Edited by Holly Jenson
It can be difficult to know where to eat in Munich since most visitors stick to what they’ve heard of. Known for our tasty Bratwurst and potato combinations, you may not know that Munich has a hugely diverse range of cuisines just waiting to be tasted. I have lived here for 3 years and have really enjoyed sampling all the amazing foods this city has to offer…I have tried to narrow down my favorites into this Munich food guide so you can have the best experience with our local delicacies.
Weiss Wurst Mit Brezel at Wurststandl Teltschik
The best way to start the day is with some traditional Bavarian food. Weiss Wurst mit Brezel is a well-loved dish in Munich and consists of boiled white veal sausage with Bavarian sweet mustard accompanied by a pretzel and a wheat beer (yes, you can drink beer in Munich anytime!). If you’re wondering where to eat in Munich on a budget, they serve this hearty breakfast at Wurststandl Teltschik, a true hidden gem of our city. From the outside it looks like a very simple café with a few tables but don’t be fooled by appearances, this place serve some of the best Bavarian food in Munich. There is always a huge queue of locals here, join in and see the city through their eyes.
Leberkässemmel at Viktualienmarket
A great way to get a local experience of this place is to sample some street food in Munich. Some of the simplest traditional Bavarian food is Leberkässemmel; a meatloaf sandwich made from finely ground corned beef, pork and bacon. You can find this local delicacy at any of the stalls around Viktualienmarket in the heart of Munich’s old town. It is delicious as a snack or as part of your lunch and is a truly historic dish; Munich residents have been eating this for hundreds of years! As it is so easy and simple, this is one of the popular foods at Oktoberfest Munich and to try it is to truly experience this event like a local. Be sure to add this to your list of must-tries while you’re here.
Prinzregententorte at Café Luitpold
A delicious Bavarian dessert that you must try when in Munich is Prinzregententorte. With eight layers of biscuit with chocolate cream throughout, this treat is light and heavenly. The best place to try it is at Café Luitpold, one of the most famous cafes in Munich. Known for its exquisite cakes and desserts, this is a stunning location for a relaxed lunch with friends. The glowing case of treats will draw you in from the outside and the ornate décor and garden-like feel will make you want to stay. The glass ceiling allows light to stream in from the outside so you have the feeling of an al fresco dining experience in the comfort of a cosy café. This is a great place to visit in the early spring months (the best time to visit Munich) when the weather can still be chilly.
Afghan food at Bamyan Narges
A really cool restaurant in Munich is Bamyan Narges at Klenzerstrasse 47. This place specializes in Afghan cuisine serves the best food I think I’ve ever had in Munich - and there’s lots of competition. They use local ingredients and spices to create the most delicious flavors, I always recommend my friends to try this place and they all love it! The restaurant is decorated with beautiful traditional furnishings and designs, right down to the details on the plates; you feel like you have been transported across the world. The staff here are always so friendly and welcoming, it is just delightful in every way. Be sure to come here while you’re in Munich, it’s a great little break from the Bavarian food specialties you’ll be trying throughout your visit.
Schweinebraten mit Knödel at Bratwurstherzl
Another one of our Bavarian food specialties you must try is Schweinebraten mit Knödel. Pork shoulder is slow-roasted in rich sauce and then served with some delicious dumplings; it truly is some of the best Bavarian food in Munich. You can sample this delicacy at Bratwurstherzl in the heart of Viktualienmarket. This 17th century brick vault has been converted into a buzzing restaurant that is always filled to the brim with locals. They serve all kinds of traditional Bavarian food in here as well as lots of German beer; it’s a great place to get a taste of our culture. The old wood and candles create a really warm and inviting atmosphere, not to mention the happy locals! Come here for a fulfilling dinner after a day sightseeing in the center.
Bavarian Dessert at Marais
A perfect place for a relaxed breakfast or afternoon snack, Marais is a unique, warm and inviting café which you need to visit when in Munich. Selling yummy cakes, pastries, and flavourful beverages, there is plenty to choose from in here. The venue is a combination of Grandma’s living room, a sewing studio and a vintage shop; it’s a great place to experience family-friendly Munich. The shelves are filled with vintage goods for sale, so you can browse while you wait! I love coming here for a chilled out afternoon, the combination of vintage delights, warm lighting and tasty cakes mean that you can stay for hours on end.
Knödel at Wirtshaus in der Au
Wirtshaus in der Au is another home of traditional Bavarian food and a great stop on your culture tour of Munich. Always popular among locals, you will find a great variety of knödel (must-try German dumplings) here, in all shapes, sizes and flavors! You’ll often find knödel on sale as Munich street food, they were once essential to the Bavarian diet and today they are eaten in honour of Germany’s proud history. They also sell really good traditional beer in here and the staff are so friendly, this is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal and learn about Munich’s rich culture.
Soup at Münchner Suppenküche
If you’re staying in the city for a bit longer and are wondering where to eat in Munich on a budget, I would always recommend Münchner Suppenküche. With a great variety of tasty soups available for truly reasonable prices, this is ideal for a lunch break between sights. You can enjoy your tasty stew and gaze out of the window as the bustling Viktualienmarkt goes about its day. This is the best option for a fast, healthy and affordable meal where you can people watch too! You will only usually find locals in here; you will see the real Munich by choosing to have your lunch at Münchner Suppenküche.
Gebacken Ente mit Apfelblaukraut und Kartofelknödel at Augustiner am Dom
If you still have room for more traditional Bavarian food, you should make sure you try our roasted duck with potato dumplings and red cabbage. This dish is rich and yet simple; the duck is slow-roasted and falls off the bone as you dig in, and the red cabbage gives the flavour an extra kick. Try this dish at Augustiner am Dom for just 7.90 €! Styled as a historic beer house, the rows of simple wooden benches and steins of beer will transport you to another era as you enjoy this delicious meal. They have so many local delicacies on offer here such as bratwurst and some of the best schnitzel in Munich, you surely won’t be disappointed!
German Bread at Traublinger Bakery
Traublinger Bakery is where I buy my everyday loaf of German bread and I would always recommend it to everyone. They create really lovely pastries and cakes in here daily, it’s the perfect place to collect supplies for your picnic in Munich’s English Garden Park. While you’re here, try out their Sachertorte, it’s incredible beyond words, you’ll have to trust me on this one. Traublinger have a huge case of Bavarian desserts on offer, I would advise buying a few of them and taking them to the Munich Residence or Olympiapark, where you can see and taste our culture at the same time with a beautiful view.
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