Must-eat food in Munich: 10 delicious dishes to try

Known for its unique cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, Munich is undoubtedly a bucket list-worthy destination. However, all that exploring is sure to work up quite an appetite. Luckily, Bavarian cuisine is as hearty and filling as it is delicious. With a fantastic array of foods to try in the southern German city, from knödel to weisswurst and brez’n to schweinshaxe, it’s no surprise that Munich is regarded as one of Europe’s best foodie cities. So, if you’re keen to discover the city through your tastebuds, read on to learn more about the best food to eat in Munich

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1. Weisswurst

When you consider what food Munich is known for, weisswurst may be the first dish that comes to mind. It’s a traditional white Bavarian sausage made with minced veal and pork bacon, and flavored with onions, ginger, lemon, parsley, and cardamom. As one of the city’s most famous foods to try, weisswurst is a must-eat while you’re in Munich.

How to eat the best weisswurst in Munich?

To enjoy this dish the traditional Bavarian way, have it for breakfast, or as the Germans call it: Weisswurstfrühstück. Locals eat their weisswurst served in a bowl filled with hot water accompanied by a sweet grainy mustard and a pretzel.

2. Brez’n

Perhaps better known as pretzels among non-locals, brez’n is a doughy pastry shaped into a traditional twisted form and then baked. Simple and delicious, brez’n is one of the most popular foods in Munich, loved for its crispy, salty crust and soft doughy interior. Traditional brez’n are almost as common as steins of beer during Munich’s Oktoberfest.

How to eat the best brez’n in Munich?

Available in a wide variety of flavors, you can choose from sweet or savory brez’n with coatings such as plain salt, melted cheese, cinnamon sugar, and even chocolate and jalapeños. I recommend trying yours with a traditional Munich beer.

3. Spätzle

A Bavarian take on egg pasta or noodles, spätzle is one of the region’s most popular comfort foods. Often served with cheese, fried onions, and sometimes bacon, it is almost reminiscent of Mac and Cheese — an excellent option for vegetarians to indulge in traditional Munich cuisine.

How to eat the best spätzle in Munich?

A great side to accompany meat dishes like Münchner schnitzel, spätzle is a famous dish served in homes across the city. The most popular choice is käsespätzle, which comes with a thick coating of melted cheese.

4. Leberkäse

Many traditional Munich dishes are centered around hearty and succulent cuts of meat – Leberkäse is one such example. Bayerischer leberkäse is a rich meatloaf made from finely ground corned beef, fatty pork meat, bacon, onions, water, salt, and pepper.

How to eat the best leberkäse in Munich?

Another classic comfort food, enjoy your leberkäse with a slice of bread and lashings of Bavarian mustard. You might also find it frequently served with a fried egg, potato salad, and sweet mustard on the side.

5. Semmelknödel

Semmelknödel are small to large-sized bread dumplings featured in various dishes throughout Bavarian cooking, such as soups and stews or as a side served with meat. These hearty dumplings are made from diced, dry bread rolls, fresh parsley, onions, butter, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.

How to eat the best semmelknödel in Munich?

For a traditional and delicious meal, serve your semmelknödel with a beef or pork roast. They’re the perfect side dish to soak up some delightful gravy or bread sauce. For a lighter take, you can enjoy your semmelknödel in a flavorful vegetable soup.

6. Prinzregententorte

If you fancy dessert, you need to go on a hunt for a delicious Prinzregententorte. This classic Munich cake is made from eight — yes, eight — layers of biscuit sandwiched between layers of thick chocolate cream.

How to eat the best Prinzregententorte in Munich?

Catch up with friends over some traditional German Kaffee und Kuchen — or, if you want to indulge in classic Munich style, water down your Prinzregententorte with a stein of beer.

7. Schweinshaxe

When dinner time rolls around, many Munich locals will enjoy a hearty meal of schweinshaxe. A roasted ham hock taken from the end of the pig’s leg is one of the most popular foods in Munich, thanks to its inexpensive ingredients and rich and juicy flavor.

How to eat the best schweinshaxe in Munich?

Most good restaurants in the city will offer some form of this classic dish, so you won’t be hard-pressed to find it on a menu. Often served with sauerkraut (white cabbage) or semmelknödel, schweinshaxe is a must-try food if you want to eat like a local.

8. Obazda

A creamy cheese dip paired with bread and beer, obazda is a popular food in Munich. Often eaten during special occasions, this indulgent treat consists of ripe or overripe Camembert and/or Brie cheese with cream cheese, various spices, and a small amount of beer.

How to eat the best obazda in Munich?

A sunny day in the city is best enjoyed with friends in a beer garden, sipping on Bavarian beer and a side of bread or pretzels dipped in obazda.

9. Münchner schnitzel

Schnitzel is a dish you’ll find all across Central Europe. Germany, Poland, Austria, and Denmark all have their variations. Traditional Münchner schnitzel is made with pork — unlike the famous Wiener Schnitzel, which is traditionally made of veal — and wrapped in a crispy coating of horseradish and sweet mustard breadcrumbs.

How to eat the best schnitzel in Munich?

Often served with potato salad and a lemon slice, this is a great, hearty dish to enjoy for lunch while taking a break from exploring the city.

10. Weissbier or Helles

Technically not a food, but a list of food to eat in Munich wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bavarian beer. After all, the city is famous for its Oktoberfest and is regarded as one of the world’s best beer destinations. While in Munich, you need to sample some locally brewed weissbier or helles, two of the most popular choices in the city.

How to drink the best weissbier or helles in Munich?

For an authentic experience, head to a traditional Munich beer hall and sink a few steins with friends. Hofbräuhaus and Augustiner Keller are just two of the most popular in the city.

FAQs about food in Munich

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Munich?

Weisswurst, brez’n, and spätzle are just a few of the most traditional and popular dishes in Munich.

Where is the best place to take a food tour in Munich?

Munich’s Old Town is a great place to take a food tour of the city, with its wide variety of authentic restaurants and street food vendors.

What are the top local food markets in Munich to visit?

Viktualienmarkt, Elisabethmarkt, and Wiener Platz are some of the best local food markets in Munich.

What is the best time of year to visit Munich for food lovers?

As the home of some of Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets, Munich truly comes to life in winter. Spend an evening strolling the wooden stalls, enjoying the traditional Bavarian delights.

How much should I budget for food in Munich?

The average meal in Munich costs between €9 and €20 (approximately $10 to $22). To be safe, budget between €30 and €60 (roughly $33 to $66) per person per day.