Munich is a wonderful town in Bavaria, Southern Germany. Known for its football team, the BMW factory and the Oktoberfest, this is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Of course, most people visit Munich for its food and delicious beer!
Yes, Munich has splendid architecture and a small-town feel, but the magic happens in the region’s kitchens. Here is the food to try in Munich. Dishes every traveler must try.
1. Schweinshaxe
Don’t let the German name intimidate you. The schweinshaxe is the famous German pork knuckle. A massive, slow-cooked piece of pork meat served bone-in, often with a rich sauce or gravy.
Pork knuckles or shanks are tough pieces of meat, so it takes some skill to tenderize them until fork-tender. Well, expect just that and more. This is one hearty meal, though, and it will keep you satisfied all day! Especially if served with a side of roasted potatoes.
2. Weisswurst
They say there are over 1,500 types of sausages in Germany, and it’s probably true, sausages are the country’s staple food, and they do them very well.
You’ll find at least a dozen sausages in the beer gardens, eateries and beer halls of Munich. Still, the weisswurst, or white sausage, is perhaps the best known in the region.
These pale sausages are packed with flavor, as they’re made with veal and back bacon, flavored with parsley, brown spices and ginger.
3. Spätzle
Spätzle are rustic egg noodles famous in Munich, all of southern Germany and neighboring countries.
Flour, salt, eggs and water are all you need to make this starchy side dish. These noodles are cut by hand, and although the noodles themselves don’t have a lot of flavor, they are the perfect complement for heartier meals, including sausages, chops and chunky pork knuckles, especially when sautéed with butter. If you’re visiting Munich, expect lots of spätzle in your future.
4. Brezen
This is the most symbolic food in Munich. The famous German pretzels. However, the German term suggests these are not salty crackers but bread.
Yes, brezen are oversized knots of bread with a fluffy texture and a chewy crumb — they’re nothing like the small, hard pretzels you find elsewhere! Of course, this unique bread is a typical food in Munich, best enjoyed between beers during the Oktoberfest. Sweet versions also exist, and they can be filled with pastry cream or chocolate.
5. Sauerkraut
You can’t talk about typical food in Munich without mentioning Germany’s special fermented cabbage or sauerkraut. The tangy condiment and side dish offers a fantastic contrast to fatty meals, as their lactic acidity cuts through the fat.
If you’re eating sausages in Munich, you’ll get a side of sauerkraut for sure, and you’ll surely ask for a bit more. This very traditional ingredient has no equal, and although it might overwhelm the inexperienced, sauerkraut always ends up earning a place in your heart.
Munich, More than Pretzels and Beer!
Munich is a fascinating town with lots to see and do, and food and drinks are part of the experience. Of course, there are plenty of other dishes to experience in the city’s pebbled streets and its many restaurants, but at least we’ve covered the most emblematic food in Munich. Are you planning to visit Germany? If not, see how many of these items you can find near you!
Photo by ian kelsall on Unsplash
