The Meals That Made Kori’s Bavaria Christmas Market Road Trip Unforgettable

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If you want the food on your Germany trip to be as memorable as the sights, you’re in the right place.

After our Complete Custom Itinerary client Kori and I wrapped her 1 week Christmas market road trip in Bavaria trip report episode, we started chatting about food.

After hearing about the wonderful meals and restaurants she and her husband enjoyed on their trip, I invited her back to just talk about everything and everywhere they ate in Germany!

Listen to the podcast episode below or keep reading for Kari’s favorite meals, food tips, and restaurant recommendations.

This article is also available as the Germany Travel Planning podcast episode #56. Use the player below to listen or continue reading the article below. See episode transcript on Apple podcasts.

Nuremberg Bratwurst: The Most Famous Sausage in Germany

Kori’s first official meal in Germany was at an historic Nuremberg sausage restaurant that’s been making its famous Bratwurst since the late 1300s.

The restaurant has a communal seating setup, which means you might find yourself sharing a long table with a couple of strangers. Kori and her husband ended up tucked into a cozy back corner with 2 other couples nearby. They ordered a platter of the Nuremberg sausages, potato salad, and a couple of cold beers.

The sausages are roasted over a specific type of wood that gives them a distinct smoky flavor, different from anything else you will try even in the same city. And those tiny little finger-sized links are so easy to eat – delicious!

Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle: Must-Try Christmas Market Drinks

Kori’s first drink at a German Christmas market was a blueberry Glühwein (mulled wine)…and she was immediately hooked. Later, at the medieval Christmas market in Munich, they tried a Feuerzangenbowle, the dramatic flaming punch served in goblets. Both were big hits!

They also discovered Glühwein mit Schuss, which is mulled wine with a shot. The apple and gin version was a favorite. And in Rothenburg, Kori found a stall serving really good hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, which is a nice alternative if you want something warming but not alcoholic.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Kaiserschmarrn & Langos

Rothenburg turned into a food highlight all on its own. Kori’s husband became completely devoted to Käsespätzle – the creamy noodle dish with cheese and crispy fried onions on top. He loved it so much he had it multiple times.

Kori’s personal favorite market bite from the whole trip was Langos, the Hungarian fried dough that has become a staple at German Christmas markets in recent years. She tried two versions – one with Nutella, and one savory version with sour cream, cheese, and garlic. Both were instant favorites.

King Ludwig Themed Dinner

This dinner wasn’t something Kori had on her radar before she arrived. She and her husband stayed at the Ammaron Resort, which sits right between Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles with jaw-dropping views of both. The resort offers a 4-course dinner in the evenings and the menu is themed after King Ludwig II’s personal food preferences but with a modern, elegant twist.

Kori’s dinner included Bavarian trout and chestnut soup, and for dessert, she chose the snow eggs – one of Ludwig’s favorites. That dessert includes a beautiful meringue shell you break into to find a cold creamy filling inside.

The staff was excellent at pairing wines with each course, and the Ludwig Bar on the property serves creative cocktails, including one with a swan floating on top, which is very on-brand for the castle setting.

Kori noted that most guests do the full four-course experience. It’s elegant and fun without being stuffy, and the dining room is intimate enough that you end up chatting with people at neighboring tables.

The Best Hotel Breakfast

German hotel breakfast is already one of life’s great pleasures, but the Ammaron takes it up a notch.

There was a honeycomb setup where you could scoop fresh honey directly onto your yogurt or bread, a mimosa station, a coffee machine with multiple brewing options, a full hot breakfast spread with sausages and eggs, and Kori’s personal favorite: pretzel rolls, served warm.

There was also a sweet little kids’ corner with character plates and cups, which is a thoughtful touch if you are traveling with little ones.

A Traditional Bavarian Beer Hall

After their Neuschwanstein castle tour, Kori and her husband relaxed at the beer hall restaurant on the Ammaron property. They had an impressive charcuterie board, goulash soup, a fresh salad, and schnitzel, all washed down with a couple of big mugs of beer at the long communal tables. It was cozy, casual, and exactly what you want after a big wintery sightseeing day.

What It’s Like to Eat at a Michelin Star Restaurant in Munich

Munich has several Michelin-starred restaurants, and Kori chose Brothers, which is run by twin brothers Marcus and Tobias. She made the reservation about a month in advance, though she noted some restaurants in Munich do not open their calendars until 30 days out, so it is worth setting a reminder if you are targeting a specific place.

Kori and her husband sat at the bar, which gave them a full view of the kitchen in action. Kori loves watching a kitchen work – it’s like watching a symphony.

They decided on the 6-course tasting menu with a champagne and wine pairing. A standout moment from that meal was a scallop wrapped in pastry, served with a sauce, pickled artichoke, and a sliver of endive topped with caviar. Kori said she had never tasted anything like it.

The bread was also a highlight…little warm popovers that they baked throughout the whole evening and served with butter.

Both Marcus and Tobias came to chat with them throughout the meal. One of the brothers had recently visited Texas, fallen in love with brisket, and was enthusiastically peppering Kori and her husband with questions about Texas barbecue!

If you are nervous about Michelin-star dining, Kori says this one is a great entry point. The staff is warm and approachable, the space is small and interesting rather than intimidating, and the experience was enjoyable.

The Best Döner Kebab in Munich

And then there was the hole-in-the-wall Döner place that Kori almost walked right past.

She had done her research and searched for highly-rated spots in the Nymphenburg area of Munich. The one she found,, Arkadas, is tucked into a row of storefronts and is easy to miss.

Kori and her husband ordered by pointing at a number on the menu, said yes to everything on it, and took their wrapped Döner outside to eat on the sidewalk in the cold. After their first bite, they were in love.

If you are in Munich, find a small busy Döner spot in a neighborhood and just go for it. Just order, say yes to the toppings, and enjoy!

About Kori Knappe

Kori lives in West Central Texas with her husband and business partner, Chris, and their two children. She loves good food, spending time outside, reading and is usually planning her next trip!