Did you know that the Austrian "Kipferl" eventually became the inspiration for the French Croissant? Let's explore the origin of the Kipferl, a traditional Austrian delicacy that lends its name to our beautiful restaurant and patisserie.

What is a Kipferl?

The term "Kipferl" translates to "crescent" in German, referring to its distinctive crescent shape. Austria offers various types of Kipferl, each with its own unique taste and texture. One popular variation is the yeasted wheat dough Kipferl, which is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, either plain or with butter and jam.

Another well-known type of Kipferl is the Vanillekipferl. These crescent-shaped biscuits are beloved treats during Christmas in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries.

Kipferl – the role model for the Croissant?

The history of the Kipferl dates back to at least the 13th century in Austria, where it was a staple in local bakeries and patisseries. These pastries were made from a yeasted wheat dough, resulting in a delightful combination of flakiness and softness. While many legends surround the migration of the Kipferl to France, one popular tale involves Marie Antoinette, the archduchess of Austria, who married Louis XVI of France. According to the story, Marie Antoinette missed the flavors of her homeland so much that she introduced the Kipferl to the French court.

In the early 20th century, French bakers made a significant transformation to Kipferl, replacing the brioche dough with a yeast-leavened laminated dough. The birth of this modern croissant marked a turning point in pastry history, captivating taste buds worldwide.

Kipferl in London

The story of Kipferl and its transformation into the croissant is a testament to the rich culinary history shared between Austria and France. In London, Kipferl Restaurant and Patisserie carries on this tradition. Our founder took inspiration from the unique pastry, and over the years, we have developed our restaurant and patisserie into the number one destination that embodies the essence of Austrian hospitality and baking tradition in London.

From our beautiful Austrian cakes to our selection of fine wines, we offer a delightful culinary experience that transports guests to the world of Austria, not only in our restaurant in London, but thanks to our online shop also throughout the whole United Kingdom.

And, of course, we'll always serve "Vanillekipferl" as a nod to the history behind our name.