On coffee in Austria

Getting your morning caffeine-rush in Austria is not as simple as ordering a coffee at Starbucks. Most of us know the difference between a Cappuccino, Latte, Americano and the likes, and we can get through with this knowledge in almost any part of the world.

However, in Austria, simply asking for a ‘cup of coffee’ will get you blank stares. Austrians are exceedingly particular in the way they drink this delicious brew, and ordering one is a whole different ball game. After all, one of the things this country is famous for are their coffee house culture.

If you go to Vienna and don’t order a coffee, you would have missed out on an essential piece of their heritage. The country has numerous coffee houses, dating back to the 19^th century where folks sit down, relax and order a cup at leisure. Coffee is considered “slow food,” to be relished while engaging with friends or reading the newspaper. So ordering a coffee “to go” and drinking it while going about your business, is practically unheard of.

A decent cafe will have at least a dozen variations, if not more. So if you ever plan to visit Austria, keep this guide handy to simplify the task of getting your morning beverage.

A Kleiner Schwarzer is a strong black coffee, like an espresso that comes in a small cup. It translates to “little brown one” and is black with a little milk, considered to be the most ordinary coffee there is. Ordering a Kleiner Brauner is almost the same, but with the addition of cream.The closest thing to getting your cappuccino is the Melange – made with blended frothed milk and steamed coffee. This can be consumed throughout the day. Milchkaffee is gaining popularity, thanks to its fancy Italian name “Cafe Latte,” which is the same the world over.

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Jade D’Sa

Food & Travel blogger

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Einspanner is a great pick for those who like it strong and slightly bitter. It is served in a high glass with a little whipped cream. Yet another option if you like it strong is the Verlangerter Schwartzer which is a coffee in a large cup, brewed in hot water, similar to the Americano. Add milk, and turn it into the Veriangerter Brauner.The options for those with a taste for strong coffee don’t end there. Turkischer, meaning “the Turkish one” is made with grated coffee beans that are boiled for a long time and served steaming hot with the grains still in the cup.

Fiaker is a drink that blends together coffee with rum and whipped cream. Named after a horse and carriage, this beverage is an interesting one indeed. Drinking before noon has never been so easy!

Next, we have Mazagram, it’s just like Fiaker, but cold, and with a little more sugar. You could compare it to cold coffee with a dash of rum. Konsul is a variation of coffee that comprises of black coffee with a tiny bit of cream.The most indulgent one is the Eiskaffe – cold coffee with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and whipped cream. Nothing can be more refreshing on a summer vacation to Austria

Lastly, the name Kurzer is becoming less common on cafe menus in Austria because it’s being replaced by the name Espresso – giving it a much more international feel.

Whatever your drink of choice is, remember to experiment and try something new every day. Forget your waistline and indulge with a side of fresh dessert or apple strudel.