Lorelei’s Pan Opens Its Doors To Serve Pinoy Food Goodness

November 30, 2024 – Today we went to the opening of Lorelei’s Pan physical store, a Filipino bakery cafe with brunch that has won the hearts of many since it first opened in 2022. Originally starting as an online bakery, it quickly became a community favorite, known for its authentic Filipino flavors. Now, they’ve expanded their menu to cater not only to traditional Filipino tastes but also to the fusion of Austrian and Filipino treats, offering a unique dining experience.

At the core of Lorelei’s Pan is its bakery, offering a delightful array of traditional Filipino pastries and bread. Favorites include pandesal, the soft and slightly sweet bread rolls that are a staple in every Filipino household, and ensaymada, a rich brioche topped with butter, sugar, and grated cheese. The bakery also experiments with fusion creations, combining Filipino ingredients with European techniques to create innovative treats that appeal to a broader audience, their ensaymadas also come in many non-traditional varieties like oreo, biscoff, and ube.

Thanks to owner and patissier Camille Lorelei, we can satisfy our cravings and try new flavors of this favorite treat. Camille earned her Konditormeister (master confectioner) title in 2021 and immediately honed her skills and love for the art of baking.

A New Hub

Walking into Lorelei’s Pan felt like a nostalgic journey back in time. The atmosphere was filled with reminders of home—not just through the food, but also through the familiar decor. We spotted the iconic giant kubyertos (fork and spoon), which are often found hanging in Filipino homes as a symbol of abundance, good meals, and health. Their presence made the experience feel even more personal, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings.

<- When we saw this sign, it really made us laugh! ^_^ In the Philippines, the “Bawal Umihi Dito” signage (which translates to “No Urinating Here”) is a common sight in public spaces, especially in urban areas or places with minimal restroom facilities. The way Filipinos perceive this signage can vary, but generally, it elicits a mix of humor, frustration, and resignation, often depending on the context in which it appears. This sign also carries a mix of recall and emotions, and a sense of civic responsibility. While it’s a practical warning, it also indirectly highlights the ongoing challenges related to public facilities and infrastructure in the Philippines. For many Filipinos, it’s both a familiar sight and a symbol of the larger societal issues that need attention.

The sari-sari store corner, with its nostalgic prices marked at 3 pesos, reminded us how affordable things were in the past. It also brought back memories of the Filipino “tingi” (small-quantity) culture, where we buy things in smaller, more convenient portions. This part of the restaurant really connected us with our roots and added a charming, traditional touch to the modern menu.

The display perfectly captured the playful and welcoming spirit of the place. The witty design and lighthearted message immediately set the tone for a fun and enjoyable visit.

Nostalgic Menu

As for the food, the menu features Filipino breakfast staples like tocilog, longsilog, and creative fusions such as panburger longganisa served with garlic rice and achara (pickled papaya). And of course, no Filipino restaurant would be complete without lumpiang shanghai (crispy spring rolls), which you can enjoy as a snack. There are also other delicious bites like ukoy balls (crispy shrimp fritters) and Jolly Wings (yummy chicken wings), along with sweet treats such as turon (banana spring rolls), pandesal, ensaymadas, and cakes like mango and red velvet.

For coffee enthusiasts, Lorelei’s Pan offers a range of delightful beverages including Dalgona coffee, ube latte, and macchiatos as the first three drinks on their menu. We’re sure they’ll continue to expand their coffee selection as time goes on. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, they also offer iced drinks like ginger-mint, mango-maracuja, and other seasonal concoctions that are perfect for the warmer months.

More Fusion Fares

To honor the Austrian influence, they also serve the traditional Austrian dessert, Kaiserschmarrn, paired with plum sauce, just like how it’s traditionally prepared in Austria. But for a truly unique experience, we highly recommend trying their ube Kaiserschmarrn, an Austrian classic with a Filipino twist, combining the best of both worlds in every bite!

Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit, we suggest arriving early so you can get your hands on some of their freshly baked goods and take home some of the delicious treats. It’s best to come before the shelves get emptied, especially since the place is so popular.

Congratulations to the team at Lorelei’s Pan for a resounding success during the opening and for creating such a wonderful dining experience that celebrates both Filipino and Austrian flavors in a truly unique way.  As owner Camille said “It’s worth the day’s work seeing satisfied customers during the opening day.”

We can’t wait to come back and try more of your creative dishes!

Lorelei’s Pan
Where : Sebastian-Kelch-Gasse 4-6/1
Opening hours : 10am to 6pm

How to get there :

1. Subway:
   • U-Bahn : Take the U3 line to the last stop, Hütteldorfer Straße station. From there, it’s an 8-minute walk to the shop.
   • S-Bahn : Take S45 to the direction of Hütteldorf and get off at Breitensee, walk 5 minutes to Sebastian-Kelch-Gasse 4-6/1.
2. Trams:
   • You can also take tram lines 49 or 52, both of which stop near Hütteldorfer Straße.
3. Buses:
   • Bus routes like the 10A or 51A serve the area, depending on your starting location.

--------------------------Book your Vienna stay here!--------------------------