Der Wiener Deewan

I love the concept! eat as much as you like while paying what you think is fair, by setting up the right price yourself. The food was excellent, with a diverse and flavorful selection of Indian and Pakistani dishes, salads, desserts, and sides. A truly unique and satisfying experience right in the heart of Vienna

Loved this place! I was just walking around and found it, saw that it had over 3,000 reviews and a decent rating. The food was soooooo good. It has a lot of Indian flavors, even though it is Pakistani, for someone who’s never had Pakistani food, it was super similar to Indian food. The flavors were amazing. And you pay whatever you think the meal was worth. I think that’s a great concept.

We had a hankering for curries and the like, this eatery has a an interesting payment concept, after enjoying the small buffet we paid what we like, definitely worth a visit.

A Truly Humbling and Heartwarming Dining Experience I recently had the privilege of dining at a restaurant that redefines generosity and community spirit. What sets this place apart isn’t just the delicious food—though every dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor—but their extraordinary payment model. There were no prices on the menu. At the end of the meal, I was simply invited to "pay what I feel." No pressure. No judgment. Just trust and kindness. This is more than a restaurant—it's a powerful reminder of humanity at its best. It runs on goodwill, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a good meal, regardless of their financial situation.

Der Wiener Deewan is such a cool and unique spot in Vienna! It’s an all-you-can-eat Pakistani buffet, but with a twist: there’s no fixed price—you simply pay what you think the meal was worth. The buffet isn’t huge, but it’s nicely varied, with fresh salads, tasty meat and chicken dishes, vegetarian options, plus water and dessert included. The food was flavorful and satisfying. It’s a well-known favorite among locals, especially students and younger crowds looking for a good meal at a fair price. Definitely worth a visit for the experience alone!

Food is okay, but the cashier man is a fraud. I asked him before eating if it’s true that “pay as how I wish” he said yes. And when I was going to pay, I knew I would pay a reasonable amount, I didn’t have lots of food, just a curry and one little bit of sweet, no salad or rice. As I was taking out my 2€ from the pocket first (my wallet is inside my bag so I still had to take more), the cashier already complained and had attitude towards me…I planned to pay 7-8€ for a very small portion. At the end I paid total 6€ for a very small meal. But the attitude of the cashier is not acceptable and kinda fraud

Very delicious and clean! Turned out to be a very tasty cuisine. A perfect place, especially if you travel on a low budget 🩵

I have visited many countries and visited many restaurants throughout the world but the concept here is truly unique and never seen before. The concept is that you could pay as much as you want according to your wish . Basically pay what you feel like and you are the one who decides the fair price . And about the food is really good and authentic also it's buffet so basically eat whatever and how much you want . I really loved the restaurant. Please do visit if any one ever comes in Vienna . Truly a great experience.

5 stars just for the concept ... I am originally Pakistani, live in the US and was visiting Vienna with my family. Had heard of this from a friend of a friend. Love the concept!! What a great idea... pay more if u can, nothing if you can't... how awesome is that!! Food was simple, buffet style, very homey... stuff my mom would make every day and feed me... nothing fancy and elaborate. Had a good mix: 3 meat dishes, 3 veggie dishes, yoghurt sauce, salad, a plum sauce (or mango?... either way had not had it in ages), bread and 2 desserts. Place was full... seemed like all students. Definitely should go if you get a chance... I am certainly glad I had heard of it and got the chance to experience the place. Food might not be the greatest but was still pretty decent; and in the overall scheme of things it's about the thought in my mind and not about the food (in this one instance!).

Love the concept--buffet Pakistani food, self-service, pay what you deem fit! The selection was very home-y (we are Pakistani) rather than a sit down Pakistani restaurant--about 5 dishes, not a very expansive selection, or any Pakistani "delicacy" per se, but everything was pretty yummy. They had daal, zucchini curry, aloo palak (spinach and potatoes), palak gosht (spinach and beef), and chicken curry as entrees and then white rice, naan, salad, and lastly, mango kheer (rice pudding) and suji ka halwa for dessert. Not the best Pakistani food I've ever had, but for the concept, I was content and the most full I have been during my whole trip. We paid about 50 euros for 4 people, but you could literally pay anything. My mom and brother shared a mango lassi. The vibe is super casual and it was cool to see so many Viennese folks there enjoying Pakistani food!

