National Wiener Schnitzel Day

A joyful person with a big smile, wearing a chef hat and apron, frying golden wiener schnitzel in a bustling kitchen.. — National wiener schnitzel day illustration

Welcome to National Wiener Schnitzel Day, where we celebrate the crispy, delicious wonder that is the wiener schnitzel! Get ready to learn all about the fascinating history behind this beloved dish and uncover some fun facts along the way.

When is Wiener Schnitzel Day?

It's national wiener schnitzel day on the 9th September.

Origins of the Wiener Schnitzel

So, where did the wiener schnitzel come from? Well, prepare yourself for a trip to Austria, my friend! The wiener schnitzel is a true culinary delight that originated in Vienna, Austria, way back in the 19th century. It quickly became a beloved staple of Austrian cuisine and gained popularity beyond the borders of Vienna.

Traditionally, a wiener schnitzel is made by taking a thin slice of veal, pounding it until it becomes tender, coating it in breadcrumbs, and then frying it to golden perfection. But fear not, my vegetarian friends! There are also versions of this delightful dish made with chicken, pork, or even tofu, so everyone can enjoy a taste of this crispy goodness.

The Wiener Schnitzel's Internet Fame

Now, let's talk about the internet's love affair with the wiener schnitzel. According to our trusty sources, we've detected a whopping 305 mentions of National Wiener Schnitzel Day online. It seems that people just can't resist celebrating this delightful dish.

The most mentions we found were on September 9th, 2020. It appears that on that fateful day, the internet collectively decided to pay homage to the wiener schnitzel in all its golden, crunchy glory. It's a day that will forever be remembered as a pinnacle of online schnitzel appreciation. Truly, a historic moment in culinary internet history.

Fun Fact: Did You Know?

Did you know that the term "wiener schnitzel" is actually protected by Austrian law? That's right, folks! In Austria, a dish can only be called a wiener schnitzel if it's made with veal. If it's made with any other type of meat, it has to be referred to as something else. So, if you ever find yourself in Vienna and order a wiener schnitzel, you can be sure that you're getting the real deal.

History behind the term 'Wiener Schnitzel'

1845

The invention of Wiener Schnitzel

In the year 1845, the term 'wiener schnitzel' was first used to describe a popular Austrian dish. Wiener schnitzel is a breaded and deep-fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with a squeeze of lemon. The dish is believed to have originated in Vienna, which is why it is called 'Wiener' schnitzel, meaning 'Viennese cutlet' in German. It quickly gained popularity in the region and became a staple of Austrian cuisine.

1857

The distinction from other schnitzel varieties

By the year 1857, the term 'wiener schnitzel' had gained enough recognition to distinguish it from other varieties of schnitzel. Schnitzel, in general, refers to a breaded and fried meat cutlet, but 'wiener schnitzel' specifically referred to veal cutlets. Other types of schnitzel began to be referred to by their main ingredient, such as chicken schnitzel or pork schnitzel.

1870

Wiener Schnitzel's popularity outside Austria

During the late 19th century, wiener schnitzel started to gain popularity outside of Austria. The dish made its way to neighboring countries like Germany and Hungary, where it became a beloved classic. The term 'wiener schnitzel' became widely recognized as a symbol of Austrian cuisine around the world.

1949

Wiener Schnitzel's cultural significance

In 1949, wiener schnitzel was declared a protected cultural dish in Austria. This designation aimed to preserve the authenticity and traditional preparation methods of the dish. It highlighted the cultural significance of wiener schnitzel as an iconic representation of Austrian culinary heritage. To this day, the term 'wiener schnitzel' is tightly associated with Austria and its rich gastronomic culture.