Last autumn,
We made the most of the kids’ fall break by exploring Munich’s charm as a family. And of course, when in Munich, one must think of beer! The city, whose name originates from “Munichen” or “the place of monks” founded in the 12th century, feels like the perfect setting to savor Bavaria’s finest brews. Each evening, we enjoyed classic beer and German dishes in one of Munich’s cozy beer houses.
Before we get to the highlights, let me share what makes Munich’s charm and history remarkable.
Arriving from Berlin in the north, the contrast was immediate—where Berlin sprawls, Munich is compact and welcoming. The city, situated close to the Alps, has a serene, clean, and elegant ambiance, graced by historical architecture and dotted with beautifully adorned churches that speak to its deep Catholic roots. There’s a conservatism and tradition here, gently woven into every corner
Historically,
Munich was part of the Holy Roman Empire and later became a powerful kingdom in the 19th century as the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Berlin, meanwhile, was the heart of the Kingdom of Prussia, known for its Protestant and military-focused values. Experiencing each city’s distinctive atmosphere—shaped by their histories before Germany was united—was truly impactful and eye-opening.
One charming detail that stood out was the greeting “Grüß Gott!” I heard it everywhere in Munich—a local phrase that added a delightful touch of Bavarian authenticity I’d never encountered in Berlin.
Now, let’s dive into what you’re really here for: the beer and delicious Bavarian food!
Starting with the beer—every place we tried served outstanding brews, but nothing quite compares to Hofbräuhaus München, the world’s largest beer hall. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by a vibrant, buzzing atmosphere. You grab a seat wherever you can, often sharing large tables with others, giving it the lively feel of a grand, German-style tavern. We ordered 500ml mugs, but I was amazed to see locals casually sipping from 1-liter steins! Many people were simply enjoying their beer without food—a true homage to Bavarian beer culture! Of course, we couldn’t resist buying a pretzel from a charming vendor in traditional dress, and with the band playing cheerful tunes, it was a night that felt as authentically German as it gets.
As for the food,
the most unforgettable dish was at another beer house, Augustiner, where we tried their “crispy roast pork (shoulder), oven-baked, with dark beer sauce, potato dumplings and cabbage salad.” It was so good that we had to return the next day for more!The pork skin was beautifully crispy, giving way to tender meat that paired perfectly with the dark beer sauce—a rich, layered flavor with a hint of sweetness that lingered with every bite. And the potato dumpling (Kartoffelknödel) soaked up the sauce brilliantly, creating a harmony of flavors. If you’d like to make these potato dumplings at home, you’ll find a Kartoffelknödel recipe on Umami sans frontières—don’t miss it!
And to end on a sweet note,
let me introduce my dessert recommendation: Kaiserschmarrn. This fluffy, Austrian-style pancake is browned with butter, torn into bite-sized pieces, and dusted generously with powdered sugar. Here, it came with a side of warm apple compote. This sweet, cozy dish is the perfect way to wrap up an evening filled with Bavarian delights! If you’re craving this taste of Bavaria at home, you’ll find my Kaiserschmarrn recipe on Umami sans frontières as well.
That’s all for now,
but I’ll be back to share more of Munich’s culinary treasures soon. Stay tuned for more delicious adventures!