Circle of trust :) Thats how I like to think of this restaurant. The most unique restaurant I went to on my vacation this time. They trust you to pay a fair amount. So, I had 101 vacation guide books packed with us when we were traveling to Vienna, Austria. And my hubby discovered this restaurant in many of the vacation books. Not necessarily mentioned because of the food, but mentioned because of the pay as you wish concept. Few restaurants around the world do pay as you want theory. I honestly do not think in USA this concept would work. But that's a whole other debate. Background of the restaurant: Around 10 years ago this restaurant opened and at that point they had not decided the prices for the dishes. The owner decided to have a buffet still option and asked the guests to decide how much they want to pay. After that it's history! People started talking about the concept and more people started dining etc. And the owner decided not charge specific prices because the popularity was there because of the concept. Best part is that it is Pakistani cuisine. Viennese locals can enjoy this cuisine. I honestly can say it's not the best Pakistani food I have eaten, because the spice level wasn't there. However, it's decent and very homey feel to it. They had 2 vegetarian options, one chicken dish, one beef dish, rice, naan, salad etc. However, I do know if someone was visiting Vienna, I would recommend this place before other restaurants. It's so cool and hip. Literally a building worth of seating. I loved the local feel to it, with so many diners sitting on first and second floor we got a seat in the third floor. It's one of the most talked about places in Vienna. Don't be stingy and pay up how much you think you ate and think is reasonable. PS: A neat thing I saw there was many college students working there in the restaurant and some pervious ones had left their photo albums and journals before getting career jobs. That's located in the third floor check it out!

Hey you don't go to Deewan for the food. Say what? I mean, you don't go to Deewan expecting gourmet Pakistani cuisine. Nah, what they serve at their buffet is basic, hearty food only lightly seasoned. They have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and you can eat as much as you want. But.why it is so extremely popular is that it is also a "Pay What You Want" restaurant. It's become like a cult restaurant over the years because of this. And they prob earn much more money than they ever would with set prices. You see, it's always crowded. Well, it's right near the university for starters so that accounts for most of the clientele. Be prepared to share any table or seating configuration and remember there are three levels to check out. Most people who like to eat Pakistani food want at least a little heat and the chili lassi salad dressing does have a shred of sharpness. The mango lassi dressing is also quite tasty. Along with the curries, they often have a Malai sak (spinach) dish and almost always they have dal. And of course, there is a sweet option to complete the meal. But remember - only go to Deewan with an appreciation of its unique atmosphere, payment philosophy, and spirit ... and don't complain that the food is more Karachi working-class rather than the dishes served to a Maharajah. Do pay at least something, okay? Deewan is totally a Viennese institution!

Recently paid Der Wiener Deewan a visit on a sunny mid afternoon in May. Arrived to a fairly packed restaurant, with only a handful of seating remaining. Descended from the street level, two levels down, to a large windowless room with a low arched ceiling, though well lit and still having plenty of head room. Shared a table with a young college couple. Though I couldn't make out much of the many conversations transpiring throughout the room I imagined most of them being political or philosophical in nature. Perhaps this was influenced by the fact that we were in fairly close proximity to the university. After settling in at our table with our glasses of water, we returned to the first level to fill our plates from the 8 dish buffet line, one dish being a rather plain salad and another being the single dessert on hand. Food had great flavor but due to feeling somewhat parched later, we suspect this was in part a consequence of a liberal use of salt. You pay as you like on your way out, right by the restaurant entrance way. If I had to guess, I would assume most paid between $5 and $15 with the average and most common being $10. When we left around 3:30pm, the restaurant was about half empty.

