An Edible Voyage

February 2020 During Fasching, the carnival season in Munich, trays of krapfen (doughnuts) fill shop windows, with every flavour imaginable from traditional apricot to wacky chilli.  Jam filled, and glazed or simply dusted with icing sugar, these fluffy balls of dough aren't dissimilar to your standard doughnut. Find them in every bakery or konditorei.

February 2020 Sometimes it feels like you don't walk more than 50m before coming across the next bakery and/ or pastry shop. Not that this is a bad thing! Franzbrotchen are typically a breakfast item found in Northern Germany, however they also go particularly well with coffee. This flat, croissant-cinnamon bun hybrid is the best of both - a little bit flaky, a little bit doughy, with a hint of cinnamon, and just enough sweetness to make it moorish without being sickly.  Pair it with a coffee to balance out the sweet butteryness. Find it at Man Versus Machine on Mullerstrasse

February 2020 There are a few speciality coffee shops that have sprung up around Munich. My favourite was Gangundgabe. With an eclectic mix of comfy chairs, wooden chairs and old cinema seats, it has a homely vibe without feeling cluttered. The coffee offerings are impressive with espresso, drip and french press offered, and multiple roasts to choose from. I opted for the light, fruity roast as a flat white, a fine example with perfectly steamed milk and a distinctive flavour. This cafe puts all its energy in to coffee so food is limited to brownies and cookies. Beans are available to take home. Find it on Kapuzinerstrasse.

February 2020 Head to Braustuberl for simple but hearty Bavarian home style cooking. Big hunks of roasted pork served with potato dumplings - with the texture of chewy balls of mashed potato, they are an acquired texture. As with many traditional foods, it's not something I'd necessarily choose at home, but when in Rome... The zingy, finely chopped cabbage salad was surprisingly tasty and needed to cut through the rich meat. Wash it down with a sweet white beer. They also do a delicious looking wiener schnitzel. Find Braustuberl on Brauhausstrasse

February 2020 I actually really enjoy eating at restaurants on my own sometimes. It's a great opportunity for a bit of me time, plus it's much easier to get a space at popular, booked out restaurants. In Munich, chefs are taking inspiration from traditional, hearty Bavarian fayre and giving it contemporary twists - lightening it up, veganising it, playing around with local ingredients. Max Pett is the place to go. Relaxed, homely, just enough off the beaten track to feel like a neighbourhood secret (but not a well kept one judging by the constant flow of hungry diners flowing in) - everything you want for a warm, cosy evening, catching up with friends, or a quick bite to eat when you can't be bothered to cook, where every bite is a mouthful of goodness.  The soy wiener schnitzel with remolade, homemade fries and  date ketchup seemed to be a popular choice, although I went for the barley risotto - warming and filling, but maintaining a freshness at the same time. The...