Austrian Chocolate: Worth The Hype?

Austrian chocolate is considered by some to be the best in the world. The country's chocolate history is long and rich, and the capital, Vienna, produces some of Europe's finest chocolate. From the noble courts of Vienna to the hidden nooks of the Alps, Austrians have enjoyed fine chocolate for centuries. The Sachertorte, Vienna's famous chocolate cake, was invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher. The city's chocolate history dates back to 1711 when Emperor Charles VI moved his court to Austria. Today, Austria is home to many innovative, smaller, boutique chocolatiers, as well as larger, well-known chocolatiers such as Zotter, Manner, and Hofbauer.

Austrian chocolate's history

The history of Austrian chocolate can be traced back to the 17th century when the scholar Johann Volckammer brought cocoa beans to Nuremberg, Germany, in 1645 after tasting a cup of hot chocolate in Naples. Cocoa then made its way across the Austrian border and became established in Vienna, thanks to the efforts of King Charles of Spain, who set up a network for cocoa importation at the beginning of the 18th century.

However, what truly left an impact on the history of Austrian chocolate was the introduction of the famous Sacher Torte in 1852. This chocolate-filled Viennese pastry became synonymous with the country's chocolate culture and has since become a beloved symbol of Austria's culinary heritage.

Over the years, Austrian chocolatiers have continued to innovate and create unique and delicious treats, with companies like Zotter, one of the most innovative chocolate producers in the world, leading the way in sustainable and fair-trade practices.

Vienna's Demel shop

The Demel shop was once an official supplier of confectionery products to the Imperial and Royal Court of the Austria-Hungary Empire, with the K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäckerei moniker on its signs indicating its prestigious past. The shop has occupied a choice position on Kohlmarkt, just a few steps away from the Michaelerplatz end of the Hofburg palace complex.

The Demel shop offers a unique experience, combining the charm of a traditional Viennese coffee house with a wide selection of Austrian specialties, decadent cakes, and sweets. The shop has a relatively large area for over-the-counter sales, reminiscent of Willy Wonka's factory, with stylish packaging and charming displays.

The Demel shop is also known for its breakfast options, with some patrons praising the quality of the coffee and the delicious jams served in little glass jars. The shop offers a range of seating options, including elegant salons and window seats that offer a view of the street where the composer Joseph Haydn used to live.

While the Demel shop has received mixed reviews for its service and value, it remains a popular destination for travelers and locals alike, attracted by its atmospheric setting and culinary delights. The shop is often crowded, with queues to get in, but the experience of indulging in its confections is well worth the wait.

Boutique chocolatiers

Vienna is home to some of Europe's finest chocolate, with a long and rich history of chocolate-making. The Austrian capital is dotted with elegant, old confectionery stores and smaller, innovative boutique chocolatiers.

One such boutique chocolatier is Tiroler Edle, which can be found at the enormous gourmet emporium of Julius Meinl. Their chocolate bars are made with dried flowers, herbs, candied violets, and rose petals.

Another is Xocolat, a contemporary candy store in Vienna's wealthy district of Hietzing. Here, trays of fresh, handmade chocolates are displayed behind glass counters, with a range of well-known and more refined varieties of Austrian chocolate. Xocolat also offers workshops in English, where you can learn the art of chocolate-making.

Zotter is an innovative and ethical chocolatier, widely considered a national treasure in Austria. With unique flavour combinations like cheese, tequila with salt and lemon, and raspberry, coconut, and trout, Zotter's exotic flavours are not for the faint-hearted. However, they also offer more conservative choices, such as their exceptional marzipan. Zotter chocolates are widely available in supermarkets across Vienna, including SPAR and Denn's Organic Supermarket.

Finally, there's Eduard A Fruth, a chocolatier at the charming store Naschmarkt. Fruth's creations range from traditional French-style pastries to modern chocolate bars with innovative flavours like cognac and chilli. The shop is a popular spot for locals to enjoy Fruth's chocolates with a cup of coffee or a glass of bubbly.

Zotter Chocolates

Zotter's chocolate-making process is entirely in-house, from the cocoa bean to the finished product. The company is committed to sustainability and is Fair Trade verified, ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance with fair trade principles.

Zotter offers a wide range of chocolate varieties, with over 500 different flavours available. Their chocolates include hand-scooped chocolates with indulgent fillings, single-origin Labooko chocolates, decorative chocolates for baking, and unique creations like the Austrian art in milk chocolate with grey poppy cream, walnut praline, and cinnamon.

The company's innovative approach to chocolate-making and dedication to sustainability have earned them a reputation as one of the best chocolate producers in the world. Their chocolates are a celebration of Austrian craftsmanship and a testament to their love for flavour and the planet.

Mozartkugeln

While Fürst's descendants continue to make the original handmade Mozartkugeln, other confectioners have also developed their own versions, which are industrially produced.

Frequently asked questions