I was at the the restaurant for my second time and the LAST. The first time was pretty decent foodwise. The cleanliness, not so much.(Some of the cutlery still wasn't 100% properly cleaned as I think they are put under quite the time pressure to get more out during lunchtime, but I do not think that is am excuse when it comes to something as important as hygiene.) It wasn't necessarily the cleanest place nor the the most diverse. Both times that I went on separate days (I thought the second time would be better, thought wrong) there were the exact same limited options. Careful for vegetarians as the meals focus on meat! (Although there are things like potatos (may be soaked in meatlike sauce)and salad and rice) The food was pretty good and nicely spiced though and kept hot and coming. I enjoy spicy foods. Getting to what made me put 3 stars: the atmostphere. Made pretty stiff with what I assume to be the manager, it was surely spoiled. He really was not what you would call welcoming nor friendly. Once he approached my table, he yelled at us (me and my friend) for not eating all the food up (though the majority was eaten up). The two males sitting next to us that we didn't know but were rather placed due to lack of room, informed us that it is always like that and that there you have to eat everything. I understand not wanting to waste food and that food is a gift, but we all have the freedom to decide whether we want to eat or not, what we want to eat, and how much and so on and so forth etc etc. As if that wasn't enough, on my way to exit he made careful extra guardlike watch (stern look, crossed arms, and patronizing harsh tone included) as to see how much we would pay and was just eagerly waiting to give us a "lesson". He told me never to eat at a restaurant like that again and to learn how to eat. I have had problems with eating in public in the past and they have luckily dissappeared for about 1-2 years now, but after this...it felt like a nightmare! All of the bad feelings came back and I instantly regretted going. I am never coming back. I do not feel as if this is an overreaction nor a hyperbole. With just one quick look, one can feel and sense the sterness and watchfulness (almost body guardlike ways) of the assumed manager. If you are not so sensitive as I am or if you end up getting a seat further from the manager and can eat all your food up and do not mind not so wide a variety of food and are low on cash, then I guess it would still be an option.

Great restaurant with a wonderful concept: Pay as you wish. The curry was delicious, the best I have ever eaten! Always fresh and very clean. Free water too! They always have three kinds of vegetable curry, two with meat, salad with different types of dressings, and a unique dessert. The owner was very hard working and cleaned our empty dishes right away. Very popular restaurant with non-stop coming of customers. Even my mom who usually is very picky about restaurants loved it here. Will be going back again and again!

They run this place as Langar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langar_(Sikhism) and it's truly "pay whatever you wish". But that is not only reason for 5/5 rating. The place has very tasty food. We liked it so much that we are planning to go again there for tomorrow lunch! They serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian main course, salads and deserts. Everything was very tasty and perfect. :-)

the food is good and the ideology is great.. it's pay as you like, and I do like! I love the idea that eating here is helping a student or someone else pay a bit less because it's what they can afford. Eat here! Pay as you like/as you can!

This place is just a fantastic idea. My CS host took me here for lunch one day, and it was great. This is a pay as you go place, so eat what you want, and pay as you feel appropriate. There aren't that many dishes to choose from, but when every dish is done to perfection, who cares! The beef was tender, chicken moist, vegetarian dishes full of flavor. My host and his girlfriend are both vegetarian, and they do just wonderfully at this place, so vegetarians, take note! Lots of seating, cozy & warm, and free water.

Fantastic! Amazing food, wonderful atmosphere, lots of fun people to get to know and chat with. Very cozy, and did I mention amazing food? It's a "pay what you can" place, welcoming to all people, and covered in cute decorations!

One thing that I miss from the UK is good curry. We have plenty of that. Austria? Not so much. But this place cured my craving. Although I have to say they really, really tone down the spice - and I am not usually one who likes spicy curry! - but that's just the difference in taste buds between cultures I guess. The unique thing about this place is that you eat as much you want and pay how much you think it is worth. And it must be working; he's still open! There were a few choices (including veggie) and I want to say it was Halal too but double check that one. The dahl was awesome, so were the okra/lady's fingers, the chicken curry and the mango chutney. Ok, everything was awesome. They also had kheer for dessert!!!!! And it was definitely the best kheer I have eaten (apart from my best friend's mam's kheer of course), so moist and tasty that we had more. The only thing I would say that would improve the whole thing would be to include some naans or chapatis. BUT, I was happy enough without it. You'll find a fair few hipsters here so beware. But mostly a normal crowd!

