There is a lot to be said for the unmistakeable combination of Bratwurst and a beer. But as a German city with one of the highest proportions of foreign nationals, there is a lot more to be found beyond a stein of Paulaner. Although Oktoberfest is of course, a popular time to hit up this exciting city, there is plenty to see, do and eat, all year round. So if you’re heading in a Bavarian-direction this Spring, take a look at these top foods for your journey.

 

Flammkuchen

Is it a cake? Is it a pizza? The translation suggests that this “flame cake” might be sweet, but it is in fact, a crisp, bready base, topped with all sorts of meat and vegetable combinations. The traditional topping includes, crème fraîche, cheese, onions, pancetta and nutmeg. Find over 10 varieties at Maex41, near the Ludwig Maximilian University and one minute’s walk from Universität (Line U3).

 

Schmalznudeln

This sweet treat is essentially a fun-shaped doughnut. What is not to love about deep fried dough? With a crispy edge, and a soft centre, schmalznudeln come straight out the fryer and into a big bowl of sugar. These baked delights are popular after a night out, with the elderly on their daily errands, and go great with a cup of coffee on a mid-afternoon break. The Schmaluznudel bakery is in fact called Café Frischhut, a deceivingly large pine-lined café. It can be found very near to the Viktualienmarkt, just off Marienplatz.

 

Anything from Rischart

Rischart to Munich is like Pret to London. There is one on nearly every street corner, and you are bound to have been drawn into one at least once a day. As well as selling some frankly beautiful loaves of bread, each store also bakes and sells a range of traditional cakes. Whilst the pillowy cheesecake is enticing enough, the Mohnstrudel is the real must-try. Layers of fine pastry, jam-packed with quark, poppy seeds and gooey honey, this poppy seed strudel really is the most indulgent treat. There are over 15 branches of Rischart in Munich, including two kiosks in the main station. Find your nearest store here.

 

Spezi

Spezi is a child’s fizzy drink dream. As a mixture of cola and orange soda, it is a great tonic to one too many beers. Interestingly, it was originally sold as a type of beer, and although strictly alcohol-free now, in Munich in particular, Spezi continues to be produced by the Paulaner brewery, and is therefore found in a whole bunch of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés.

 

Pretzels

A pretzel is as German as an efficient car, and thought particularly fondly of in the Bavarian state. In fact, in Munich, they have an entirely different name: Brezen. Whilst undeniably tasty with butter or cheese, Munich pretzels can be found as the traditional accompaniment to Weisswurst sausages. Again, Rischart, as well as pretty much any street vendor, will have the answer to all your pretzel needs.

 

Lebkuchen

There is nothing not to love about Lebkuchen, in all their Christmassy sweetness. Yes, you could buy the Gruβ aus München hearts at the airport, or you could snack on the real deal. The Familiebäckerei Kistenpfenning is a family bakery, spanning three generations, which now has 20 outlets in the north of Munich. The café near the university hosts a cake book, in which all manner of flavours, shapes and sizes of cakes can be found. But their prized product is their Lebkuchen. White chocolate, nutty, ginger, cherry – you name it, they have it.

 

Dampfnudle

Dampfnudles are lovely enough to soften the hardest of hearts. A very similar recipe can be found in Austria under the name of Germknoedel – a pillow steamed bun, filled with a fruit jam (often plum), bathing in hot vanilla custard. Made out a yeast dough and steamed in milk, this Bavarian pudding is often found as a après-ski treat.

 

Beer

This is why we love Munich. There are six local breweries that take centre stage in Munich, particularly at the Oktoberfest. These are Augustiner, Hacker Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. Whilst all these breweries begun under different auspices, they have one thing in common; their beer is available all year round. Rather than any old drinking hole, you’ll get the full experience at the Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Marienplatz, or the whole stein at the Paulaner Bräuhaus around the corner. In the summer, however, the pop-up beer garden is extremely popular with local families and tourists alike. So why not take a walk around the Englischer Garten and pick up a refreshing drink whilst you are at it?