How to Enjoy a Classic Vienna Breakfast and Cafe Culture

Your flight has just arrived, but your check-in isn’t for a few more hours. Good for you, you're in Vienna! What better way to start your day in Vienna than with a classic Viennese breakfast at one of the city’s famous cafes?

Did you know? Vienna’s cafe culture began in the late 1600s, when coffee was introduced to the city. The first coffeehouses opened soon after, and by the 19th century, they had become important meeting spots for artists, writers, and thinkers.

Here’s our simple guide on how to enjoy a classic Viennese breakfast, where to go, what to order, and how to fully experience Vienna’s cafe culture.

1. What to Expect in a Viennese Breakfast

A usual breakfast in Vienna is simple yet satisfying, since they use high-quality ingredients and you get to enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere. You can expect fresh bread rolls, butter, jams, a soft-boiled egg, coffee, and sometimes slices of cold meats and cheese.

Coffee is a must-try to the experience, usually served as a “Melange,” a Viennese-style coffee that is kind of similar to a cappuccino, made with espresso, steamed milk, and a bit of foam on top.

Pro Tip: Many cafes offer breakfast sets or “Frühstück” menus, which include a combination of these items. Try ordering a “Kleines Frühstück” (small breakfast) if you want a light meal, or a “Großes Frühstück” (big breakfast) for a fuller spread.

2. Fresh Bread and Pastries: The “Must” of Viennese Breakfast

You can ask anyone from Vienna, and most, if not all, of them will tell you that fresh bread is a "must" in a Viennese breakfast. Most cafes serve bread rolls called “Semmel,” which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect with butter and jam.

You might also find “Kipferl,” a crescent-shaped pastry that is similar to a croissant but slightly denser. Bread is usually served with various spreads, cheeses, or cold cuts.

Pro Tip: Try to visit a bakery or cafe early in the morning when the bread is freshly baked. In some cafes, you can even buy extra rolls to take with you if you love the taste.

3. How to Order and Enjoy Your Coffee Like a Local

As we have mentioned, coffee is surprisingly a part of Viennese breakfast culture. While you’ll find the traditional choices like “Espresso” and “Cappuccino,” Vienna has its own specialty called “Wiener Melange.”

The coffee is similar to a cappuccino but has a milder flavor due to the addition of steamed milk and foam. For those who prefer stronger coffee, try a “Verlängerter,” which is similar to an Americano.

Pro Tip: Most cafes offer a glass of water with your coffee for free. The tradition dates back to Vienna’s cafe culture, where people would spend long hours at cafes and needed something to cleanse their palate.

4. Basic Cafe Etiquette in Vienna

Don't feel pressured! Yes, Vienna’s cafes have their own etiquette, but it's not as complicated as it sounds. First, find a seat yourself, since cafes don’t typically have hostesses. Once you’re seated, a waiter will come to take your order.

After you finish, don’t expect the check to come automatically. It is normal for people to linger in cafes, so the waiters won’t rush you. When you’re ready to leave, make eye contact with the waiter and say “Zahlen, bitte” (the German phrase for “check, please”) to get the bill.

Pro Tip: Tipping is customary in Vienna, though it’s usually a small amount. Rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5-10% of the total is appreciated.

5. Where to Find the Best Breakfast Spots in Vienna

Aside from Cafe Frauenhuber, Vienna has many cafes that offer a good Viennese breakfast experience. Cafe Central is another popular cafe, known for its grand architecture and rich history.

Cafe Sacher, located near the Opera House, is famous for its original Sacher Torte (chocolate cake) and also offers a delightful breakfast menu. Cafe Demel is another historic cafe with a beautiful interior and high-quality pastries.

Pro Tip: These popular cafes can get crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid long waits, try visiting early in the morning or during weekdays.

Bottomline

See? There’s no need to worry if your flight gets in before your check-in time! Or even if you’re just out and about, trying a Viennese breakfast is a must-do in Vienna. The cafes here encourage you to take it slow and enjoy every minute. Sit back with a coffee, relax, and soak in the old-world charm.

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