Some come to Munich for the art, some for the beer gardens, and some… for a simple pretzel. Take note, here street food isn't just a break, it's a statement of intent. 

In a city where even pouring a beer is a ritual, pretzels evoke the symbol of ancient artisan guilds, and bratwurst is enjoyed like an urban tradition.

Street food reigns supreme in Munich. In neighbourhoods like Schwabing or Glockenbachviertel, street food often takes on more contemporary forms: vegan bratwurst, whole-wheat pretzels, and craft beers. But if you're looking for tradition without culinary reinterpretations, the local markets are the place for you.

Pretzels and bratwurst are the main highlights of Munich's street food.

Crispy, gracefully knotted, and covered in coarse salt: the Bavarian brezn or pretzel is everywhere. It denotes the specialities of local bakeries, but watch out, as there are several variations of the dough recipe.

Located in the heart of the old town, Viktualienmarkt was a farmer's market in 1880 and is now home to a wide selection, with each stall offering its own unique version: buttered, with fresh cheese and chives (Schnittlauchbrezn), or stuffed with salmon and horseradish. Among the historic stalls, Karnoll's bakery stands out not only because the pretzels are always fresh and warm, but because you can taste the love and passion the Karnoll family put into their dough. 

For grill lovers, however, bratwurst is a must-try. These spicy sausages are usually made from pork or, less commonly, veal or beef. From grillwalkers who move around with grills slung over their shoulders to specialised shops or famous restaurants like the Bratwurstherzl, you can find a good Bratwurst on every corner. Their preparation is almost a form of art, involving a selection of spicy mustard, spices, and herbs. If you are a fan of Würstl, the gently scalded Weißwurst is definitely worth trying and is served strictly before noon.

Two must-see markets for a wandering brunch

Named after Bavarian Princess and later Austrian Empress Sisi (also known through movies under the name Sissi), the Elisabethmarkt is a 20th-century market composed of "tiny houses" selling local products, such as cheese, meat, fish, vegetables, and artisanal biscuits. Located in the Schwabing district in northern Munich, the market is a combination of elegance and a creative vibe, where you can enjoy a coffee in peace with bicycles parked in front of independent galleries.  

Last but not least, the Wiener Markt is the alternative, trendy market. Located on Wiener Platz, it offers fresh produce, fine dining, and flowers - all in a refined and intimate setting. The crowd is mainly local, and it's located in the Haidhausen neighbourhood on the eastern bank of the Isar River. This former working-class village is now one of the most intimate and relaxed areas of Munich. It has an authentic, independent village charm, with its cobbled squares, hidden courtyards, vintage-furnished cafes, theatres, and arthouse cinemas. It’s definitely worth a visit for some delicious takeout, which you can enjoy in one of its beautiful urban parks, such as Kronepark.

A visit to the Oktoberfest

When it comes to pretzels and bratwurst, we can't help but mention the ultimate festival where you can try these specialities: Oktoberfest, the undisputed queen of Bavarian authenticity.

Here, street food takes on epic proportions: pretzels the size of Tyrolean hats, sausages of every shape, and enough mustard to fill the Isar River. This year, it returns once again from September 20 to October 5 at the Theresienwiese for its 190th edition. While people often eat standing, they always toast in style. So, explore, savour, and unwind.

Munich truly has the extraordinary gift of making you feel at home, even with a pretzel in hand and a light jacket under the Bavarian blue sky.