Discover Austrian artistry with Chef Max Stiegl, recognised as the world’s youngest Michelin-starred chef at the time of his accolade, renowned for his exquisite offal delicacies that elevate traditional flavours to new heights.
Centred around a Year of Cultural Celebrations, Austria shines in 2025 as a global hub of cultural and culinary excellence. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage, experiencing world-renowned music, art, and gastronomy. From the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss to iconic events like the Salzburg Festival and Sound of Music’s 60th Anniversary, 2025 promises a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence with the MICHELIN Guide Austria 2025
The launch of the MICHELIN Guide Austria 2025 marks a milestone for Austria’s culinary scene, reaffirming its global status as a top destination for gastronomy. The guide showcases Austria’s finest restaurants, from traditional Beisl specialties to contemporary cuisine. Partnering with Austrian Tourism and regional tourism associations, the guide promotes Austria’s rich culinary heritage and supports sustainable tourism. Available online, the MICHELIN Guide offers travellers a gateway to the country’s best dining experiences.
200 Years of the Waltz King: Johann Strauss and the UNESCO Intangible Heritage of the Viennese Waltz
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Johann Strauss, the “Waltz King,” whose music continues to define Vienna’s cultural identity. The Strauss Festival will bring the city to life with performances in iconic venues such as the Musikverein and the State Opera, ensuring that Austria’s musical legacy is celebrated in grand style. In November 2017, UNESCO recognised the Viennese waltz (both music and dance) as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Strauss’s “The Blue Danube,” composed in 1866, is widely celebrated as the unofficial anthem of Austria. This enchanting waltz has become synonymous with Austrian culture, frequently gracing prestigious cultural events, including the New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic.
Sound of Music Diamond Jubilee
Next year also marks the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music, the most successful movie musical of all time. Fans can explore iconic filming locations in and around Salzburg, where special tours and events will celebrate this cinematic milestone. There is a special event planned that will feature new arrangements of the film’s beloved songs, performed by stars such as Babyface, Pentatonix, and Thalía. The jubilee celebrations will include a gala dinner attended by members of the Von Trapp family, and The Leopoldskron Palace, famously depicted as the Von Trapp home, will host a “Captain’s Ball,” adding a touch of elegance to the festivities. Salzburg and its surroundings, with their cinematic grandeur and alpine beauty, will provide the perfect backdrop for these commemorative events.
Coffeehouse Culture in Austria: A UNESCO Intangible Heritage
No visit to Austria is complete without experiencing the country’s legendary coffeehouse culture. Austria’s coffeehouse culture is a cherished tradition recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2011. This cultural hallmark reflects the unique social and historical significance of Viennese coffeehouses, which have served as gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and the general public for over three centuries. With its origin dating back to 300 years ago, the Austrian Kaffeehaus remains an institution—a place where life unfolds at a leisurely pace. Stepping into one of these historic cafés is like entering a different era, where plush seating, marble tables, and the scrape of wooden chairs create an atmosphere of comfort and sophistication.
Austrian Culinary Takeover in Andaz Singapore: Celebrating Culture Through Cuisine
From 26 October to 2 November 2024, Andaz Singapore, in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy Singapore and Austria Tourism, will host Austrian Gourmet Week 2024. Food and culture lovers can explore an exceptional showcase of Austrian gastronomy, curated by Michelin-starred Chef Max Stiegl, head chef and owner of Gut Purbach in Burgenland, and Gault & Millau Austria’s Chef of the Year 2021.
Guests will have the opportunity to savour exclusive set and à la carte menus featuring iconic Austrian dishes and desserts, crafted by a talented team that includes the hotel’s Executive Chef Martin Satow, Chef de Cuisine Tommy Wong of Alley on 25, Chef de Cuisine Peter Gomez of 665°F, and hotel’s Pastry Chef Cheri Ong. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can attend two special Austrian wine events at 665°F jointly curated by the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage, Moritz Kam, with celebrated sommeliers: the first on 28 October, featuring sommelier Celine Kerouanton, who will delve into Austria’s indigenous grape varieties, and the second on 1 November at 5 ON 25, led by Seana Adachi, who will share insights into the country’s premier boutique wines.
H.E. Peter Guschelbauer, Austrian Ambassador to Singapore said: “Austrian Gourmet Week is a wonderful opportunity for food enthusiasts in Singapore to explore Austria’s rich culinary heritage. We invite everyone to savour the exceptional style of Chef Max Stiegl’s cuisine that strives to turn every part of the animal into a delicacy. We are proud that this ReFocus Austria project combines sustainability and a celebration of the vibrant cultural life that Austria proudly showcases.”
Stephan Karl, General Manager of Andaz Singapore said: “Andaz Singapore is delighted to host Austrian Gourmet Week for the third consecutive year. We are honoured to welcome back Chef Max Stiegl and continue this culinary partnership, which further enriches Singapore’s dynamic gourmet scene with exceptional Austrian cuisine. This year’s event promises to excite discerning palates, and highlights the versatile flavours of Austria across our diverse dining venues, including all-day dining restaurant, Alley on 25; meat-centric restaurant, 665°F; and modern upscale Cantonese restaurant, 5 ON 25.”
Emanuel Lehner-Telic, Head of Asia Pacific, Austria Tourism said: “We are delighted to bring back Austrian Gourmet Week, now expanded across Andaz Singapore’s dining venues, as we celebrate culture through cuisine. Chef Max Stiegl’s contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Austrian cooking promises to ignite curiosity about Austria’s rich food culture. Looking ahead to 2025, Austrian Tourism has partnered with the MICHELIN GUIDE to highlight culinary excellence across the country. With a year of exceptional cultural celebrations on the horizon, next year offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Austria’s artistic and gastronomic treasures.”
Qatar Airways is the official flight partner for Austrian Gourmet Week 2024. Offering daily flights from Singapore to Vienna, travellers can reach the capital city of Austria that is rich with cultural treasures at every turn.
Taking place at 665°F, Alley on 25 and 5 ON 25 more information and menus for Austrian Gourmet Week 2024 is available here.
