Eating
The contemporary changes in lifestyles have also taking its toll on the eating habits of many Austrians. The tradition in Austria is to eat the main meal around midday. While many Austrians still follow that custom, working people and students now eat the main meal in the evening rather than in the busy periods during the day. This change may have occurred but important traditions while being at the table have been untouched: It is considered good manner to keep the hands above the table at all times during a meal, not to gesture with utensils, and not to place elbows on the table. It is quite impolite to begin eating until all persons at the table are served. Austrians eat in the continental style, with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. When guests are present, the hostess will nearly always offer second helpings but will gracefully accept a polite Danke, nein (Thank you, no).
Diet
Austrians are very well known for their love of good food and suitable enough they enjoy a very rich and varied cuisine in their homeland. Specialities drawn from cultures of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire include such favorites as Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlets) from Italy, Kolatsche (a pastry made out of yeast dough) from Bohemia, and goulash from Hungary. Traditional Austrian meals begin with a beef-broth soup. Popular soups include Griessnockerlsuppe (soup with small flour dumplings). Goulash is served at most restaurants. Backhendl (fried, breaded chicken) and Knödel (moist dumplings) are also common.
Vienna is particularly famous for its cakes and pastries, including apple strudel, Sachertorte (a rich chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate icing), and Krapfen (a kind of doughnut filled with jam). Coffee enjoys quite a tradition in the Viennese Coffee Houses; Austrians love to go there at all times of the year to meet friends, talk or just relax.
When observing the life of a traditional Austrian citizen, the menu would look like this: The day begins with a light breakfast of hot chocolate or coffee, rolls, bread, and jam or marmalade. Later in the morning, some eat a second, heartier breakfast, including goulash or hot sausages. When the time for the main meal arrives an Austrian will most likely choose a soup, meat (often beef or pork) with potatoes or pasta, vegetables, a salad, and not forgetting to leave enough room for dessert (such as a homemade pastry). Jause (afternoon coffee) may include sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. If the main meal is eaten at midday, families have Abendessen (evening meal) in the evening. It generally includes cold cuts, eggs, cheese, rye and other breads, and a salad. After a visit to the theatre or the other evening activity, a light meal might end the day.
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