider — the session lasts around 3 hours, which is enough to learn, cook, and enjoy a full meal, but it can get warm in the kitchen during summer, especially in an apartment without air conditioning. This experience is ideal for food lovers who enjoy hands-on learning, want to bring home authentic recipes, or simply seek a fun, social activity.

Good To Know

• Authentic Austrian recipes: Learn from a local with family recipes passed down through generations.
• Hands-on experience: You’ll actively help prepare dishes like schnitzel, potato soup, and apple strudel.
• All-inclusive price: Ingredients, recipes, and a full meal are included, making it great value.
• Small group size: Personalized guidance from Lena enhances the experience.
• Cultural insight: Get a glimpse into Vienna’s home cooking and family traditions.
• Recipe to take home: Leave with the skills and recipes to recreate these dishes yourself.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Cooking Class

Meeting Lena in the Heart of Vienna

The experience begins in Lena’s well-decorated apartment, located in a typical Viennese Biedermeier-style building from the 1800s. Once you arrive, you’ll ring her door at Top 20, and she’ll welcome you into her home. The setting feels warm and inviting, with a mix of antiquities and contemporary art creating a genuine Viennese ambiance.

Lena, born and raised in Vienna, has a passion for sharing her family’s recipes and culinary heritage. She explains the importance of Austrian dishes and their influences from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bohemia, Hungary, and Italy — offering a delicious cultural context to the cooking.

The Cooking Process

The class typically features 2 or 3 courses, depending on the number of participants. You can expect to prepare classic dishes like potato soup, chicken schnitzel with cucumber salad, potato salad, and a freshly baked apple strudel. Lena emphasizes that guests will cook as much as possible themselves, which helps in learning the techniques needed to recreate these dishes at home.

The first part involves going over recipes, with Lena providing a recipe booklet for future reference. She also shares helpful tips, such as how to get the perfect breading on schnitzel or how to roll a flaky, delicious apple strudel. Since reviews highlight Lena’s friendly approach and her family’s secrets, you’ll feel more like a guest in her kitchen than a tourist.

Practical Cooking Tips and Techniques

Many reviewers note Lena’s “little tips and hints,” which make all the difference in achieving authentic flavors. For instance, her advice on how to get the crispy, golden exterior of schnitzel or how to layer the apple filling in the strudel ensures your results will taste just like the real deal.

You’ll also learn about the traditional accompaniments — like cucumber salad and potato salad — and how they complement the dishes. Lena encourages participation, so everyone gets a chance to help bread the schnitzel and roll the strudel, making the experience interactive and engaging.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Dining and Sharing the Meal

Once all dishes are cooked, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This communal dining experience is a highlight, as you share stories and toast to your culinary accomplishments. Reviews mention how delicious the food tastes when freshly made, and how satisfying it is to sit down and eat the dishes you’ve prepared yourself.

Lena’s warmth and her stories enhance the meal, giving insight into family traditions and the history of her recipes. Afterward, she provides the recipes so you can recreate these traditional Austrian dishes at home — a practical takeaway that adds value beyond the class.

Breaking Down the Experience: Details and Value

Duration and Group Size

The 3-hour class is well-paced, allowing enough time for demonstration, hands-on prep, and a relaxed meal. With a small group of up to six participants, the experience feels intimate and personalized. This small-group setting is ideal if you prefer more attention from your instructor and a chance to ask questions freely.

Cost and What’s Included

At $148 per person, the price includes all ingredients, recipes, and the meal itself. Many reviews praise the value, emphasizing that you’re paying for expert guidance, a cultural experience, and a full meal you helped prepare. Lena’s approach ensures you’re not just sitting and watching but actively involved, which enhances learning and enjoyment.

Practicalities and Tips

• What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking, and bring your camera for the Instagram-worthy moments.
• Leftovers: Guests are encouraged to bring containers if they want to take leftovers home, which is especially handy for those who want a quick taste of Austria later.
• Accessibility: The class is conducted in English and German, accommodating language preferences.
• Timing: Check availability for different start times, but the overall 3-hour window makes it a flexible activity for an afternoon or evening.

Accessibility and Considerations

While the class offers a fantastic introduction to Austrian cuisine, it’s not suitable for vegans, and those with dietary restrictions should advise Lena in advance. Summer visitors should note that Viennese apartments often lack air conditioning, so it might get warm in the kitchen.

Authenticity and Review Highlights

Based on the glowing reviews, Lena’s warmth and her storytelling make the class memorable. One reviewer mentioned how she shared her family’s secrets and the history behind her recipes, which adds a personal touch. Several guests appreciated her tips for perfecting each dish, indicating that this isn’t just a demonstration but a true learning experience.

Another guest noted, “We all got a chance to make the schnitzel and strudel,” highlighting the participatory nature. The shared meal afterwards creates a friendly, social atmosphere — perfect for solo travelers or groups looking for a cultural connection.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Experience?

This Viennese cooking class is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting more than just a meal — it’s about learning, participating, and bringing home a piece of Austria’s culinary soul. It suits those who value authentic family recipes, enjoy hands-on activities, and love discovering local traditions through food.

If you’re traveling solo, Lena’s friendly guidance makes it easy to meet fellow travelers and share stories. Families and couples will appreciate the intimate setting and the opportunity to learn classic dishes in a relaxed environment.

However, if you’re vegan or have strict dietary needs, you might want to check ahead or consider other experiences. Also, be prepared for the summer heat in the apartment if visiting during warmer months.

This class offers a blend of culinary education, cultural insight, and social fun at a fair price point, making it a memorable addition to your Vienna trip.

FAQ

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior cooking experience is required. Lena explains everything clearly, so even novices can successfully prepare the dishes.

How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing enough time to cook, eat, and chat.

Are ingredients included?
Yes, all ingredients are provided, as well as recipes to take home.

Can I take leftovers?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring Tupperware if you want to bring leftovers with you.

Is the class appropriate for vegetarians?
It’s designed around traditional Austrian dishes like schnitzel and apple strudel, so it’s not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians.

What languages are spoken?
The class is conducted in English and German.

Is transportation needed to join this class?
You meet Lena at her apartment in Vienna’s city center; transportation details are not specified, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This Vienna cooking class offers a genuine, interactive way to explore Austrian culinary traditions. With expert guidance from Lena, you’ll learn to make classic dishes, enjoy a delicious meal, and take home authentic recipes — all in a cozy, welcoming setting. Perfect for foodies, culture seekers, and anyone eager to add a personal touch to their Vienna visit.

You can check if your dates are available here: