British or American visitors to Vienna who feel a little homesick can take refuge at Bobby’s Foodstore, just a couple of minutes walk from Karlsplatz in the center of town.
Inside Bobby’s you’ll find plenty of food and drink from the English-speaking world, with a focus on Britain. Chief among these are a wide range of snacks, biscuits (cookies), sweets (candy), chocolate and crisps (potato chips), as well as a selection of beers and other alcoholic delights.
So if you’re dying for a packet of salt and vinegar flavored crisps, here’s one place to go. I will unashamedly admit to a continuing addiction to Branston pickle that has lasted over 20 years in Austria thanks to Bobby’s excellent stock.
The store also stocks basic foodstuffs with a British or American flavor, such as sausages, pickled onions, sliced bread and even flour. And at Xmas time, they have crackers, puddings and other traditional items.
Inevitably, prices reflect the scarcity of the products, but I’m guessing you won’t find 99% of the items anywhere else in the city.
If you’re actually living in Vienna, check out the noticeboard near the entrance – you’ll find contacts for various English-speaking groups and activities, if you’re pining for the company of your fellow countrymen and -women, or just looking for an English-language playgroup for the kids.
Address: Schleifmühlgasse 8, 1040 Vienna
Website: http://www.bobbys.at/ (check the current opening hours – they normally open after most Austrian stores)