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Aida – Café, Confectionary, and Chocolate Store

Viennese coffee and pastry tradition since 1913

The traditional café Aida was founded in 1925 in Vienna. The great variety of cakes can be enjoyed in over 28 subsidiaries which are spread in the city. The most famous one is right next to the St. Stephan’s Cathedral in the city centre.

people sitting and walking at cafe in the historic stephansplatz
Stephansplatz © enzodeber / 123RF.com

The history of the pastry shop

Josef Prousek, the founder of Aida, was born in North Bohemia in 1883 and decided to pursue a career as confectioner. After fnishing his education he went travelling and ended up in Vienna. There, he married and the couple soon bought the confectionary Bonsaing in the 9th district Alsersgrund. From 1925 onwards the store was run under the name “Chocolaterie u. Gross-Konditorei AIDA Prousek & Co”.

The name stems from the opera “Aida” because Prousek was a huge fan of the opera and first could not decide between the two names “Tosca” and “Aida”. After a performance of Aida in 1924, which was the first open air performance in Vienna, Prousek decided to call the confectionary “Aida”.

Already before World War II, there were eleven successful subsidiaries of the pastry shop in Vienna and it still has its own magazine “Aida-Melange” today. The typical pink design of furniture and uniforms was first introduced during the 80s. Furthermore, the confectionary was awarded with several prizes for its outstanding products.

Aida – the assortment

The range includes traditional products such as Linzer Torte, ring cake, and the famous Viennese Sacher Cake, but also international delicacies. Among them are French macrons and US-American specialties like brownies. The visitors can also taste a variety of “strudels” and classic Viennese coffeehouse culture.