FOODIE EXPERIENCES IN MUNICH YOU CAN’T MISS

Munich is a city that knows how to eat. And I had no clue, the first time I came.

Because I’m French, and the French are famously, as we should – convinced that nobody cooks quite like we do. We’ll make the odd exception for an Italian pizza, maybe a proper Greek salad by the sea, but otherwise? We don’t really believe another country can out-cook us. German food, in particular, has never had much of a reputation back home — I’d genuinely never once eaten in a German restaurant in France. Which, it turns out, is a shame. Because German food deserves better than that. It’s generous, deeply rooted in its land and its seasons, unexpectedly fresh in ways you don’t anticipate — and honestly, the beer is the best there is. Bavaria — and Munich, its capital — happens to hold one of the richest culinary traditions in all of Germany. From historic beer halls and lively Biergärten to cosy cafés and konditorei overflowing with Bavarian cakes, this is a city built for people who love to eat. Whether you’re after a hearty plate of local classics or a Brezel still warm from the oven, Munich has a way of feeding every craving you didn’t know you had.

And with so many tempting options scattered across the city, the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin. So I’ve put together a list of my favourite foodie experiences in Munich — the bites that, more than anything else, let you taste the city itself.

Guten Appetit !

DISCOVER THE REAL TASTE OF COFFEE

Since the 18th century, Munich has seen the emergence of numerous institutions combining elegant architecture, refined pastries and a convivial atmosphere, making them favourite meeting places for the cultural and artistic elite. Located in the heart of Europe, the city has also been enriched by the influence of Viennese, French and Italian cafés, which have shaped its local tradition. Today, Munich also stands out for its new modern café scene, with selections of high-quality beans and a true Munich-style coffee culture.

Man Versus Machine Coffee Roasters : a dive into Munich’s modern coffee scene. In a minimalist, contemporary setting, their selection of freshly roasted coffees never disappoints.

Café Frischhut : small and cosy, it serves, every day, a Bavarian speciality that is not to be missed: Schmalznudel, a light doughnut sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee, it is the ideal breakfast to start the day.

TRY THE BIGGEST BRETZEL OF YOUR LIFE

You’re probably familiar with Bretzels. These small flat breads, recognisable by their knotted shape, are distinguished by their unique flavour and brown colour, which comes from the brine, made of salt water and bicarbonate, in which they are poached before baking. They are very popular in Germany. In Munich, you’ll find them in every bakery, ready to be enjoyed at any time of day: for breakfast with butter (Butterbretzel), as a snack, or even as an accompaniment to dinner — a real must-try.

To my knowledge, there is only one place in Munich where you can enjoy the largest and most iconic bretzels in the city : the legendary Hofbräuhaus. Founded in 1589 by Duke William V of Bavaria, it moved to its current location in the mid-17th century to supply beer to the royal house, its court and its armies, before opening to the public. Today, it is an integral part of Bavarian heritage and Munich’s history. For €5, you can enjoy a giant pretzel while listening to live music played inside.

DRINK BEER IN A TRADITIONAL BIERGARTEN

This is undoubtedly one of the most ‘German’ experience, especially in summer : heading to one of Munich’s many beer gardens as soon as the sun comes out. Soak up the friendly atmosphere, listen to Bavarian bands playing live music and enjoy a draught beer – a pint or a Maß (1liter – accompanied by pretzels, Kartoffelsalat, Bratwurst (grilled sausage) or Obatzda (a tangy and creamy Bavarian cheese spread made from Camembert). A detail that few travellers know: Bavarian law allows you to bring your own food to any Biergarten, provided you consume drinks there.

The Chinesischer Turm is the oldest and undoubtedly the most iconic of Munich’s beer gardens. Nestled in the heart of the English Garden, it lies at the foot of a 25-metre tower, a pagoda inspired by Beijing architecture that has stood here since the 18th century. With over 7,000 seats, the place exudes a festive Bavarian atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a beer and a convivial moment. The beer garden is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10/11 p.m.

The Seehaus im Englischen Garten is another Munich must-see. Its lakeside terrace is the perfect place to enjoy sunny days, while Munich locals gather here to drink beer, party and admire the sunset. The beer garden is open daily from 10am to 11pm and remains one of the only ones in the city to welcome visitors in winter, if the weather permits it.

VISIT VIKTUALIENMARKT

The Viktualienmarkt is a true Munich institution — a place where people, sounds, colours and scents come together. With over two centuries of history, this open-air market embodies the city’s traditions through its 140 stalls, seven fountains and iconic Maibaum (May tree) standing in its centre. Formerly located on Marienplatz, the market moved to its current location in the early 19th century, where it has been active ever since. At lunchtime, it is in full swing: locals, workers and visitors hurry here to enjoy a gourmet lunch break. Whether you’re looking for authentic Bavarian specialities or flavours from abroad, you’ll find everything there.

Caspar Plautz is a veritable temple to the potato. Run by two passionate friends, this stall reinvents this tuber in all its forms every week. Depending on their inspiration, they create tasty dishes based on the ‘potato of the week’, accompanied by mainly vegetarian and vegan preparations. Everything is homemade, light, healthy and affordable.

Metzgerei Eisenreich is a traditional butcher’s shop that is unpretentious but offers high quality product. You come here to taste the best Leberkässemmel (meatloaf sandwich) on the market, with mild or spicy mustard sauce, depending on your preference.

INDULGE IN BAVARIA’S SWEET CLASSICS

If I had to describe German cakes in three words, I would say: indulgent, creamy and colourful. In Munich, it’s impossible to leave without stopping for afternoon tea at one of the local patisseries that sell them. You can choose between an Apfelstrudel (puff pastry with tender apples, raisins, sugar and cinnamon), a Prinzregententorte (Bavarian cake made of thin layers of sponge cake and chocolate, created in honour of Prince Regent Luitpold), or a Zwetschgendatschi (resh plum tart flavoured with almonds or cinnamon, very popular in autumn).

Konditorei Widmann : offers an exceptional selection of pastries, all made on site in the workshop at the back of the café. At the counter, you can discover cream cakes, fruit tarts, Viennese pastries, handmade pralines and homemade ice cream.

Erbshäuser : a true Munich institution, this is where the original Bavarian cake was born, the Prinzregententorte, prepared according to the original recipe since 1886. It consists of eight layers of sponge cake and cream, representing the eight districts of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Rich in butter, it goes perfectly with coffee.

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If you’re planning a trip to the capital of Bavaria, here’s a guide to the best stays in Munich for every group and budget.