One must not limit themselves to the classic German foods, as there are many specialties from other countries there too.
In addition to the wide variety of foods, Munich is famous for its beer. There are seven different breweries in the city, each of which has a different flavor. The beer is delicious, and simple; as per German law, only four ingredients may be used, and alcohol-free beer is also available, and tastes just as good.
The variety of brands and varieties is very wide (the Germans say they have more than 5,000 different beers), you will even see that many restaurants and pubs make their own.
While visiting Munich, there are many foods from which to choose, whether you want German specialties, delicious breads, or foods that mix German and European culinary ideas. Whether you are staying in a humble Gasthaus or Pension, or in a five-star Luxushotel, the food that you are served in an establishment in Germany should contain at least some of the following elements.
German cuisine is known above all for its sausages, very varied in terms of colors and flavors. In the country you can find about 1,500 different types of sausages. Each German region offers a different specialty. The sausages of Frankfurt, with a mild flavor, the sausages of Nuremberg, which are served roasted, or those of Bavaria, with a lighter color.
You can order them as a dish in any German restaurant, but the most common is to buy them at any street stall accompanied by a bun (Brochten) for just € 1.5 (and whoever says street stall, says to one of those curious little men who carry the grill hanging on slopes and you'll find in all tourist areas).
In the more expensive establishments, smoked salmon (Räucherlachs) may be offered - mit Kapfern (with capers). A pork based spread traditionally made from the less desirable parts of a pig, like stringy meat, innards, fatty tissue and meat from the head of the animal. It used to contain up to 40 % pork liver (Leberwurst means liver sausage), but these days it’s made primarily from muscle tissue, because eating offal widely went out of style in the past century.
Delicious, but still has an air of mystery meat surrounding it. It’s also related to Teewurst (tea sausage - does not actually contain any tea).
Classic Cultural German
If you’re looking for some of the best places in Munich that serves German specialties such as sauerkraut, bratwurst, spaetzle, these restaurants should do the trick. They are often more expensive, however they are full restaurants, offering a full atmosphere and cuisine.
1. Servus Heidi - Landsberger Str. 73
And if you are vegetarian or vegan, do not panic. Greeting every customer with Servus, a common bayerisch greeting, this restaurant offers beloved bayerisch dishes, such as Knoedel (dumplings) and Wammerl (pork belly), along with vegetarian and vegan options.
Kartoffelsuppe is a recurring first course in the menus of all German restaurants. It is a kind of soup or cream of potatoes with vegetables and bits of sausage. Very comforting for cold days.
The rustic vibes of this restaurant are sure to complete the German atmosphere. Service can be less than optimal at times, however the moderate pricings and tasty food do make up for that.
2. Ratskeller - Landsberger Str. 73
Located under the historic Rathaus off of the Marienplatz, this restaurant cooks up delightful regional specialties, especially sausages. Vegetarian and vegan options also make up the main dishes on the menu. Its rooms wind through the architecture, forming a maze structure on the inside. The special wine cellar offers a variety of flavours for guests. Be warned though, as this restaurant can be pricey.
3. Alles Wurscht - Nikolaiplatz 3
Currywurst is a classic modern German specialty, and Alles Wurscht cooks up a mean one. Currywurst is a sausage that is served sliced, sprinkled with a ketchup with curry and is usually accompanied by french fries. So popular is the curried sausage that can be found practically in any restaurant or street stall, in the hands of high political positions or enthusiastic tourists.
This little place is near the Englischer Garten, and is run by a family, giving the service a more cozy feel. They offer vegetarian options, in the form of salads and vegetarian sausages, and compliment that with a German potato salad.
Bakeries and cafes
Germany is famous for its hundreds of different varieties of bread. Because of that, it has wonderful bakeries in every city, along with smaller cafes, which, all combined, serve a tasty mix of coffees, cakes, and breads.
Brot is non-negotiable. Germany bakes hundreds of varieties of bread every day, and starting the day without some form of bread is almost unimaginable. German bread is cheap, wholesome, tasty and good. Gebäck (baked goods) are the approximate equivalent in the German-speaking world to the Danish pastries of the English-speaking world or the viennoiseries of the French-speaking world.
4. Brotmanufaktur Schmidt - Neumarkter Str. 47
With quality bread, this bakery has its specialty named. The bread lasts long, tastes wonderful, and has a solid crispness, and has enough variety to serve as both a breakfast and lunch option.
5. Tanpopo Konditorei - Maillingerstr. 6
It’s a small cafe, but hides wonderful cakes, whether they are filled with almonds or cheesecakes or tea cakes, baked by a master baker. The Mailingerstrasse subway station is also nearby. Vegan options are plentiful.
6. Man vs. Machine - Müllerstraße 23
When you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, Man vs. Machine is the way to go. They have a selection of side foods, like cakes, but their coffees and teas are top notch. It’s a short ride from the Marienplatz with the subway, and in a district with many restaurants around, for after the coffee.
Non-German cuisine
Munich is a multicultural city, after all, and it would be a shame to leave out Germany’s popular fast food - döner, a mix of shawarma, vegetables, and sauces in bread, which comes from Turkish immigrants. If you have had your fill of the classics, and are looking for a new taste, these places might be right.
7. Türkitch, Humboldtstraße 20
Serves döner, and also other Turkish specialties. As Döner places go, a little expensive (€6 instead of €4), but very delicious. Offers vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, in the form of falafel and other dishes.
8. Okra Gemusekebap - Schellingstrasse 44
Cheap, good, veggie-based Döner. A new twist on the classic formula. Offers the usual vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. It is near some universities, and as such has lots of student traffic.
Non-traditional eating
If you’re not in the mood to sit down somewhere, or even buy something at a traditional imbissstube, Munich has food options that differ from the common tastes. For a snack or even a meal to eat on the go, mixed from a few foods bought in separate locations, these offerings are well-loved, if a little different.
9. Cheese & More - Marienplatz 16
This cheese shop is a crowded affair, and does not have seating. There are tasting samples for all of the varieties, and sauces to add additional flavors. With some bread from a nearby bakery, this cheese makes a fine snack, especially when considering the price, for it can be expensive.
10. Viktualienmarkt - Viktualienmarkt 3
The marketplace in the center of Munich has a lot of classic German foods to offer, from large pretzels to bratwurst, but it houses many other styles of food that come from around Europe. It is outdoors, and often crowded at lunchtime, as many go there to buy their lunch and see all of the market stalls, which sell more than just food and beer.
