Being the former center of the Bavarian kingdom, Munich is known for its traditional Bavarian cuisine. The meals are often hearty and filling, shaped by the old, traditional farming life. Meals are often enjoyed in Wirtshäuser (traditional inns) or beer gardens, in very communal and social settings.

Some traditional meals include:
– Weißwurst, a white sausage made from veal and pork
– Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle with crispy skin
– Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage
– Kartoffelsalat, Bavarian potato salad
– Schmalznudel, a popular Bavarian pastry of fried dough and sugar

While we were in Munich, we had some really delicious meals. Since it was early December, we definitely appreciated the heartiness of Bavarian cuisine. It was also a lot of fun to experience the beer halls that the city is known for. It was definitely a new experience for all of us!

Schmalznudel Cafe Frischhut
Established in 1973 by the Frischhut family, the cafe specializes in schmalznudel, a popular Bavarian pastry. Schmalznudel is a fried dough delicacy dusted with sugar. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s very similar to a Chinese youtiao. You can also grab a Berliner doughnut here, which was filled with the best jam.

Hofbräuhaus München
Hofbräuhaus München is one of the most iconic beer halls in the world. Located in the heart of Munich’s Old Town, it was founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V to supply beer to the royal court. It later opened to the public in 1828 under King Ludwig I and has been a crowd favorite since.

The main dining hall, which is filled with long communal tables, does not require reservations. All you have to do is find an open table, sit down, and a waiter will come to assist. At Hofbräu, you can try one of their famous beers, including the Hofbräu Original. Not quite a Munich staple, but I really enjoyed my currywurst. We also tried their sausage platter, which was a really great way to sample all of their best.

Weisses Bräuhaus im Tal
Located in the heart of Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town), Weisses Bräuhaus im Tal is known for its classic Bavarian fare and excellent Schneider Weisse wheat beer. Their menu features classic Schneider Weisse wheat beers and other Bavarian-style brews. Founded in 1872, it was one of the first brewers to obtain the right to brew weissbier (wheat beer) after it had long been restricted by the Bavarian monarchy. If you go to Weisses Bräuhaus im Tal, you have to try their wheat beer and the crispy pork knuckle.

Gasthaus Waltz
Gasthaus Waltz is an Austrian-Inspired Alpine Restaurant in Munich, offering creative takes on traditional Austrian and Alpine cuisine. The menu blends classic Austrian dishes with modern presentation and inspiration from Bavaria’s Alpine regions. Named to the Bib Gourmand list in the Michelin Guide, it is a fine addition to any foodie’s list in Munich. We opted to do their 3-course menu, since we wanted to try a few of their dishes. A highlight was the duck terrine appetizer as well as the trout entree with braised cucumbers and Veltliner foam and mashed potatoes.