A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Munich

  Pretzels at Oktoberfest

Although it may not have the chic, international reputation of Berlin when it comes to dining out, Munich has a wealth of places to eat and drink. What’s more, the hearty Bavarian fare which is typically on offer makes it possible to eat very well for relatively little.

For travelers on a budget, the cheapest option is the student 'mensas' that can be found around Leopoldstrasse near the university. Haidhausen and Schwabing are, as you might expect from less traditional districts, also good places to find reasonable meals.

Alternatively, Munich is known for its excellent street fare. Bratwursts, delicious 'holzfallersteak' (meat mixed, of course, with beer) sandwiches and 'fleischpflanzerl' (pork burger-style patty) are all readily available from butchers’ shops across the city.

Munich is a city, though, whose drinking culture far outstrips its cooking. This is reflected by the lively café-bars and beer gardens that line the streets, easily outnumbering the restaurants.

Bavaria is chock full of breweries, all producing their own unique brews. What’s more, the complexity of the Munich 'bierkultur' (beer culture) has to seen firsthand to be believed.

Golden ales have slowly surpassed traditional Bavarian dark beer, with Helles now the number one choice. Also popular, however, are starkbier (a strong beer), bock (which is even stronger) and doppelbock (stronger still).

While the world-famous Oktoberfest is a highlight on the travelers’ calendar, local residents continue to celebrate their beer-drinking heritage all year round. This is done in Bierkeller (beer cellars) and, of course, the wonderful Biergarten (beer gardens) - a veritable Munich institution.

A place to drink isn’t hard to find in a city crowded with venues, although anywhere near Marienplatz will be more expensive and tainted by tourism. Nymphenberg and the suburbs to the south are the best areas to discover 'local' bierkeller.

Ludwigstrasse (another student area) is a good place to make for if you’re looking for a reasonable sit-down meal away from the din of the beer halls. Turkenstrasse, Amalienstrasse and Schellingstrasse also have a handful of decent places.

As one of Germany’s artier and more liberal cities, Munich has a pleasantly accommodating gay scene around Gartnerplatz. Cosmopolitan and lively, it provides a nice counterpoint to the more traditional, beer-swilling vibe.

Really, though, there’s little to be gained in chiding a city (however gently) for what it isn’t. In the case of Munich, what you’re presented with is a beautiful town with a simple, down-to-earth gastronomic heritage and great, great beer. Food-wise, everything else is, frankly, beside the point.

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