Related Sponsors

Restaurants and Dining

Home » Germany » Munich - Restaurants and Activities » Restaurants and Dining

Munich is famous for Bavarian cuisine. Vegetarians beware: this is a meat-and-potatoes way of life. Pork is most common, along with veal and beef. Fish is available, but used rarely. Sausages made from all of the above (except fish, of course) are ubiquitous. The primary vegetables used in Bavarian cuisine are potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets, and various greens. Desserts are typically strudels or pastries, often including almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts.

But back to the sausage: it is the centerpiece of Bavarian cuisine, and your trip to Munich should include enjoying them at many of your meals. Called wursts, most German towns have signature versions, made from recipes handed down through many generations. Munich's local sausage is weisswurst, made of at least 70% veal. According to tradition, weisswurst must be simmered or steamed (not boiled) and served with mustard. Diners peel the sausages before eating. Pretzels often round out the meal, along with the requisite cold German beer.

Other famous Bavarian dishes include wienerschnitzel (thin veal cutlets, breaded and pan-fried, garnished with chopped parsley), spatzle (a cheese and egg-noodle casserole) and sauerbraten (beef preserved with vinegar and served with gravy).

In the world of food and dining, Munich is hands down most famous for its beer. In fact, 40% of the world's breweries are located in Germany, many of them in the Bavarian region. Beer is such a draw in Munich, the beer halls and beer gardens are just as popular among tourists as royal palaces and museums. Hofbrauhaus am Platzl is easily the most famous of the halls. It is a massive facility, with a beer-brewing tradition that dates back to 1589. The present structure was built in 1897, and it was the site of Hitler's meeting of the German Workers Party in 1920. The historic beer hall on the first level is the heart of the place, and it can hold up to 1300 diners and drinkers at a time. Some of the tables have been there since 1897, with past diners' initials carved into them. In total, there are several rooms spread out over three floors. Music, dancing, drinking, and dining are the order of the day, and it is always a party at Hofbrauhaus.

Before you think you are limited to sausages and potatoes when visiting Munich, it is important to remember the city is a cosmopolitan, European hub city that caters to visitors from all over the world. You will find fine dining cuisines such as French, Italian, and "New German," a modern and updated take on traditional German fare.

Next Page: Sites in Old Town

Related Munich - Restaurants and Activities Articles