As a frequent traveller to European and a lover of European cuisine, I was out and about looking for the Austrian restaurants I had seen in photos my friends had posted on social media. It did not take too long before I found myself at Kaiserhaus, a refined Austrian restaurant that is styled exactly like those back in Austria and Czech Republic. Chef Hans Lüftenegger, former executive chef for the Brotzeit Chain, heads the kitchen at Kaiserhaus and prepares the main courses filled with the rich heritage of the Habsburg Empire.
It is not all about meat-overloaded meals and beers that are typical of Austrian cuisine, Kaiserhaus is also known for their afternoon tea. Now you have a reason to sleep in (especially during the weekends) through lunch. Kaiserhaus has the ideal afternoon tea set for you to hang out with friends and family whilst escaping from the maddening hectic schedule during the week.
You can indulge in a session of afternoon tea for two at Kaiserhaus for S$28++ with a delectable selection of Viennese traditional pastries. Each set consists of two slices of Zaunerstollen (oh, this feels like Christmas again), a slice of a home-made cake of your choice, Kipferl (a crescent-shaped puff pastry that resembles a croissant), a Nusschnecke (rolled puff pastry filled with crushed nuts, sweet crumbs and glazed with fondant chocolate), and four organic rye bread sandwiches from a small selection. The afternoon tea is also served with your choice of Julius Meinl coffee or gourmet tea.
Kaiserhaus’ afternoon tea is truly a value for money if you are looking to have tea in a classy environment without having to spend too much. Photo courtesy of Kaiserhaus.
Choose from a selection of organic rye bread sandwiches.
Kaiserhaus’ Executive Pastry Chef Patrick Schiling prepares a selection of up to 30 decadent pastries every day, and to the delight of diners, they will be able to bring home a slice of the traditional pastries as well. The cakes differ almost every day, with some of them for sale only when the freshest of ingredients are available. For those with a sweet tooth or for celebrations, you can order a whole cake available on the menu or request for other elaborate customised creations.
Photo courtesy of Kaiserhaus.
The chefs’ highlights do not just include the traditional Sachertorte, but also the Kaisertorte (or simply the Emperor’s cake). With its dense but decadent and rich chocolate layers that leave you with a bitter-sweet taste, the Kaisertorte is perfectly suited to be the king of all the cakes.
A personal favorite of mine would be the Viennese Apple Strudel. Unlike other strudels found in Singapore, the strudel at Kaiserhaus is made with unleavened dough instead of puff pastry, creating the perfect golden and crispy exterior. The flavours and natural sweetness of apples, raisins and cinnamon burst through the strudel and are well-accompanied by a dallop of whipped cream and warm vanilla sauce that you simply cannot resist.
The Viennese Apple Strudel.
Every single pastry and cake offers a plethora of flavours and interesting textures, each celebrating the dining concept of the illustrious Habsburg Empire.
Most guests would be attracted to the raspberry truffle cake, being one of the most flamboyant creation amongst the selection of delicacies. Photo courtesy of Kaiserhaus.
Kaiserhaus imports everything from Europe, from its elaborate furniture to the ingredients and alcohol, and even their gourmet teas and the exclusive Julius Meinl coffee. I am a huge fan of coffee, and Kaiserhaus’ coffee had me calling for more refills. Coffee-addicts, I can guarantee this is the place to be if you are looking for the finest coffee with a roasted bitter-sweet aroma.
Every diner at Kaiserhaus would be able to enjoy a bite or drink as one would in a café located in Vienna, Prague or Budapest. The chandeliers, dark wood tables and leather armchairs are a reflection of the majestic splendor of the era. Monochromatic marble tiles elegantly pave the walls, and several collectibles sourced from Europe are displayed around the restaurant. The grand winding staircase, is my favourite – open and regal, and walking down the staircase made us feel like royalty already – only a crown is missing!
Dining at Kaiserhaus brings one back to Europe.
So catch up with friends and family over a cup of fine Julius Meinl coffee and pamper yourself with this delicious spread of sweet and savoury delights anytime of the week. I know I will definitely be back to explore their savoury items (like the Tafelspitz favoured by the late Emperor of Austria Franz Josef I) and all the other sweets I had missed.
Kaiserhaus
17 Stamford Road
Capitol Singapore, #02-06 / #03-06
Singapore 178907
Tel: +65 6377 0013
