My one and only visit to OBEN was quite a while ago. The concept at the time was a different one and I really enjoyed my visit. I never made it back, though, until I heard that OBEN had changed its concept and was now serving Thai food inspired by the street food of Bangkok’s Chinatown. That sounded exactly up my alley, and I was happy to return to OBEN.
going up @OBEN
The way up was worse than I remembered. I was already out of breath halfway up the stairs. The stairs, by the way, were full of rubbish, mostly takeaway cartons, as if a party had taken place there the night before. This felt a bit odd, considering that the evenings are no longer warm enough to eat outside. But anyway, I am sure there is also an elevator somewhere for barrier-free access.
At opening time, 10 am, the restaurant was fairly empty, but most tables were already reserved. So you would do well to call ahead or make a reservation on their website. We got our table and had a look at the menu. In the end, my friend went for the rice paper omelette with extra ham, while I ordered the savoury rice porridge.
inside @OBEN
Our coffee and lemonade arrived quickly, and the dishes were not far behind. The rice paper omelette came filled with egg, mushrooms, pointed cabbage, pickles, coriander and basil. A soya dip was served on the side, while the extra ham was not immediately visible. It did look really tasty, though.
rice paper omelette @OBEN
My friend liked it, although he found it quite spicy for a breakfast dish. The ham eventually turned up as little diced cubes sprinkled throughout the omelette. It was a bit stingy, especially considering that you had to pay extra for it. Overall, though, it was a good omelette.
The savoury porridge, on the other hand, arrived exactly as ordered and was fabulous. I loved the flavour of the generous portion, and combined with the nicely roasted oyster mushrooms, fried garlic slices and herbs, it was absolutely delicious. The onsen egg was just the cherry on top. The savoury porridge would also be delicious in a vegan version.
savory porridge @OBEN
The service was friendly and the staff made an effort. Overall, I really like this place. The new food direction is very interesting and, more importantly, well executed. I really should get back to OBEN for dinner in the near future. A great view and delicious food, what more could you want? Yours, Pollybert
OBEN
1070 Vienna, Urban Loritzplatz 2a
Tel: +43 670 601 2789
Email: reserviert@oben.at
Tue-Sat: 10:00 AM-11:00 PM
https://oben.at/?lang=en
