Regional specialities
Products from the Graz Region
The culinary identity of the Graz Region arises from the interplay between city and country. Styrian pumpkin seed oil, Graz Krauthäuptel lettuce, wine, beer and Styrian pumpkin seed spirit are all examples of the regional cuisine in and around Graz. Transparent origins, seasonal availability and artisanal preparation are key characteristics.
Many of these products shape the cuisine of Graz, the Capital of Delight, and go on sale directly at markets, farm shops, Buschenschank taverns and restaurants.
Characteristic of the region are:
- Traditional Styrian specialties, such as pumpkin seed oil, Krauthäuptel lettuce, wine and beer
- Regional specialties such as Graz truffles and pumpkin seed oil spirit
- Food prepared locally with artisanal flair
- Direct retailers and producers in and around Graz
- Farmers’ markets and farm shops as key retail locations
- Seasonal availability and traceable origins
Experience and buy delight
In the Graz Region, regional specialties can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: at farmers’ markets, farm shops, and at culinary events. Many products are offered directly by producers and available on a seasonal basis. Buschenschank taverns and culinary tours also link the regional produce with landscape, origin and Styrian cuisine.
Graz Krauthäuptel lettuce
The Graz Krauthäuptel lettuce is one of the most distinctive vegetable specialities from the Graz Region and is closely associated with the springtime cuisine in and around the city. The farms and climate in which it grows and its traditional cultivation methods make it a product that only grows here in this form.
Its delicate, light green leaves with their characteristic red edges define its appearance, while its flavour is mild, slightly sweet and subtly nutty. It is primarily cultivated in the Graz Basin, where the fertile soils and mild temperatures provide the ideal growing conditions.
- Protected speciality with a clearly defined growing region
- Approximately 100 farms in and around Graz
- Over 15 million harvested annually
- Especially tender leaves with a high water content
- Mildly sweet, slightly nutty flavour
- Traditionally prepared with Styrian pumpkin seed oil
Styrian pumpkin seed oil
Styrian pumpkin seed oil is one of the region’s most famous specialities and is closely linked to its cuisine. In Styria, its production and use have been passed down through generations. After harvesting, the seeds of the pumpkin are dried, roasted, and pressed, resulting in the characteristic dark green oil with its intense, nutty flavour.
Its production follows clearly defined quality criteria and is protected by the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Pumpkin seed oil is versatile in the kitchen – and is frequently used in salads, but also soups, egg dishes and sweet recipes.
- Protected speciality with protected designation of origin (PGI)
- Made by roasting and pressing pumpkin seeds
- Dark green in colour with an intensely nutty flavour
- A key ingredient in Styrian cuisine
- Versatile in use: from salads to desserts
- Prepared at oil mills and small businesses in and around Graz
Wines from the Graz Region
Viticulture has been an integral part of the cultural landscape in and around Graz for centuries, linking the surrounding countryside closely with the city. Characterful wines are produced on the sunny slopes, complemented by smaller vineyards within the city limits. Graz’s local wine, the “Falter Ego”, exemplifies the link between urban space and historical winemaking tradition. On the Kehlberg hill above St. Martin’s Castle, vines are once again growing on land that has been documented as a vineyard since the 12th century.
Typical varieties of grape such as Sauvignon Blanc, White Muskateller and Schilcher reflect the climatic conditions in and around Graz. The Schilcher wine trail also starts in Ligist. The Schilcher is made exclusively from the Wildbacher grape and is considered a regional speciality from Western Styria. Smaller businesses also shape the wine culture of the region, such as the Genusstreffpunkt Höfer in Weinitzen, where fine wines and sparkling rosé wines combine with regional cuisine.
Winegrowing is closely linked to the Styrian culture of the Buschenschank wine tavern, where wines are traditionally served with snacks.
The Graz truffle
Graz is the only city in Austria where truffles grow in significant quantities in the local woodland. This makes their presence one of the region’s most unusual culinary specialties.
In the woodland in and around Graz and in the Leechwald woods in particular, various species of truffle grow naturally. They thrive without requiring cultivation and can be found with specially trained dogs. Truffles are prepared in the local restaurants depending on the season. Guided truffle hikes and the International Truffle Festival in October further enhance the culinary experience.
