„Tea is the magic key to a world of calm“; Haas & Haas Teasalon
invitation
There are places in Vienna that are practically in the city center—yet you only discover them when you’re ready for them. The Haas & Haas Teesalon is exactly that kind of place. Just a few steps behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral, in the first district, is the well-known Haas & Haas shop. Many people know the shop or the teahouse. Many buy tea there, some might even order online. But what many don’t know is that if you walk through the shop, all the way to the back, a door opens to another world.
Of course, I did it in typical „Vani“ -style. Just straight through, without giving it much thought. And suddenly, I was there.
The Haas & Haas Teesalon is located in a beautiful vaulted room. Ancient walls, soft lighting, delicate pastel shades on the upholstered chairs, understated decorations, quiet background music. Everything feels serene, elegant, and incredibly cozy at the same time. It’s not a place that tries to impress with loud displays. It’s a place that lingers. And that’s exactly where I sat—with my husband. Or rather, with my own Duke. A little Bridgerton reference was inevitable, of course. Because, yes, in that moment it really did feel a bit like that.
Bridgerton, Afternoon Tea
— and what tea really means
Many young people immediately associate tea with the series Bridgerton. Those elegant afternoons, the fine cups, the little snacks, conversations full of hints and polite anticipation. But if we’re honest, tea is actually much more than just aesthetics. For me personally, tea primarily means childhood. Black tea with lots of sugar and lemon. When you were sick. When it was cold outside. When Mom said, „Drink some tea, and everything will be better.“ I think everyone has memories like that. Even today, many people automatically think of loving care and family, when they think of tea.
But tea is actually one of the oldest beverages in the world. It has been drunk, celebrated, and cultivated for millennia. And yes—in a way, it is a wonder drink. No calories. The sugar content is entirely up to you. Countless flavors. And an incredible variety.
And perhaps that’s precisely why tea is so timeless: It adapts to every stage of life. Childhood, adolescence, adulthood—tea remains. Sometimes as comfort, sometimes as pleasure, sometimes as a ritual. You only truly notice this emotional connection when you consciously take time for it, like with afternoon tea.
the Haas & Haas company
– a family business with passion
What I personally find particularly wonderful is that Haas & Haas is a family business completely dedicated to tea.
Not half-heartedly. Not as an afterthought. But truly one hundred percent. Every single tea is tasted—not just once, but multiple times. Because a truly good tea is characterized by its complexity. Flavor develops, changes, has depth. And the same tea field test different every year. That was honestly new to me. When we think of tea, many people only think of categories: black, green, herbal, fruit. All somehow similar. All somehow the same.
But that’s not the case at all.
There are teas that taste like fruity Prosecco. Others are reminiscent of honey. Some have floral notes. Others are almost creamy. I found it incredibly fascinating when the owner told us just how vast this world actually is. At the Haas & Haas Teesalon, there are over 300 different varieties at the shop and 90 at the teasalon to choose from. Three hundred. There really is something for everyone.
The Afternoon Tea
– more than just small bites
Let’s move on to the actual tea ceremony: Afternoon Tea.
Traditionally, Afternoon Tea is served surprisingly, in the afternoon. It includes a variety of small dishes—sweet, savory, or a combination of both. I deliberately say „small dishes.“ Not so that anyone is disappointed, but so that no one thinks they’re getting a three-course meal. But don’t worry: it’s perfectly sufficient as a wonderful afternoon snack. At the Haas & Haas Teesalon various versions of Afternoon Tea is offered. From the traditional English Afternoon Tea to special interpretations like an East Frisian or Moroccan Afternoon Tea.
Everything is thematically coordinated—the drinks, the food, the presentation. You truly feel like you’ve stepped into another country for a moment.
And that’s precisely what makes it so appealing: it’s not just about the food, but about the experience behind it. People consciously take their time, sit together longer, and talk more. Afternoon tea slows things down in a pleasant way, without feeling stiff. For me, it has something incredibly relaxing about it—almost like a little break from everyday life, only with nicer dishes and better snacks. You suddenly realize how good it feels to simply treat yourself to something special in the afternoon.
Our choices:
The traditional and special Afternoon Tea
My husband opted for the traditional afternoon tea. A large pot of tea is, of course, a must. My husband chose Assam black tea—strong, aromatic, perfect for the afternoon. A variety of tea sandwiches were served alongside: roast beef, smoked salmon, savory egg, and tuna. All were exquisitely balanced in flavor, with subtle nuances that you only truly appreciate on the second bite.
