Hofbrauhaus Munchen, Germany

Previously:

Munich

If you are heading to Munich, Hofbrauhaus is probably already on your bucket list.  Let me tell you right now that this place is absolutely massive!  The energy inside is completely insane, with traditional live brass music pumping through the halls and creating an unmatched atmosphere.  Whatever you do, do not underestimate the crowds here because it gets packed fast.  Do yourself a massive favour and make a reservation in advance or you will find yourself circling the tables like a hawk looking for a spot to sit.

Hofbrau original and Hofbrau dunkel (dark) 1lt 11.60 Euro (around AUD 19)

You literally cannot visit without ordering a beer, as it is a mandatory rite of passage.  We ordered the original lager, which was crisp and classic, along with the dark dunkel, which was rich, smooth and perfect for hearty food.  Watching the staff was a highlight of the night.  The waiters are absolutely superheroes and I was completely amazed by how they can carry 10 or more of those massive, heavy glass steins in one go without spilling a single drop.

We went all out on the food and ordered a massive traditional spread.  The schnitzel and the weiner sausages were my absolute favourites of the night, as the schnitzel was perfectly golden and crispy while the sausages were super snappy and juicy. The pork knuckle did not look that big when it first arrived, but it turned out to be incredibly meaty and filling.  We also had the Bavarian duck and a gulasch soup that was rich and packed with deep flavour.  The only real miss for me was the potato dumplings.  They were just not my cup of tea because the texture was chewy, feeling almost like a dense meatball.

Pork knuckle 22 Euro (around AUD 36.25)

Four pieces of Wiener sausages served with mustard and sauerkraut 13.50 Euro (around AUD 22.25)

Schnitzel Wiener 19.90 Euro (around AUD 32.80)

1/4 Bavarian duck 21.50 Euro (around AUD 35.45)

Goulash soup 9.50 Euro (around AUD 15.70)

Even though the environment was very, very, very busy, the service was amazing from start to finish.  Our waiter was incredibly attentive and never made us feel forgotten in the sea of people.  I highly recommend checking this place out for the ultimate Munich experience, just remember to book the table ahead of time!

Hofbrauhaus Munchen

Platzl 9, 80331 Munchen

Ph: +49 89 290136100

Munich

Previously:

Koos Hotel and Apartment, Munich

With a whole evening to spend in Munich, I took the opportunity to simply wander through the city, the Platz and soak it all in.  The streets were lined with beautiful European architecture, from grand historic buildings to charming facades glowing in the evening light.  

I found myself exploring the LEGO store, where one of the highlights was an impressive LEGO-built Frauenkirche Cathedral model, packed with intricate details that made it hard to believe it was made entirely from bricks. 

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Munich:

Hofbrauhaus Munchen, Germany

Koos Hotel and Apartment, Munich

Previously:

McDonald's in Germany

The final stop on our Europe trip earlier this year was German - Munich, to be exact.

We stayed at Koos Hotel, which was a great location and made it easy to get around the city.  The hotel itself had a simple, modern, business-style vibe.  One thing that was completely new to us was that there were no room keys!  Instead, you open your room using an App on your phone.  We had never experienced that before, but thankfully, the lovely lady at the concierge kindly showed us how everything worked.

The room was more like a self-contained apartment than a hotel room.  It came with two bedrooms, each with own bathroom, plus a laundry area, kitchen and a comfortable living space.  It was perfect for a longer stay and gave us plenty of room to relax after a day of exploring.

We also appreciate the little touches, like the chocolate waiting on our pillows when we arrived.  That's one of the things I really love about hotels in Europe.  They often add thoughtful details that make your stay feel extra special.

Breakfast was another highlight, with a great selection of options to choose from.  Just a little tip: if you're after hot items such as bacon and eggs, you'll need to order them directly from the kitchen.

Overall, Koos Hotel was a comfortable and convenient base for our time in Munich, and a lovely way to finish off our European adventure.

Koos Hotel and Apartment

Sonnenstrasse 18b, 80331 

Munchen Ludwigsvorstadt - Isarvorstadt

Ph: +49 89 4613530

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Munich:

Munich

McDonald's in Germany

Previously:

Maislinger Bakery, Hallstatt

I still remember my McDonald's visit in Germany, at that time, their standout item was this burger stacked with a slab of pork ribs, absolutely drenched in sauce.  Not just a little drizzle either - this thing was unapologetically messy.  The kind of burger where you know you'll need extra napkins before even take the first bite. The meat was tender, the sauce was rich and slightly sweet.

That said, as much as I loved it, it didn't quite beat the bacon and egg burger I had in Switzerland.  Still, I have to admit, anything overly saucy automatically earns extra points from me.  There's something about that messy, flavour-packed bite that just hits differently.

To finish it off, I ordered a hot sweet pie - a cherry chocolate pie.  It was just ordinary. 

  

Pork ribs burger

Twin nugget

Cherry chocolate pie

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Germany:

Koos Hotel and Apartment, Munich

Maislinger Bakery, Hallstatt

Previously:

Hallstatt, Austria

We started the day the right way, with a visit to a local loved bakery shop - Maislinger Bakery.  There's something special about grabbing fresh bread straight from a neighbourhood bakery and this place did not disappoint.

Paired with our picks was a cup of Hallstatt coffee.  It was rich, warming and elevated with delicate drips of alcohol that gave a subtle kick.  It felt like a small indulgence, perfect for easing into the morning.

The cheese and bacon stick was a standout savoury, satisfying and baked just right.  And for something sweet, the apricot jam filled donut was an absolute little treat.  It was soft and pillowy. 

Cafe Backerei Konditorei Maislinger

Seestrasse 156, 4830 Hallstatt

PH: +43 6134 20004

Open: 6:30 am - 5 pm (Sunday closed)

 
Stay tuned for the next blog still in Europe:

McDonald's in Germany