Supermarkets we have tried in Salzburg so far

Just 5 minutes from leaving the airport we noticed the Aldi sign and were relieved that Salzburg had an Aldi as we are avid Aldi shoppers. Over here it is called Hofer and there are several of the chain stores throughout Salzburg. Our nearest Hofer to our apartment is a good 25 minute walk away at Bergerbräuhofstraße 40a, 5020 Salzburg‑Schallmoos.

Each time we need to get some groceries we always plan to head to Hofer but somehow, we get completely distracted on the way by the temptation of a new store we have never been to and that is when we discovered Billa at Sterneckstraße, Salzburg.

From first entry we didn’t know if we were in a farmers market, a delicatessen, bakery or all of the above. The whole store is so beautifully presented and so incredibly well organised. It has perfectly stacked cheeses of every variety, a fresh pastry counter, the fruit and veggies are arranged in brown wicker baskets and there are long glass counters lined with an impressive array of cold cuts, cured meats and other mysterious treats we are yet to try. I loved from first entry the smell of the freshly baked bread which was so welcoming. There is also a surprising selection of international foods (including your good old vegemite, Tim tams and sausage rolls) and these are located in the ‘world’ section.

We completely lost track of time shopping in Billa as it was more of an experience of reading labels in German, admiring the new foods and choices and coming up with new dinner ideas.

Initially though it was very overwhelming as it was a dazzling sensory overload so we stuck to the basic familiar meals of spaghetti bolognese, pork steaks with veggies and also tried their bratwurst sausage and their salads as well as throwing into the trolley several snacks, treats and pastries.

We have been trying to work out if it is worth shopping in the larger supermarket chains other than the local ‘Spar’s that seem to be in every neighbourhood, as even though the Spar’s are smaller they still seem to have all the basics just not as much of a selection. Spar also has its own labelled products and seems to have more ready to eat meals, so more convenience foods whereas Billa has more fresh food produce.

After shopping at both, the pricing for both Spar and Billa seems to be on par as you pay for the convenience of the close location at Spar and you also pay for the premium selection of products at Billa. Our preference is definitely Billa, although I will need to allow extra time for shopping when I go here to bask in the wonder of choice of intriguing new foods.

At the start of week 2, we again set off to find Hofer, however it was raining and we were on foot and another supermarket called Lidl at Robinigstraße 9 was in a closer vacinity (only a 10 minute walk) so we decided to try that instead.

Lidl looks exactly like Aldi, from the entry, to the way the shelves are set up, to the weekly specials in the centre of the store, you could seriously mistake Lidl for Aldi (Hofer) anyday.

Lidl feels and looks like a budget grocery store and is very compact and straightforward with a smaller selection of items, it is not as inviting but it was cheaper (although not considerably cheaper) however, after having the Billa experience it does not compare to the atmosphere and experience of Billa shopping.

Right next door to Lidl was Eurospar and it looks like a Costco it is huge. Although we didn’t go in from the outset looking in through the doors it has a large selection and everything is in orderly rows so I think we will try this one next.

We have also frequented the popular chain store called DM (Drogerie Market), The closest one to us is at at Nonntaler Hauptstraße 55 it’s not a supermarket but more like a price line and sells items like makeup, vitamins and health food. Jessy is loving this store and has tried out some of their hair and makeup products and it has all my vitamins.

Now that I have found Billa I don’t even think I’m going to bother finding Hofer, Billa is seriously an experience in itself. The aisles are wide and open, the lighting was warm and everything seemed to glisten, there are so many displays arranged with such care and thought and instead of my usual running in and smashing out my shopping as quickly as I can from my list, I will of course keep my list but only as a back up option to be open to seeing what tickles my fancy.