Foods around the world: Sacher-Torte in Vienna

Posted by Dana McMahan on February 28, 2008

What kind of cake comes with its own seal of authenticity?

The Original Sacher-Torte – proudly proclaimed as the most famous cake of the world by the Hotel Sacher in Vienna – is crowned with its own seal so you know you’re eating the real thing.

The story of the legendary filled cake began in 1832. Franz Sacher, a 16-year old apprentice at the court of Prince Metternich, was asked to create an especially delicious dessert for distinguished guests one night when the regular chef was sick. His creation: two layers of chocolate sponge spread thinly with apricot jam and covered with a thick, glazed, dark chocolate icing. The result? Fame and fortune.

The Hotel Sacher has waged battle for years for the right to call their cake the Original Sacher-Torte. They won the right and today tourists wage battle to get inside the elegant café (dripping in crystal and draped in red brocade) where they enjoy the famous cake.

After touring the Opera house across the street from the hotel, my husband and I joined the throngs and waited our turn to go in and try the cake for ourselves. I have to confess I didn’t see what all the fuss was about it. When it comes right down to it, it’s a slice of cake. Good cake, chocolate cake (which all cake should be), but just a cake topped with a seal. Still, to feel part of the tradition and to surround yourself with the splendor of the café, it’s worth a stop.

If your plans don’t happen to include Vienna anytime soon, you can make your own. Not with the Original recipe of course – that’s locked up in a safe in Vienna. But you could give this one a try from AboutVienna.org that promises it tastes “almost the same.”

TAGS: Chocolate Cake, Vienna
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