Schnitzel facts for kids

Wiener Schnitzel, a traditional Austrian dish

Wiener schnitzel

Turkey Schnitzel with Spätzle

Schnitzel is a very popular dish. It comes from Germany and Austria. It's made from a thin piece of meat. This meat is flattened with a hammer. Then, it's covered in bread crumbs and fried until it's crispy.

In Austria, a special type is called Wiener Schnitzel. People often eat it with a slice of lemon. It also comes with Potato salad or potatoes. These potatoes are usually cooked with parsley and butter.

What is Schnitzel Made Of?

The original Wiener Schnitzel is made from veal. Veal is meat from a young cow. This is the traditional way to make it.

Different Kinds of Schnitzel

Today, schnitzel is often made from pork. If it's pork, it might be called Schnitzel Wiener Art in Germany. This means "schnitzel Vienna style."

In Austria, the name is very important. If a schnitzel is made from pork, it must be called Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein. This tells you it's pork, not veal. The name Wiener Schnitzel is protected by law. This means only schnitzel made from veal can use that exact name.

Schnitzel Around the World

Schnitzel is enjoyed in many countries. Each place has its own way of serving it.

Schnitzel in Finland

In Finland, pork schnitzel is very popular. People there often eat it with watermelon. This might sound unusual, but it's a common combination!

Schnitzel in New Zealand

In New Zealand, beef schnitzel is a favorite. It's almost always served with lots of mashed potatoes. Sometimes, it also comes with boiled vegetables.

Images for kids

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  Tonkatsu, a Japanese schnitzel

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  Oskarinleike with fries, a Finnish schnitzel

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  Havaijinleike with fries, a Hawaiian-style schnitzel

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  Jägerschnitzel as served at a German restaurant, often with mushroom sauce

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  Hungarian schnitzel with nokedli

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  Schnitzel as served at an Iranian restaurant

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  Israeli schnitzel, often served with pasta

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  Milanesa, a popular schnitzel-like dish in South America

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  Wiener schnitzel from veal, as served in Vienna

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  A Wiener schnitzel served in Carinthia, Austria

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  Chicken schnitzel with fries and salad

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  Schnitzel platter consisting of veal, pork, and chicken schnitzels, served with mashed potatoes, beetroot, mushroom cream sauce and side salad

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  Swiss schnitzel, served with french fries and side salad

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  Surf and turf schnitzel: a chicken schnitzel topped with prawns and served with french fries

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  A cordon bleu schnitzel, filled with cheese and ham