Discover Munich’s Culinary Delights
Nowhere in Germany can you find sweeter mustard or plumper dumplings than in Bavaria. The food identity of this southern state is strong and deeply rooted in tradition. There are even rules regarding when to eat sausages that rival those of how to enjoy coffee in Italy. However, visitors to the Bavarian capital of Munich will be pleasantly surprised to encounter a growing wave of burrito joints, burger shacks, and trendy coffee shops that are revitalizing the city’s food scene. Read on to find the latest hot spots to drop into after you’ve enjoyed a few masskrüge…
Must-see Sights and Spuds
Many of Munich’s top sights are located close to Marienplatz in the heart of the city—from the magical town hall to the iconic two-towered Frauenkirche. The city center also boasts Viktualienmarkt, a large open-air food market. Here you can find a bounty of local beer, meats, cheeses, honeys, fruit, vegetables, and even extra large gherkins. But there is one stand you really shouldn’t miss. Caspar Plautz is run by two enthusiastic young chaps promoting rare varieties of potatoes—with an emphasis on sustainability, modern branding, and hip marketing. They offer a daily menu of baked spuds and excellent toppings.
Beer and Burritos at Gärtnerplatz
From the center of town, it’s just a short walk to Gärtnerplatz—a square (actually more of a circle) where locals often gather for early evening beers. The streets radiating from the square are lined with boutique shops and numerous eateries. A fail-safe option to accompany the aforementioned drinks is the Burrito Company. Serving hand-held burritos stuffed with locally-sourced ingredients, this intimate shop is run by a Munich entrepreneur who conceived the idea while living (and eating) in California.
If you’re in the area earlier in the day, there are several great cafes where you can grab breakfast. One particularly popular location is Trachtenvogl with its vintage furniture, comfy sofas, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy muesli, eggs, and grilled sandwiches before exploring the nearby shopping scene. They also do excellent coffee and cake for that afternoon sugar fix.
Hang with the Student Crowd
It comes as no surprise that several of the coolest eateries can be found close to Munich’s two universities. The district of Maxvorstadt is home to many affordable drinking establishments and, recently, an increasing number of places to grab a quick bite, where you’re more likely to end up wanting to take your time!
Local favorites include Aloha Poke and Mary’s Coffee Club. Choose your own super fresh and healthy bowl ingredients—including tofu, octopus, and goji berries—at Aloha Poke to revitalize after a late night. Relaxed yet beautifully curated, Mary’s Coffee Club is another place boosting Munich’s foodie scene. Scrumptious offerings include sourdough spelt breads with decadent toppings and Instagram-worthy seasonal specials, such as masala bowls inspired by the owner’s favorite food cities worldwide.
Go West – and Not Just for Oktoberfest
Every year, one part of town is far busier than the rest. Oktoberfest attracts around six million thirsty guests—all converging on the expansive open space known as Theresienwiese in the district of Westend.
However, another reason to head west is the excellent burgers found at King Loui. The owner, while focused more on quality food than an Instagram aesthetic, sources meat from local butchers or offers a vegetable patty, all served in a variety of delicious combos, featuring pun-filled names like ‘cheesus loves you’.
Another must-visit is hood-favorite Onofrio’s Appetizing Store. Run by the charming half-Italian, half-German Alessandro, the shop brings a taste of Little Italy or Brooklyn to Munich. Enjoy large pastrami sandwiches and excellent bagels, including a vegan option with avocado, artichokes, and roasted peppers.
Englischer Garten and Chill
Munich’s expansive park encompasses three key elements: a crystal clear river, seemingly never-ending greenery, and beer gardens. No visit to Munich is complete without spending some time in the park. However, if you’ve had your fill of sausages and beer (it can happen!), there are several alternative food venues nearby. One such gem is Condesa in Schwabing. Operated by a Mexican-German couple, this venue serves fresh, authentic favorites with a kick, located just a stone’s throw from the park’s central lake.
Some of the best swimming in the Englischer Garten can be found near an area known as Flaucher, which features deeper waters and numerous little islands. A fantastic spot to rejuvenate after a dip is the hugely popular Türkitch. Here, you can enjoy the kinds of kebabs typically found in Berlin—hence why some refer to it as the ‘hipster döner place.’ The köfte sandwiches are delicious, packed with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice. Expect a queue!
Not All Schnitzels Are Created Equal…
Although we said no pretzels, Bapas earns an exception. Serving Bavarian tapas—redefining the traditionally large portion sizes the region is known for—this place offers all the local classics, just downsized. Consequently, you can sample a variety! Dishes feature all the traditional favorites: apple strudel, meatloaf with quail egg, schnitzel, and potato salad. Located on one of Munich’s busiest boulevards in Maxvorstadt, it’s the perfect spot for people watching while immersing yourself in local cuisine.
