Enter...Wiener Kaffeehaus

You would think that Singapore could do with one less coffeehouse. With all the Starbucks, Spinellis and kopitiams littering our island, what difference would 1 more make?

If it's fashioned after 300 years of Viennese coffeehouse culture and serves authentic Viennese cuisine just the way it would taste back there, then it would, literally, make a world of difference. Enter Wiener Kaffeehaus, 148 Neil Road.

Owned by an Austrian chef turned IT professional turned restaurateur, the origins of this coffeehouse lie in the deep longings for fine Viennese coffee and food among some Austrians residing in Singapore.

The owner, Anton, embarked on a project to bring a little bit of Vienna to Singapore, and even enlisted his mother's help to plan the menu and train the chefs on the artful way of making authentic, Viennese food! In fact, on this visit there, she served me my chicken schnitzel.

The decor of this place, resembles that of a typical Viennese coffeehouse found in Austria - dark wood panels all around and marble top tables (reminds you of our dear old school kopitiam??)

Well, and your cuppa coffee will come to you placed on a silver tray, with cubes of sugar, and water. You can see the pic on their website (I didn't order coffee on this visit). The silver tray, according to the lady owner, prevents the coffee from staining the marble tops, and the water is to wash the bitter aftertaste of coffee down.

Unfortunately, I am not a coffee connoisseur and can't school you in the delicate differences between Austrian coffee and others. Though I was briefed, I did not retain - hell, I'll drink anything I can!! And this attitude led me to bravely try the Marie Thereisa once - that is one evil drink that will keep you awake till you have to get ready for work the next day (not what the waiter told me!!!!). Deadly combination is espresso, orange liquer and brandy.....good luck swallowing it.

Like any respectable coffee joint, this place has it's own boutique where you can purchase powder, beans, and yes, even your own press and other fancy equipment. According to Anton, he is able to keep prices of coffee reasonable because he imports them directly.

The next 2 posts contain pics of our food!!