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.
- Stocks Anglo-American basics, as well as imported sweets, chocolate, biscuits and drinks
- Great at Christmas and Easter for seasonal fare
- See also:
US and British groceries
(A window into the exotic delights of Anglo-American cuisine)
Inside Bobby’s, you’ll find plenty of food and drink from (mostly) the UK and USA.
Chief among these products are a wide range of snacks, biscuits (cookies), sweets (candy), chocolate and crisps (potato chips), as well as a collection of beers, sodas and other liquid delights.
This selection has saved my soul on those rare occasions when my palate rejects Sachertorte and yearns for the sugared or salted objects of my past.
In other words, if you’re dying for a packet of prawn cocktail flavored crisps, here’s the place to go.
Intriguingly, salt and vinegar crisps, once the sole domain of Bobby’s, now appear semi-regularly in Austrian supermarkets. I attribute this development to my pioneering promotional efforts on the flavour’s behalf.
The store also stocks basic foodstuffs with a British or American flavo(u)r, such as cereals, teas, jams, and peanut butter. I will unashamedly admit to a continuing addiction to Branston pickle that has lasted almost 30 years in Austria thanks to Bobby’s excellent service.
(Almost time for another pilgrimage)
At Christmas and Easter, seasonal goods make an appearance, such as Christmas crackers or Easter eggs. And those addictive Cadbury mini eggs. And even Twiglets (you may know them by their alternative name: the Snack of the Gods).
Inevitably, prices reflect the scarcity of the products, but I’m guessing you won’t find many of the items elsewhere in the city.
A tip for locals
If you actually live in Vienna, do check out the noticeboard near the entrance.
The pinned notices may help you find various English-speaking groups and activities, whether you’re pining for the company of your fellow countryfolk or just looking for an English-language playgroup for the kids.
P.S. Let me also put in a word for the coffee and bagel store next door to Bobby’s: especially good for vegan and vegetarian bagels and flat breads.
How to get to Bobby’s
I usually walk up from Karlsplatz station, which is on the U1, U2, and U4 subway lines.
Alternatively, take the 1 or 62 tram to Paulanergasse or the 59A bus to Schleifmühlgasse. The 1 tram, for example, leaves from various stops on the west side of the Ring boulevard.
Address: Schleifmühlgasse 8, 1040 Vienna | Website