Vienna, Austria’s majestic capital, exudes grandeur in every aspect. Austria’s largest city and the fourth largest in Europe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting an abundance of lavish palaces, majestic churches, captivating museums, and serene parks. Not only is every corner of Vienna steeped in history and beauty, but beyond its architectural splendor lies a culinary scene that rivals its cultural heritage. On a recent visit, I took the opportunity to further explore Vienna’s gastronomic offerings with a meticulously curated food tour. This delicious journey not only tantalized my taste buds but also gave me an even greater appreciation for the city.
The Sweet Secrets of Vienna Dessert Tour began with meeting the guide, Wolfi, in the city center. We were forewarned to come with an empty stomach because there would be a lot of food. Wolfi began with a brief history of the city before escorting the group to the first stop on the tour: a Viennese coffee house.
The Viennese coffee house is more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee; it’s a cultural institution that dates back centuries and is steeped in history and tradition. These establishments have played a pivotal role in shaping Vienna’s identity and have permeated every aspect of Viennese life, from literature and music to politics and philosophy.
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Vienna’s coffee house culture continues to thrive, as was evident the moment we walked in the door of Café Prückel, a veritable institution in Vienna’s coffee house scene. Though not what one would expect of a classic Viennese coffee house with its 1950 interior, Café Prückel still offers authentic ambiance, and according to our guide, is the most popular coffee house in the city. The apple cream cheese kuchen and apfelstrudel we tasted were fresh from Café Prückel’s kitchen and accompanied by a cup of coffee.
Continuing our culinary adventure we made our way to the vibrant Vienna Naschmarkt. This market is brimming with over 120 market stands and eateries, however, we were there for one in particular: Zotter Schokolade. Zotter, known for its enormous variety of chocolate and its eclectic flavors, is a haven for chocolate lovers in search of sheer indulgence.
With suggestions from the shop’s expert, we savored a selection of exquisite flavors, each more daring than the next. As if that wasn’t enough, we indulged in a cup of luxuriously rich hot chocolate crafted from a bar of our choosing and even had the pleasure of selecting a chocolate bar to bring home.
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Just a few steps away from our last stop, we arrived at Vollpension, a delightful deviation from your typical café experience. Here, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the warmth of homemade dishes and the genuine hospitality that fills the air. As we stepped inside, the vintage décor and cozy ambiance enveloped us, evoking memories of Grandma’s kitchen. Vollpension is even more special because it’s mostly run by retirees, affectionately known as pensioners, hence the name.
We were served homemade iced tea and lemonade. And then came the star of the show—the Buchtel. This a fluffy, fruit-filled pastry that was as warm and inviting as the atmosphere at Vollpension.
The food tour promised a sweet adventure, but our next stop at Praterwirt offered a savory twist. Here, tradition meets innovation as a butchery merges with local farm produce, alongside a revamped brewery restaurant serving authentic Budweiser on tap. As the evening unfolded, we were treated to hearty servings of savory goulash, succulent schnitzel, and, upon my request, delectable spätzle.
While the tour was billed mostly as a sweet dessert tour, the next stop provided an opportunity to taste more savory traditional Viennese dishes. Praterwirt is a compelling concept that combines a butchery with the finest produce of local farmers and an updated version of a brewery restaurant that serves (the original) Budweiser from the tap. We were served savory goulash, tender schnitzel, and per my special request spätzle, egg noodles similar to pasta served with savory butter or cheese sauces. It was evening by now, so no more coffee, instead these delicious dishes were paired with Austrian wine. With coffee taking a backseat, Austrian wines took the spotlight, perfectly complementing the flavorful dishes.
Despite feeling pleasantly full, our culinary expedition wasn’t quite over yet. Our next stop was Nestroy Gasthaus & Biergarten, where we indulged in another round of desserts, featuring their house specialty: Kaiserschmarrn. Kaiserschmarrn, best described as a fluffy, shredded pancake, is generously dusted with powdered sugar and served alongside a tangy plum compote. Despite feeling pleasantly full from our culinary journey up to that point, I couldn’t resist indulging in a bite or two, relishing every bite as a sweet conclusion to our gastronomic adventure.
Last but certainly not least, was a nightcap before parting ways at Zum Schwarzen Kameel. With a legacy spanning over 400 years, Zum Schwarzen Kameel isn’t just a café – it’s a cultural landmark known for its elegant ambiance and impeccable service. We enjoyed a final glass of wine as our guide recommended things to do and see in Vienna for the remainder of our trip.
My final word on the Sweet Secrets of Vienna Dessert Tour? Absolutely do it! I wholeheartedly recommend this tour for anyone craving a taste of Vienna beyond the usual tourist spots. Starting in the late afternoon, it’s not your typical food tour in terms of portion size, so ditch lunch and arrive with an empty stomach to fully indulge in the delectable treats awaiting you. From quaint cafes to hidden gems, this tour unveils the sweet side of Vienna while exploring areas often overlooked by tourists. So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure and satisfy your sweet tooth in style, the Sweet Secrets of Vienna Dessert Tour is a must!
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Tickets for the Sweet Secrets of Vienna Dessert Tour can be purchased HERE.
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