Kaiserschmarrn at Demel Vienna Cafe

The Ultimate Sweet Guide to Vienna: Why You Must Try Kaiserschmarrn at Demel

When people think of Vienna, your mind instantly drifts to visions of classic imperial architecture, classical music, and, of course, a warm plate of Apple Strudel. But if you want to eat like a local and experience the Viennese comfort food, there is another royal dessert you absolutely cannot miss: Kaiserschmarrn (I don’t even know how to pronounce this).

And if you want the absolute best, you need to head straight to the legendary Demel Cafe.

What Exactly is Kaiserschmarrn?

Think of it as the ultimate upgrade to your standard breakfast pancake.

Kaiserschmarrn is a shredded, ultra-fluffy pancake. The batter is light, airy, and often contains rum-soaked raisins. It's cooked to a beautiful golden brown, torn into bite-sized pieces right in the pan, and lightly caramelized with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Served hot, it’s soft, pillowy, and completely melts in your mouth.

Demel Cafe

Demel is a historic institution in Vienna. Founded in 1786, it was once the official pastry shop of the Austrian royal family. While their main, historic flagship branch is nestled in the streets of Kohlmarkt near the Hofburg Palace, they have fantastic presence across the old town.

But for the most convenient—and scenic—experience, head straight to their highly popular takeaway pop-up spot right in front of Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral).

The Unbeatable Combo: 

Grabbing a steaming hot box of freshly made Kaiserschmarrn and eating it right outside with a direct view of the stunning, gothic Stephansdom architecture. The view and the food together are an absolute dream.

How is it Served & Price?

At Demel, they don't skimp on tradition. Your fluffy, hot pancake pieces are topped generously with a traditional tart fruit compote, usually Zwetschkenröster (stewed plum jam) or apple sauce—which perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar.  A convenient takeaway box of this royal treat will cost you around €9.00.

Considering the premium quality, the rich history, and the fact that you get to bypass the notoriously long queues for indoor cafe seating, it is worth every single cent.

If you are planning your next stroll through the heart of Vienna's old town, make sure to look out for the Demel stand. Eat it hot, take in the cathedral views, and enjoy a slow, perfect Viennese moment.

Shopping in London & Berlin

My shopping between London and Berlin, excludes food and souvenirs:

London: Harrods, Heathrow Terminal 5

• ON (Cloud) white sneakers

• Fun fact: Origin - Switzerland (Zurich), known for their "CloudTec" cushioning, ON has revolutionized performance with a distinct, minimalist Swiss aesthetic.

• Stanley Aerolight Tumbler

Berlin: Primark, Alexanderplatz

• Footwear: Green slip-ons and a pair of slippers.

• Apparel: Grey top and 2 black "Berlin" shirts.

• Luggage: black suitcase.

• Fun fact: Origin - Ireland (Dublin), founded in 1969 as "Penneys," it is the go-to for high-volume, affordable trend pieces and travel essentials.

Berlin: GALERIA Berlin Alexanderplatz

• Braun Büffel: Red leather handbag.

  • Fun Fact: Origin - Germany (Kirn), established in 1887, Braun Büffel is a world-renowned German leather house. The brand is synonymous with the "Buffalo" logo, representing strength, durability, and the exceptional quality of their leather tanning and stitching.

Berlin: Mall of Berlin

• Lloyd: Black leather shoes.

• Lloyd: Dark brown leather shoes.

  • Fun fact on Llyod: Origin - Germany (Bremen), a heritage German brand founded in 1888. They are famous for the "Red Stripe" on the heel, symbolizing high-quality craftsmanship and technical precision.

• Gabor: Blue suede leather heels.

• Fun fact on Gabor: Origin - Germany (Rosenheim), founded in 1949, Gabor is one of Germany’s most successful footwear manufacturers. They are highly regarded for their "Best Fitting" technology, ensuring that high heels remain comfortable for long-term wear.

London Layover

When our connecting flight to Doha was abruptly cancelled, and a surprise layover in London? This was an intervention I was more than willing to accept.

My colleague, who frequents London, and I stayed at the Sofitel London Heathrow Terminal 5. However, we didn't linger in the room. Our check-in was fast and efficient, and we were on a mission. The sun was dipping, and there was a specific, monumental check-in I needed to make.

Took the tube, stepping out from Westminster Station, there it was: The Elizabeth Tower, home to the great bell known as Big Ben. Seeing it for the first time was, quite simply, worth the entire layover detour.  

It is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture—all intricate stone carvings and monochromatic, cool-toned symmetry that deeply appeals to my personal aesthetic. It isn't just a clock; it is 800 years of resilience and history standing on the bank of the Thames. I stood there for a while, just absorbing as much as I could of the beauty of this place.  The wind was cold, and the night was perfectly wonderful.

Next, we headed toward West London. Our next stops: Bayswater Notting Hill, had our dinner and did some shopping.

Bayswater is a fascinating, diverse neighborhood known for its elegant mix of Victorian terraces and a vibrant, multicultural energy. Walking down the main strip of Queensway, you can see an endless array of international restaurants—from Cantonese and Persian grills to traditional Greek tavernas, Italian trattorias, and even Malaysian and Indonesian restaurants.

While we browsed a few curated boutiques, the real convenience was the abundance of grocery stores along the street. There is a Marks & Spencer Foodhall, a Waitrose, and the organic-focused Planet Organic, alongside smaller Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialty grocers.

I did some cookie shopping at M&S and also managed to find some classic London souvenirs, like pens and keychains, to bring back home. Taking photos at a classic London phone booth really completed my London visit in such a short timeframe.

London is not as scary as I saw on social media.  People are friendly, but don't take my words for it, coz I was there for only less than 24 hours.