When I first moved to the UK, I thought I’d have to give up a lot of the flavours I grew up with in Vienna. Schnitzel without Preiselbeeren? Käsekrainer without ketchup (or mustard, if that’s your camp)? Luckily, after a bit of searching, I’ve found some good options for these Austrian staples here in the UK.
Mustard (Senf)
In Austria, mustard belongs at the Würstelstand – usually with a Frankfurter tucked into a hollowed roll (the famous Austrian hot dog) or with Weißwurst, where the Bavarian-style sweet mustard is the classic.
When it comes to Käsekrainer, though… I’ll admit, I’m firmly in the ketchup camp. Many Austrians are! But mustard on the side is always an option.
The two most typical Austrian mustards are Estragon Senf (spicy, with tarragon) and Kremser Senf (mild and slightly sweet). Both are usually available from Mautner Markhof.
Where to look in the UK:
- German and continental delis often carry Löwensenf or Händlmaier – close in flavour.
- Online, AustrianFood.co.uk usually has Austrian classics like Mautner Markhof Estragon Senf and Kremser Senf.
- For an even bigger range of Austrian products, FromAustria.com ships to the UK and has a whole condiment section.
- In London, Kipferl sometimes stocks Austrian mustards in their deli.
- No luck? A quick DIY trick: mix English mustard with a little honey – not quite Kremser, but it does the job.
Horseradish (Kren)
No Tafelspitz without Kren – ideally freshly grated! You can sometimes find fresh horseradish root in larger supermarkets like Waitrose and Ocado, or at farmers’ markets.
Jarred versions are also easy to track down:
- Coleman’s Horseradish Sauce is widely available, though creamier and milder than Austrian style.
- In Austria we call it Kren, but online you’ll usually find it labelled as Meerrettich. Both AustrianFood.co.uk and FromAustria.com stock authentic Austrian jars that are sharper and much closer to the real thing.
- Tip: look out for “extra scharf” if you want that proper nose-tingling kick.
Lingonberries / Preiselbeeren
A spoonful of Preiselbeeren is perfect with Schnitzel, venison, or roast dishes.
The good news: they’re actually not that hard to find in the UK:
- IKEA Food Market has Lingonsylt jam, which works beautifully.
- Scandinavian Kitchen (London & online) often stocks Preiselbeeren.
- Austrians usually go for the D’arbo brand – you’ll find that at AustrianFood.co.uk.
- FromAustria.com also carries Preiselbeeren, though not always the D’arbo jars.
- Around Christmas, UK supermarkets sometimes carry cranberry sauces – not exactly the same, but a handy substitute.
Ketchup
Ask any Austrian what ketchup belongs with Käsekrainer or chips, and most will say Felix. It’s sweeter, thicker, and more tomato-forward than Heinz, and has become a bit of a national classic.
The bad news: at the moment, neither AustrianFood.co.uk nor FromAustria.com stock Felix ketchup. If you’re travelling to Austria, it’s worth slipping a bottle into your luggage!
UK alternatives:
- Heinz “Sweet Ketchup” (labelled as “less vinegar, more sugar”) is closer in flavour than regular Heinz.
- Stokes Tomato Ketchup (UK brand) is fruity and less sharp – a good stand-in.
- Some Polish/Eastern European shops also carry sweeter ketchup styles that come closer to Felix than Heinz.
A Little Extra
While condiment-hunting, it’s worth keeping an eye out for:
- Pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl) – nutty, dark green, and perfect for salads. A staple for any Styrian kitchen. Available from both AustrianFood.co.uk and FromAustria.com. The later has a fantastic selection.
- Ajvar and pickled veg – not strictly Austrian, but common at Balkan or Eastern European shops and great alongside sausages or grilled meats.
The secret to Austrian cooking isn’t just in the schnitzel or the strudel — it’s in the condiments. A spoon of lingonberries here, a swipe of mustard there, and suddenly, Yorkshire feels a little more like Vienna.
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