pay what you want for incredible good food?? This is a truth when we are talking about the Wiener Deewan. Pakistany food to its best, and prices are more then welcoming. people are mostly students (due to area) and more alternative than snobby. service is nice and quick, but food you get at a buffet and sometimes you have to stand in line. in the back of the lowerst floor you can sit on the ground with a bunch of pillows and small tables. I never had a hard time to find a spot, but sometimes its crowded, people seem to be open to chat, so if you spy another seat at a busy table just get it :)

Places like these is what gives me hope in humanity. I've never seen a restaurant that was pay what you wish, when i first heard about Deewan I was convinced it was too good to be true. My friend and I went to see the place ourselves, the rumors are true. Pay what you wish, all you can eat. I was greeted by a friendly lady at the front and she told us to help ourselves. They have a great selection of pakistani dishes. Meats, veggies, rice, desserts all you can imagine. At first I thought there must be a catch but there really isn't. Food is fresh, made daily and tastes great. I recommend this for visitors and locals around Vienna. A definite must try!

The food was okay. There weren't many options for the buffet and the food was eh. The chicken was tough and the palak was too runny. We've had a lot better in Manhattan, but I do love the pay what you wish policy. We didn't eat that much there so we didn't give a lot of money.

Good food good mood the food is not exactly Pakistan home cooking that I am used to from my friends or from London style places but if you are a student and money is tight then you can go there I have noticed it closes twice a year when us students are on holiday but you can pay as you wish and try to keep to your budgets and keep the study's to a maximum without worrying about your next meal or buy fatty foods, really good life saver that God someone has this idea here and generally there is no fussing or otherwise the food is blessed

A wonderfully charming place near the center of Vienna, this Pakistani restaurant serves good curries for as much as you'd like to pay and very nice lassis and other drinks for a fixed price. The only downside is that the menu isn't very varied and if you visit rather often it gets rather boring.

Amazing food, relaxed (crowded too, depending on the time), nice people Their motto of- Good food, good mood - is just right. I felt nourished and really enjoyed the curries, soup, and spinach dishes. The desserts were also very yummy. You eat what you want, and then pay what you feel is right. Maybe we can have world peace and understanding through loving each other's food. This would be a good start:)

I'm happy to say that Deewan was actually the first place I had lunch at when I moved to Vienna - so this place has become very dear to me and I go there like at least once a month! I love the food, I love the pay-as-you-wish concept and I love the atmosphere. I am not sure if I would come here to have a quick lunch between my classes though, since it is always crowded and sometimes it takes quite some time to stand in the line to get the food from buffet, however, it is perfect as a place to hang out with friends and have some good food :) and I LOVE that sweet dessert thing!!! The only reason I give just 4 stars and not 5 is that the place could use some better air conditioning (I always leave the place with the smell of that food in my hair and clothes), as well as it would be awesome if they had some more variation regarding food. It is always the same thing they serve. If you want a more peaceful place with different dishes and with the same pay-as-you-wish concept, try Shahi Dera; but for all other occasions - DEEWAN!!! :)

An amazing restaurant with authentic Pakistani food. Eat as much as you want and pay as much as you like policy makes it a unique place to enjoy the food and atmosphere.

Nice comfortable, easy environment. Definitely recommend if you desire to eat tasty yet cheap food, which isn't a norm in Vienna :)

pay what you want...buffet type food is good, but not many dishes...just three or four dishes water for free you can paint the wallpaper if you want

I feel guilty for complaining about the strong smell in Deewan here first and then becoming their most regular take-away guest. I decided to give them 5 stars - at least! Because I could almost write poetry about their curry. The mere thought of it evokes happiness. I bring it home and i dont eat it, i inhale it. All other food gets you more and more full with every bite, while the Deewan curry only calls for more. And when you get tired eating, however much you have eaten you are still not feeling heavy or bloated... I tested an expensive Viennese Indian in the meantime too, and while it was also quite good, i couldn't come up with enough reasons for the price difference... because do I care about the service or the elephants and kitsch when i can help myself from 5 excellent different curries the way it suits me best. Hell no! In a "regular" restaurant it is too hard to pick one anyhow. So yes, my absolute favourite at the moment, and even if it looks a bit like fast-food/canteen sort of place, it is good enough that YOU know it is so much more, as soon as you dive into their curry!!

Delicious food, as much as you want. Pay as you wish. Staff is super friendly and obliging!