Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. The way it is brewed varies greatly from region to region. And often the area is name giving, such as Greek Coffee, Americano or the Wiener Mélange.
But what exactly is the Wiener Melange often referred to as the Viennese Melange in English all about? Here are a few interesting facts about the coffee specialty from the Austrian capital city.
The Mélange is a mixed coffee drink. For those who speak French, this is probably not surprising, as Mélange means something like mixed. For the Viennese coffee, an eight-part espresso is mixed with an eight-part milk in a slightly pre-warmed cup. This sounds very similar to the cappuccino known from Italy, but there are a few subtle differences. First, the coffee in the Mélange is much milder. Cappuccino is normally made with a strong espresso. Second, the milk of the Mélange is whipped more airily and softer. The combination of the milder coffee with the airier milk has a gentle overall effect on the taste.
The history of Mélange is closely linked to the history of the well known coffee houses in Vienna and these coffee houses have been deeply rooted in the city’s culture for over 200 years. From the very beginning, coffee houses have been places of interaction and literature, places for talking and reading. It’s about enjoying the time just as actively as enjoying the coffee.
There is a legend about a spy named Kolschitzky, who worked as a scout during the Turkish siege in the late 1680s as he was able to speak turkish. And one day he returned to the city from the besiegement and was able to announce the liberation of Vienna! After this actually came true, he was appointed imperial interpreter and received 500 bags of coffee, which the Ottomans had left behind. This is how it is said that the spy Kolschitzky offered coffee in his restaurant. The latest research, however, assumes that the first Viennese coffee house was opened by the Armenian merchant Johannes Theodat and that it was only one year afterwards that the spy offered coffee in his restaurant.
Nevertheless, the history of coffee in Vienna is linked to the Turkish siege and it was at this time that coffee found its way into the city and the culture of the Austrians.
The coffee houses are still an important part of the city today. They come in different designs and variations. Old and simple, as well as new and modern.
One of the oldest cafés in the city, known for being a meeting place for various groups of important authors in different centuries, is the Cafe Central. It is located in the first district and has a magnificent interior in neo-renaissance style. A visit is worthwhile in any case, a reservation is recommended so you don’t have to wait in line. In addition to the classic coffee houses that primarily serve mélange and sweet treats, there is also the phenomenon in Vienna that some cafés turn into bars in the evening, so you can switch from afternoon coffee to a relaxing beer in the same place. One of the best known for this is the Kaffe Alt-Wien. But one thing should be said beforehand: these types of cafés have a totally different flair and are not known for their ostentatiousness.
The Wiener Mélange is an Austrian specialty, and is in fact not really common in other European countries. However, caution is advised, as some Mélange is also served in cafes in Switzerland and the Netherlands. In neighboring Switzerland, however, you will get coffee with cream, which is much heavier in taste than the mild austrian coffee version. In the Netherlands, you will get coffee with whipped egg whites, which is totally different from the Viennese Mélange.
