I am the first to admit that I have done a lot of complaining about breakfast in Austria. Ham and cheese on bread has never been, nor ever will be, my idea of a perfect breakfast. And every breakfast in Austria (whether it’s buffet at a five star hotel, or a more basic Gasthaus offering) has the same base – ham and cheese on bread. Sure, there might be eggs on offer, or muesli, and most definitely prosecco, but I learnt very quickly to remember what country I was in, and not to expect what my occasionally hungover stomach was craving.
But now I’m going to eat my words… and any breakfast items that go along with them… because I have to admit that perhaps I was wrong. Here’s the clincher – I love most things about living in a small town – but it’s completely unrealistic to expect I’m going to be able to replicate the kinds of amazing brunch foods I used to get in Melbourne – a city full of people and diversities.
When we went to Vienna last year, hubby and I went out for ‘breakfast’ and I wasn’t expecting too much. I was hoping there might be some scrambled eggs or perhaps a smoothie if I was lucky.
What did I get instead? I got so many all-day breakfast options, including eggs done every which way, avocado, tomato salsa and multiple smoothie options, that the waitress had to come back three times before I could make my mind up. I was in brunch heaven. On that same trip, we also went out for Turkish breakfast, which was amazing.
A little closer to home I heard about a restaurant that allegedly had a great breakfast menu. On that day, my epic egg breakfast came with a side of banana pancakes. Need I say more?
So I take it back. I apologise for my unjustified resentment at Austria’s ability to do a good breakfast. Because I was the only one complaining – Austrians love their breakfasts! And everything can’t be the same as what I’m used to from Oz – because otherwise, what would be the point? And anyway, it definitely makes the big breakfasts and corn fritters I come across when I’m in Australia or the UK feel so much more special and familiar.
an aussie in austria 
I’m so glad you were able to find some great breakfasts in Austria. I was never much of a breakfast person until I moved to Australia haha. I feel in love with delicious brunch (eggs benedict are my favourite, they chanced my life!) and when I moved back to Austria I was also so frustrated that I can never really get decent breakfasts here. It’s definitely almost impossible in small towns but a bit easier in bigger cities (not that there’s too many of them in Austria 😀 )
Yeah there is definitely something very special about Australian brunches. And big! And very very filling! But even if I can’t get out for them very often here, there’s always baked beans in the cupboard for when the urge arises! 😉