Meeting up for afternoon tea was once part of good manners and social life. Originally invented in the UK to pass the time until dinner, the United Kingdom is still considered the stronghold of afternoon tea. But the custom is also appreciated in other parts of the world. Now, for the first time, there is a Michelin Afternoon Tea in Vienna, created by a star chef.
Inspired by the emperor
It can be described as a “great moment” when the first étagère from THEO’s TEA TIME is served on November 30, 2025. It will be the first afternoon tea in Vienna to be served by a Michelin-starred chef. Paul Gamauf, Head Chef of the hotel’s own Michelin-starred restaurant EDVARD, was inspired by the city’s imperial coffee house culture. On the one hand, he wants to preserve the classic tea tradition, but on the other, he also wants to introduce modern aspects into the afternoon snack. Together with Dieter Stamminger, Executive Chef of the hotel, the result is a well thought-out combination.
As usual, afternoon tea consists of both savory and sweet delicacies. But while finger sandwiches and scones usually adorn the etagère, in this case the ingredients are unusual. Think langos with pumpkin goulash, roast veal with dumplings and char tartare in an oyster shell, blinis with blueberry caviar and sour cream or gateau au chocolat with marzipan and pistachios. An exquisite tea selection accompanies afternoon tea in Vienna. There is also champagne or sparkling tea as an aperitif. The latter scores with notes of jasmine, chamomile and citrus, while white and green teas make the taste round and complex. Darjeeling First Flush provides fine tannins in the finish.
Exceptional afternoon tea
When selecting ingredients, Paul Gamauf naturally pays attention to regionality, seasonality and sustainability. They mainly come from Vienna and Lower Austria, from producers who focus on responsible farming. One example is the char, which comes from the Oberwasser fish farm in the Schwarza Valley. Even the chocolate at Gateau auch Chocolat is sustainably sourced.
The Michelin Afternoon Tea is not only impressive on a culinary level. The ambience is also great: served in THEO’ Lounge & Bar, guests dine under the high ceiling and surrounded by palm trees in front of the rather imposing bar. The small bites are served on a handmade cast iron étagère. It is reminiscent of the secessionist pergola, which also towers over the bar as a striking design element.
“For me, THEO’s Tea Time is much more than a classic afternoon tea – it’s an opportunity to bring the creativity and craftsmanship of my team to life outside the Michelin world. (…) This project is very close to my heart because it is a tribute to our culinary origins and sustainable enjoyment.”
Paul Gamauf, Head Chef EDVARD
Afternoon tea takes place daily from 2 to 5 p.m. in THEO’s Lounge & Bar and can be booked per person for € 55 with a glass of sparkling tea or € 75 with a glass of champagne. For € 115,- per person guests receive unlimited champagne.
