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Laolao - grandma's homemade dumplingsA-Worth Trying
Herrengasse 6/8, 1010 Wien, Austria
· Takeout Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (779 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Tiny Shaanxi-focused spot for handmade dumplings and biang biang noodles; excellent flavors and value if you can handle tight seating and occasional service quirks.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Laolao earns its A- grade through exceptional handmade noodle and dumpling quality paired with efficient, friendly service and strong value for central Vienna. Tight seating and minimal comfort alongside occasional seasoning inconsistencies prevent grade A territory, but the authentic Shaanxi preparation and loyal following make this a worthwhile destination for diners prioritizing handmade comfort over ambiance.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked into Vienna’s first district, this tiny spot turns out handmade dumplings and wide, chewy noodles while you watch. The room is small and bustling with bar-height tables and quick turnover. One diner raved, "The duck noodles were crispy and deeply savory," while noting the friendly, efficient service. Expect a wait at lunch and consider takeaway if seats are full. The cooking skews Shaanxi, leaning traditional rather than flashy—think hand-pulled biang biang noodles, cucumber salad, and well-seasoned pork or vegan dumplings. Sauces lean umami with manageable heat; a few reviews mention seasoning running salty or wrappers a bit thick, but the majority praise the freshness and value. It suits diners who want handmade comfort with character more than fine-dining presentation. For families, the food is approachable: pork or chicken dumplings, cucumber salad, and mild noodles are kid-friendly. Space is tight and there is no dedicated restroom mentioned, so short visits are best. Portions are fair for the price, and sharing a few plates works well for kids who like simple, savory flavors.
At a Glance
- Handmade noodles and dumplings prepared in view
- Strong value for central Vienna with generous portions
- Very limited seating and bar-height tables
- Occasional seasoning inconsistency and wrapper thickness complaints
- Some surcharge/communication confusion when adding soup to dumplings
What Sets It Apart
- handmade_biang_biang_noodles
- live_dumpling_folding
- central_old_town_location
What People Love
- Watching dough pulled and dumplings folded
- Crispy duck with chewy noodles
- Refreshing cucumber salad
- Friendly, fast service when not slammed
- Good value for the location
Points of Concern
- Space is cramped with few stools; expect waits at peak times
- A few reports of billing or add-on soup surcharge confusion; check totals before paying
- One illness and one hygiene complaint among many positives; isolated but notable
- Card minimums reported by some; bring cash for small orders
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost€18-28 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For spice lovers, add Dan Dan style biang biang; for milder palates, choose chicken dumplings plus cucumber salad; vegans can build a meal from Liang Pi, Mu Er, and Shu Cai Jiao.
Perfect For
- Quick lunch in the city center
- Casual noodle and dumpling fix
- Solo bite between sightseeing
- Takeaway picnic nearby
Location Insights
Area: Historic first district with heavy foot traffic, mix of offices, luxury retail, and sightseeing crowds.
Safety: Well-lit, busy, and generally very safe with strong police presence and tourism infrastructure.
Nearby: Near Hofburg, shopping streets, and transit links; lunchtime crowds and tourists common.
Innere StadtThe Innere Stadt offers a diverse dining scene ranging from traditional Viennese cuisine to international options, catering to both locals and visitors. The atmosphere is lively and cosmopolitan, with many restaurants, cafes, and cultural landmarks nearby, making it a popular destination for casual and upscale dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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