Why is this Thai restaurant in Vienna called "Pumpui"? It means "chubby" -- that's not what you will become after eating Khao Soy, Pad Krapao, or Curry. "Pumpui" is what your Thai friends will call you (no matter how skinny you are) after gaining one kilogram.
A common greeting in Thailand is "Have you eaten yet?" or the remark "You're fat!" while at the same time encouraging the counterpart to eat - more.
You might've figured out, food is a major part of this culture. So it is a must for any restaurant that claims to be authentic, to transfer this message. An original Thai experience should be a mirror of what a visitor would get in the kingdom of smiles.
I've lived in Thailand for a year and travel back and forth ever since. One thing I could not get anywhere outside of the Southeast Asian country was the locally brewed beer Leo, which back in the days happened to be my favorite. Yet they seem to have changed their export strategy. I did spot it last Summer at the only Thai shop in Vienna, and also here in Pumpui's fridge. Of course, we had to have it.
Oh yes, about the place: Expect to eat tasty authentic meals. The interior is suggestive of street food feel, hence the container-like kitchen front and the ceramic dishes that counterfeit paper plates. And as a (frequent) visitor of Thailand, you surely will recognize, the plastic baskets for sauces and tissues on each table.
Find your way with 159 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The building at Leopoldsgasse 39 in Vienna just might be the ugliest building in town. It's just painted in all colors. But such building are must-sees...
by
"Karma Ramen" in Vienna is a new Japanese ramen restaurant. It was a first for me: I actually came here to eat here three times in a single week...
by
"Blumenkraft" in Vienna is by far one of the fanciest and most aesthetic flower shops you'll find around town. Since I'm a big flower person, it's the best
by
"Cafe Nest" in Vienna actually reminds me of a bird's nest: it's small, self-made and super-cozy. Music quizzes, pizza, exhibitions... Super cheap, too.
by
"Urban-Loritz-Platz" houses one of Vienna's most authentic works of architecture. I like the 102 exterior stairs reminiscent of Casa Malaparte & the views!
by
The "Central Cemetery" in Vienna, or Zentralfriedhof, is so huge & extravagannt that it has its own internal bus route. Many famous people are buried here.
by
"Anna Jeller Buchhandlung" is one of the few authentic bookstores still left in Vienna. The amount of condensed knowledge here never ceases to amaze me...
by
The "Karlsplatz Pond" in Vienna fits perfectly with the urban jungle. This square is always busy, vibrant and full of life!
by
159 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 159 Insider Tips