- Natural incidence of truffles, primarily in the Leechwald woods
- Rediscovery through research and truffle hunting with dogs
- The only city in Austria to have a significant incidence of truffles
- Used in gastronomy
- Truffle hikes and the International Truffle Festival in October
The culture of beer in and around Graz
Beer is an integral part of the gastronomic culture in and around Graz, and combines traditional brewing techniques with contemporary developments. Alongside historic breweries, a vibrant scene of small breweries and artisan producers has become established in the region.
Breweries such as the Reininghaus have shaped the region’s history of brewing since the 19th century. Today, the assortment ranges from classics such as Märzen, Zwickl and wheat beer to creative interpretations with a variety of hop and malt profiles.
The offer is complemented by tastings and formats such as the Beer Tour and the “Bier-Kultur-Bim” featuring historic trams which give insights into the regional culture of beer drinking and brewing.
Styrian pumpkin seed spirit
Styrian pumpkin seed spirit, or Steirischer Kürbiskerngeist in its official German name, transforms one of Styria’s most famous products into a high-proof liqueur. Roasted pumpkin seeds are processed gently, developing a range of flavours with delicate roasted notes, hints of nut and notes of caramel and dark chocolate.
In the Graz Region, the pumpkin seed spirit combines traditional distilling techniques with new interpretations of regional products. Distilleries such as that of the Hochstrasser family in Mooskirchen draw on Styrian ingredients, artisan techniques and contemporary design. The visual identity of the brand was developed in collaboration with Graz-based artist Tom Lohner and blends regional gastronomic culture with modern design.
Gin and fine spirits
In recent years, a vibrant gin and fine spirits industry has come into being in the Graz Region. Small-scale distilleries make their spirits by hand using local ingredients, herbs and fruit. The offering ranges from classic styles to unique interpretations with floral, fruity and spicy flavours.
What’s on offer is further complemented by tastings, gin seminars and bars selling a wide selection of regional and international varieties – at the Hotel Liebmann in Laßnitzhöhe, for example. Formats such as individual gin creations and distillery experiences bring together craftsmanship, culinary arts and the local culture of indulgence.
Additional specialities
Besides the well-known flagship products, the gastronomic variety in and around Graz is reflected in a wide selection of other products. Many of these are made in smaller businesses and complement what’s on offer with seasonal and artisanal foods.
Fertile soils, a mild climate, and careful preparation provide the basis for this variety. This includes regional specialties, such as Premstätten sauerkraut from Hillebrand, vinegars and oils from manufacturers such as Pölzer, and processed products made from fruit, grain and game.
Frequently asked questions
Typical specialities include Styrian pumpkin seed oil, the Graz Krauthäuptel lettuce, wine, beer, Styrian pumpkin seed spirit and the Graz truffles. These products characterise the cuisine in and around Graz, and correlate closely with the season, origin and preparation.
Regional products are available at farmers’ markets, from direct retailers, and at farm shops. Many farms sell their products on site and offer insights into their production methods and origin.
The Graz Krauthäuptel lettuce is a protected speciality leaf vegetable with particularly tender leaves and a mild, nutty flavour. It is mostly grown in the Grazer Becken and counts among the region's classic springtime produce.
Yes. In the woodland in and around Graz and in the Leechwald woods in particular, various species of truffle grow naturally. Graz is considered the only city in Austria with a significant incidence of truffles. You can discover the Graz truffles on guided truffle hikes or at the International Truffle Festival in October.
Typical wines in and around Graz include Sauvignon Blanc, White Muskateller and Schilcher. A speciality is Graz’s local wine, the “Falter Ego” from Kehlberg. Smaller producers, such as the Genusstreffpunkt Höfer in Weinitzen, also contribute to the regional culture of wine with their high-quality wines and sparkling rosé wines.
Styrian pumpkin seed spirit is a high-proof liqueur made from the roasted pumpkin seeds of the Styrian oil pumpkin. In the Graz Region, the Feindestillerie Hochstrasser in Mooskirchen makes this pumpkin seed spirit using traditional methods, combining traditional distilling techniques with modern interpretations of regional products. The liqueur is characterised by its delicate roasted flavours, nutty notes, and hints of caramel, vanilla and dark chocolate, and can be tasted and purchased on site.
Culinary experiences range from farmers’ markets and Buschenschank taverns to guided tours, tastings, and events. They connect products with places and make regional cuisine accessible in everyday life.
What’s created here shapes the cuisine.
Direct retailers
At a glance
Direct retailers, farm shops and manufacturers make regional products around Graz directly accessible – from pumpkin seed oil and fruit juices to bread, cheese, honey and fine sprits.
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