Gluten Free Finds in Vienna

Our search continues for gluten free inspiration of the world's classic dishes and these few weeks we are in Austria. Austrian desserts are plain and simple, beautiful to behold. A trip to the famous Demel’s bakery embodies the tradition that makes these desserts famous throughout the world. At the back of the restaurant, a glass enclosed area allows you to watch the chefs create their masterpieces. The creation of large 50 portion size strudels every 15 minutes is fascinating to watch as the chefs stretch the fabric like dough around freshly cut and flavored apples.(I'll publish the apple strudel recipe in an upcoming blog.) Unfortunately, it was difficult to find GF/CF desserts at Demels but the desserts are a feast for the eyes.


My search in Vienna, Austria for gluten free goodies was rewarded on a trip down the “Naschmarkt” the local market one Sunday morning. This is foodie heaven! A sea of stalls from the local fruit and vegetable farmers, European meat & Mediterranean seafood vendors and specialties from the Middle East and Baltic States will not disappoint your craving for any type of food.


My search was focused on alternative GF/CF foods which I found at almost the end of the market, a green and yellow painted store called “Biowelt at Naschmarkt” - the Austrian version of the health food store. Behind the glass case stood the camera shy owner proudly displaying her beautiful variety of cookies and pastries many gluten, lactose or sugar free. The case held beautiful “Florentiner” cookie studded with nuts (deliciously gluten and egg free), heart shaped "Dinkelherz" cookies which were wheat and yeast free, vegan “Linzer Auge”, triangular lactose free “Nussecke” as well as cookies made with dinkel or spelt flour. The store also had a good variety of gluten free flours, pastas, rice and milk free products. Definitely worth a trip especially if you are spending an extended time in Vienna.

I also found a product called “SoyAToo” a boxed un-refrigerated whipping cream from Tofutown.com in Wiesbaum, Germany. I’ve used this product a few times when I’ve been lucky enough to find it in California with superior results. Just enough natural stabilizers make this soy product whip up very impressively and used as a side to your gluten free apple strudel. You can probably try your local Whole Foods if you are searching for a alternative non dairy whipped cream.