Discover Munich’s Community-Focused Food Scene
Munich’s food scene is increasingly embracing the rich diversity of its population through community-oriented initiatives that involve chefs and restaurant staff from varied backgrounds. Locals and travelers alike can experience a range of eateries dedicated not only to serving delicious dishes but also to uniting society. Read on to explore inspiring projects that will enhance your visit to the Bavarian capital.
More than Meets the Eye
At first glance, Munich may seem flashy, with its high-end shopping along Maximilianstraße, featuring fast cars and designer labels. However, beyond this glitzy façade lies a city deeply invested in its people. Numerous initiatives are focused on supporting diverse social groups, many of which are attached to gastronomic hubs, providing an opportunity to experience a different side of the city while tasting excellent cuisine. It’s a win-win situation, don’t you think?
Brunch with a Side of Community
Located in the heart of the city is the popular Bellevue di Monaco cafe. Situated in a green tower close to the central square, this cafe is part of a local campaign to provide housing for refugees in Munich. Originally slated for demolition, community pressure led to a 40-year lease and subsequent renovations. In 2018, this building became home to several asylum seekers, with the stylish ground-floor cafe (run by refugees) becoming the focal point of the project.
Bellevue di Monaco not only serves excellent food and coffee but also offers weekly workshops, counseling services, language classes, and social events like film nights and music performances. Signature dishes include a Turkish tomato soup with fig and nut couscous, West African peanut and pineapple stew, and aubergine with toasted bread, almonds, and yogurt. Be sure to visit on Saturdays for an extensive breakfast buffet from 10 AM to 1 PM, featuring a delightful mixture of sweet and savory international dishes. Arrive early to sample the full spread!
Eating Outside the Box
Another initiative can be found in the Haidhausen neighborhood, across the Isar River. Inside the local Volkshochschule (community college) is a small café run by refugees and residents alike, managed by a non-profit organization known as Über den Tellerrand, which means ‘beyond your plate’ in German. Founded by students in Berlin in 2013, the organization has expanded nationwide to help integrate newcomers into German society through cooking workshops and community events.
Since its opening in July 2018, the Munich café has served everything from Baklava to Breze (pretzels). A must-try is the Syrian breakfast dish, Fatteh, which combines chickpeas, hummus, and fried flatbread. The daily lunch menu is inspired by global cuisines, and sweet treats prepared by chef Radwan, who formerly operated a pastry shop in Syria, are also available. Guests are often encouraged to pay what they can, with all profits benefiting the charity.
A Bite of Munich Culture
In a quiet side street off Maximilianstraße, you’ll discover a blue building housing Conviva im Blauen Haus. This restaurant doubles as a canteen for the bustling Münchner Kammerspiele theater. Offering both international and regional dishes, the canteen is managed by the Cooperative Beschützende Arbeitsstätten e.V. (CBA), an organization dedicated to integrating individuals with mental health challenges and physical disabilities into the workforce.
This lively eatery attracts a diverse crowd, making it a perfect spot for lunch or a pre-show meal. With regularly changing menus, classic staples like Schnitzel are always available to satisfy your cravings.
Deserving Dining
If you seek an evening dining option, venture south to the trendy Dreimühlenviertel, where you’ll find Roecklplatz, a training restaurant similar to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in London. This venue educates young people from challenging backgrounds in the culinary arts, offering ten training spots along with support to help them secure permanent employment.
With an industrial vibe complete with metal piping and wine-laden shelving, Roecklplatz serves a menu rich in options—from steaks for meat enthusiasts to delectable vegetarian risottos and pasta dishes. Don’t forget to save room for dessert: the fluffy almond pancake drizzled with hot plum sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream is a true delight.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Visiting these various eateries not only supports meaningful causes but also takes you to neighborhoods that are often overlooked by tourists. Engaging with these projects presents an authentic opportunity to connect with locals, who are always eager to share insights into their inspiring work.
Many of these initiatives maintain a strong social media presence, along with informative websites, offering further details on how to get involved with local projects during your travels.