Then came the classic English scone—warm, soft, and slightly crumbly. Served with whipped butter and jam. I love scones. I really do. And this one was truly delicious. For a sweet finish, we had Haas & Haas tea cake and four petit fours.
We also had the opportunity to try the Afternoon Tea à la Romanov. If my best friend reads this, he’ll probably chuckle. Romanov is a bit of an inside joke in our house. This version consists of: A pot of tea (St. Petersburg blend recommended), mini blinis with smoked salmon, dill, crème fraîche, and spring onions, a Haas & Haas roll with egg spread and cress, sweet mini blinis, and petit fours. Again, everything was perfectly ordert and displayed.
What exactly are petit fours?
Petit fours are small French pastries. The name translates to „little ovens“ because they were originally baked in the residual heat of ovens. Today, they are miniature works of art: glazes, cream fillings, delicate pastries, sometimes chocolate, sometimes fruit.
Perfect with tea. Perfect for sharing. Perfect for savoring.
Here’s the detailed explanation: The term originates from the French pastry tradition of the 18th century. Back then, large ovens weren’t switched off immediately after baking bread. Instead, the slowly cooling residual heat—known as petits fours—was used to bake small, delicate pastries that didn’t require high temperatures. This gave rise to these elegant mini-desserts, which are still considered a symbol of fine confectionery. They are traditionally served with afternoon tea because their size is ideal: one can sample several varieties without feeling overly full, and they complement the tea perfectly without overpowering it. It is precisely this balance that makes them so popular.
Properly prepared tea
– one detail that changes everything
What I found particularly interesting: At the Haas & Haas Teesalon, tea is served exactly as it should be prepared according to the recipe. Many people are only familiar with tea bags or simple infusers. But here, you get tea in its original form. Brewing times, quantities, temperature—everything is perfectly calibrated.
If you don’t want a strong tea or a special strong tea, you can simply say so. The team will adjust everything to your individual needs. And: Of course, you can also choose other teas with any afternoon tea. The listed varieties are recommendations for the perfect overall experience, but you can choose from over 300 different types. I think this freedom is fantastic.
What struck me most was this: as soon as tea is prepared correctly, the taste changes completely. It becomes clearer, more delicate, sometimes even surprisingly intense, without being bitter. You suddenly realize that tea can be just as complex as wine or coffee—it’s just that we often never experience it that way in everyday life. This very moment showed me how much potential lies in a seemingly simple cup of tea when knowledge, quality, and care come together.
Bridgerton in Vienna
– but for all of us
What I took away from this visit:
Afternoon tea isn’t just for shows like Bridgerton. It’s for us too. For Viennese people. For couples. For girlfriends. For special afternoons. We’re currently living in a time where matcha is a huge trend. Matcha lattes everywhere, matcha desserts, matcha everything.
But tea has actually been with us our whole lives. Perhaps we should give it more attention again.
What I find particularly lovely is that you don’t have to travel to London or wait for a fancy invitation. This feeling of elegance, slowing down, and mindful enjoyment can also be experienced right in the heart of Vienna, at the perfect teasalon. Afternoon tea becomes a small ritual that fosters connection—conversations deepen, time feels slower, and you suddenly realize how good it feels to simply not have to do anything. That’s precisely what makes such experiences so precious.
my summary
Instead of a bar in the afternoon – how about tea?
We often go to cafés or bars in the afternoon. But how about a little tea ceremony at a teasalon instead?
With conversation. With peace and quiet. With enjoyment. Whether with a friend or partner—the experience at the Haas & Haas Tea Salon is definitely worth it. And perhaps you’ll sit there, gaze at your teacup, and think to yourself: Vienna can actually have a bit of a Bridgerton vibe, too. And sometimes you don’t even need a duke from a TV series. Sometimes your own is enough.
What truly made this afternoon special for me was the combination of everything: the tranquil, elegant atmosphere, the attention to detail in every single dish, the knowledge and passion for tea, and the feeling of completely escaping everyday life for a few hours. It’s not a typical restaurant experience, but rather a mini-journey—cultural, culinary, and emotional. You don’t just take away impressions, but also a renewed appreciation for something that has actually been with us our whole lives: tea. And that’s precisely why this visit will stay with me for so long.
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