If you’re like most people, you probably think of Austria as a land of snow-capped mountains and pristine forests. But did you know that the country is also home to some of the most delicious breakfast foods in the world? From hearty savory dishes to sweet pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog, we’ll be exploring some of the most popular breakfast traditions from Austria. So whether you’re planning a trip to the country or just looking for something new to try, be sure to check us out!
The history of the cuisine
From Schnitzel to Sachertorte and all in between, there is much to explore in the gorgeous alpine nation of Austria. Like many European countries, Austria is a mix of cultures and traditions, and its rich and diverse cuisine reflects it as well. It’s interesting to note that many of the nation’s well though and beloved dishes genuinely had their beginnings abroad. Austria’s goulash for example, has Hungarian roots, and its iconic Würstchen (sausages) were a southern German delicacy before making their way to Austrian tables. What is however definitely authentic to Austria, especially its capital Vienna, is the incredibly long tradition of eating breakfast, which has since grown into a cult and is considered to be one of the unique culinary and cultural aspects of Viennese society.
The terminology
On weekends, the first meal of the day is frequently celebrated by families and groups of friends far into the early afternoon. There are also many excellent places to eat breakfast in Vienna, whether you want to indulge in a pastry feast, a bottomless brunch, or a classic Viennese breakfast. The Austrians call their breakfast “Frühstück”, which is a reference to the piece of toast eaten in the mornings in the 15th century. The new word displaced the word “morgenbröt” from Middle High German that was common up to that point in time. The German phrase is significantly different from the English word “breakfast,” which characterized the first meal intake of a new day in the sense of “breaking a fast” after the night. This also applies to the Swedish word “frukost” or the Danish “morgenmad.” In France, it’s a little more specific – the “little breaking of a fast”: “petit déjeuner” (pétit = small, jeuner = to fast) represents morning, while “déjeuner” implies a short lunch. This is also true for the Spanish word “desayuno.”
The menu
The standard menu for the traditional Viennese breakfast contains bread, jelly, cooked eggs, ham, cheese and melange (espresso with steamed milk, topped with foam). Although there are now countless options for breakfast, including both modern takes on the classic Austrian Viennese breakfast and a wide variety of international dishes, it still remains among the most popular meals.
While breakfast is definitely a favorite meal for the Viennese, they are not particularly picky eaters. They serve a pretty standard breakfast, especially on workdays. The “Schwarzbrot,” a black bread made of rye and wheat flour, is one item that must not be absent. However, other types of bread, like as “Kornspitz” or “Semmel,” are also well-liked, particularly on weekends. The sweeter kinds of pastries that are also included on the list of Viennese breakfast are generally referred to as “Mehlspeise.” The Viennese enjoy eating their bread with butter and jam for breakfast and often prefer a sweet breakfast. However, some choose to have a traditional savory Viennese breakfast that includes ham and cheese. By the way, coffee is the most popular beverage, followed closely by tea.
The Viennese people enjoy taking a break for breakfast and meeting up with friends at a coffee shop on the weekends. Once you have made up your mind and decided to experience an authentic traditional breakfast in Vienna, you would often encounter the name “Wiener Frühstück,” which translates to “Viennese Breakfast,” as it may be found on practically every menu. Typically, it includes: coffee or tea, a croissant or bread roll, butter, a jam or honey. It may differ slightly from restaurant to restaurant, so it’s best to check the menu ahead of time.
There are savory breakfast alternatives as well as wholesome choices like yoghurt and brown bread. In addition, cocoa, eggs, and vegetables (such as sweet peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes) are always included on Austrian breakfast tables. Eggs can be prepared in a variety of ways, from scrambled to sunny side up to soft-boiled, and all of these options are generally available on the breakfast menu. Scrambled eggs are frequently served with bacon in restaurants, as well as traditional Viennese coffee houses.
The breakfast café
Treating yourself or a special someone to a delicious Viennese breakfast feast at Café Gloriette can help you make your trip to Vienna a one you won’t soon forget. In the grounds of the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria’s most significant cultural, architectural, and historical landmarks, sits Café Gloriette, the country’s most spectacular café and a traditional, highly exclusive breakfast coffee house.
Up to the end of the Danube Monarchy, the Gloriette area of the Schönbrunn palace was used as the traditional breakfast room for Emperor Franz Joseph I and the dining room for various royals and their guests. In the 1990s, after extensive renovations, Café Gloriette was eventually born and made accessible to the general public. Even if the genuine monarchy’s era has long since passed, the splendor of Austro-Hungarian eating etiquette and traditions can still be sensed inside the café walls.
You probably haven’t ever had breakfast at any place as lavish as Café Gloriette, unless you’re a part of the Austrian royalty that is. The exquisitely decorated dining room has soaring high ceilings, a baroque interior, and enormous windows that offer guests breathtaking views of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. The area is filled with natural light from the large windows, which melds the old world with the modern metropolitan way of life to create a bright, spacious environment, which fits in perfectly when enjoying a typical Viennese breakfast with some delicious coffee and locally baked cakes.
The magnificent buffet at Café Gloriette transports hungry customers back to the era of the Kaiser, complete with an incredible authentic Viennese breakfast setting fit for an emperor. The cozy dining area is brought to life by the sounds of live classical music played by some of the most outstanding artists in the city during the 2.5 hour breakfast experience. In addition to its beautifully pressed white linen tables, rich red upholstery, and magnificent architectural columns, Café Gloriette in Vienna possess a truly royal ambiance that is unmatched.
