Let me start by taking you on a journey down memory lane to 1955 Munich where the very first Wienerwald was founded by a gentleman named Friedrich Jahn. His venture was wildly successful, quickly becoming the largest chain in Europe by 1978. The surging growth then propelled the brand worldwide with it spreading across 1600 locations.
Interestingly, Wienerwald is actually a chicken restaurant, and not a weiner restaurant like the name might suggest. This little slice of history tickled me - their booming success combined with the confusion over the name resulted in thousands of restaurants shutting their doors due to bankruptcy. Today, 8 Wienerwald locations remain worldwide. Can you imagine? The place is practically an industry legend!
Spreading Wienerwald Love Worldwide
Currently, Wienerwald is present in Germany with five locations and in Egypt with three. Their menus are quite similar across the board but they do have a little something for everyone's taste - which I personally think is quite considerate.
The Wienerwald Difference
What sets Wienerwald apart, you ask? For starters, they specialize in Hendl and schnitzel - got my taste buds tingling with just the thought! What's more, it's the cozy ambience and family-friendly vibe that lends it an edge against your usual fast food joints. I mean let's face it, who doesn't love a nice meal in a welcoming environment?
What is Hendl?
Ah, Hendl. Their signature dish, an Austrian-style roast chicken. It’s that one slam dunk of a dish you order without a second thought because everything on the Wienerwald menu is designed to complement it.
Now let me paint a picture for you - the Wienerwald team takes great care of their birds, roasting each for an hour and a half to guarantee that tender, juicy bite. You know the one where the meat just slides off the bone? Now image every part of the hendl packing its own unique punch of flavor - not a single bite being bland or lacking. Trust me, if you're ever in Germany, you must try their Hendl.
Spending at Wienerwald
On average, you should prepare to part with around €25 at Wienerwald, but of course this can vary based on your order. Three main dishes plus drinks for two people for instance, that would bring your total to around €35. Should you decide to indulge in a dessert, as you should, you may need to round up about €6.
The Specials at Wienerwald
One thing I adore about this place is that they keep things exciting with different specials every day - talk about keeping diners on their toes! Currently, they're extending a yummy 20% off any a la carte item - think sides and drinks.
Vegetarian? No Problem!
For my vegetarian friends, fear not! You can still enjoy the veggie hot dogs, and sausages, not to mention the veggie-schnitzel. Salads are also on the menu and can be customized with a delicious variety of toppings.
Gourmet vs Fast-food
I'd say Wienerwald is a nice blend of both. You've got the staples like Chicken Kebab, Spareribs, Roast Chicken Salad, and Chicken and Rice Pilaf in Germany, and then there’s the fast-food style options in the Egyptian locations.
If you're new to German cuisine, I’d recommend giving these popular dishes a try to win you over:
- Whole Chicken Meal
- Coleslaw Salad
- Kartoffel Salad
- Yellow Rice Platter
- Triple Chicken Filet Sandwich
And the Sides...
Don't get me started on their traditional sides! Their white rice, mixed vegetable platter, schnitzel, boiled corn, and mashed potatoes are worth raving about. If you're feeling adventurous, do try their baked potato platter.
A sweet ending
And of course, there's always room for dessert! Their apple pie, Mozaic Cake, Chocolate Muffin, and Vanilla Muffin are an absolute treat. I almost skipped tasting the apple pie – but trust me, you don't want to make that mistake.
Quenching Your Thirst
The drinks, mostly Pepsi products and water, are standard. Famished from a day full of traveling, I was thrilled to find beer on the ingredients as well! It paired perfectly with my Wienerwald meal.
German vs Austrian: Two Sides of The Same Coin?
Although Austria and Germany share a language, their cuisines are distinct and each region in Austria has its own specialties. For example, where southern Austria is famed for its hearty dishes like goulash, you'll find strudel, schnitzel, and dumplings popular in Vienna and Upper Austria respectively. So, to answer your question, not quite the same!
Pros:
- Known for Hendl and schnitzel
- Menu for every taste
- Healthy options available
- German cuisine at non-German locations
- Value for money
Cons:
- Few locations worldwide
- Unclear restaurant theme
- Different menus at different locations