Beer halls and bustling markets. Butchers and bakers. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is the region’s culinary heartland, overflowing with places to sample tasty local delicacies. When visiting this vibrant German city, seek out these delicious regional delights on a gourmet adventure.
Pretzels
The must-have accompaniment to beer at Oktoberfest, the pretzel is a signature Bavarian staple and an important part of Munich’s snack culture. Made from glossy bread twisted into a knot, pretzels are best sampled warm, straight from the oven. Try them at family-run craft bakery, Neulinger Brot & Feinbäckerei, or taste traditional versions at the historic Rischart bakery.
Weisswurst
There’s a classic saying that weisswurst shouldn’t be allowed to hear the noon chime of the church bells. Typically eaten for breakfast (or at least before lunchtime), these white sausages are made from pork back bacon and minced veal and served simply with mustard for dipping. Taste Munich’s best at local favourite, Bratwurstherzl, or pick some up tinned to take home from the refined Dallmayr Delicatessen.
Obatzda
An enticing blend of Camembert and butter enlivened with paprika and onion, obatzda is present in every Bavarian beer garden and home. Spread it on bread or dip your pretzel into it. Sample obatzda at Munich’s legendary Viktualienmarkt food market, or any beer hall you visit.
Schmalznudeln
An indulgent, sugar-kissed confection, schmalznudeln are large, ring-shaped doughnuts with a fine layer of dough in the centre instead of a hole. Perfect for dunking in your afternoon coffee. Pick up sensational schmalznudeln in Munich at Cafe Frischhut Schmalznudel or the timelessly elegant Café Luitpold.
Beer
Beer is a way of life in Bavaria and Munich is spoilt for choice with breweries and beer halls galore. There are over 40 types and 4,000 brands to try. Sip on a Weissbier at the iconic Hofbräuhaus (the world’s oldest beer house), or recline in the sun with a beer-filled stein in Augustiner Keller’s leafy garden.
Journey to Munich’s culinary hotspots with a private tour when staying at The Charles Hotel in Munich. Whether visiting a historical brewery or the excellent Viktualienmarkt, our concierge will arrange any gastronomic experience you wish to have. Enquire at +49 89 544 5550 or email info.charles@roccofortehotels.com
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
The name Bernardo Buontalenti might not mean much to those outside of Florence, but it should. A prestigious Florentine architect and artist favoured by the Medici, he is also widely credited with inventing gelato. This frozen delight is now as synonymous with Italy as pizza and is deeply intertwined with Florence’s heritage. Take a tour of the city’s most celebrated gelaterias, curated by the expert concierge team at Hotel Savoy.
Maestro Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan, Director of Mixology at Brown’s Hotel, discuss the creative process behind Happily Ever After, the Donovan Bar’s new fairytale-inspired cocktail menu, launching on 28th May.
