Discover Munich’s Green Oasis: Savor Authentic Bavarian Cuisine in a Historic Beer Garden

The primary goal of our blog is to introduce you to the vibrant world of authentic Asian cuisine in Germany. We aim to showcase restaurants that we have personally tried and that have left a lasting impression on us with their ambience, excellent service and most importantly, their delicious, authentic food. We hope to inspire your next dining experience and perhaps even help you explore a culinary landscape you might not otherwise have discovered.

That said, we do occasionally venture beyond our original concept to explore the rich diversity of the culinary scene in German cities and beyond, whether it’s African, Italian or classic German cuisine. With this in mind – and in celebration of the Oktoberfest– I would like to return to my roots and introduce you to a Munich beer garden where we enjoyed an unforgettable summer evening on our last visit to the city.

Hearty Bavarian food, plenty of beer, lots of happy people and, as a highlight, a small enclosure with dozens of deer – today’s destination is the Royal Hirschgarten in Munich. With over 8,000 seats, it is the largest beer garden in the world. Rustic, cosy and close to nature, it’s also very popular with the locals. It offers a quiet yet lively atmosphere, great Bavarian cuisine and reasonable prices by Munich standards.

The idyllic Hirschgarten, a vast park that was once the hunting ground of the Bavarian kings, exudes a unique charm shaped by its rich history. Unlike Munich’s other famous beer gardens, such as the Hofbräuhaus or the Chinese Tower, the Hirschgarten offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere that many locals appreciate. It’s also a great place for families, with playgrounds and a deer enclosure to keep the little ones entertained.

The beer garden is divided into three distinct areas: an indoor restaurant with approximately 500 seats, an outdoor dining space accommodating around 1,200 guests, and a sprawling self-service section with room for about 7,000 people. In the restaurant, visitors can enjoy an à la carte menu of Bavarian specialities. Meanwhile, the self-service area, considered the heart of the beer garden, allows guests to bring their own food to pair with freshly tapped draught beer.

The real highlight of our summer evening in this beer garden – and one of the main reasons we felt so comfortable and reluctant to leave – was the park’s fallow deer enclosure. This spacious 2 hectare area is home to a family of fallow deer that roam freely. With a little patience, visitors can enjoy the thrill of feeding these gentle creatures, which is particularly fun for children. It’s important to be aware of their dietary preferences; local grass, salad and bread are suitable treats, although it’s wise to check the specific rules on site. You can also buy special deer treats from a nearby vending machine.

No beer garden is complete without a selection of beers! In the self-service area you’ll find Augustiner Helles and Augustiner Radler, two of Munich’s most popular beers that have achieved cult status far beyond the city’s borders. These beers are crafted by the renowned Augustiner-Bräu brewery, which has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1328, making it one of Munich’s oldest breweries. Remarkably, it remains privately owned, a rarity in an era when many breweries have been absorbed into large corporations.

And now for the food! We opted for a classic Bavarian feast: a juicy knuckle of pork, half a roast chicken, creamy obatzda with pretzels and two small fresh salads from the self-service counter.

Obatzda is a delicious traditional Bavarian cheese spread made from a mixture of Camembert or Brie with butter, cream cheese or quark and spices such as paprika, salt, pepper and garlic. A splash of beer is often added to enhance the flavour profile. The spread is enriched with fresh red onions and garnished with spring onions for a lively and inviting presentation. The combination of mild cheese and spices creates a slightly tangy flavor, with the paprika adding a gentle warmth and beautiful color. The butter brings a creamy texture that makes Obatzda both hearty and savory. It pairs perfectly with fresh bread or pretzels as part of a snack platter. Simply spread some obatzda on a pretzel, top with fresh onions, and you have a delicious treat! Despite its ease of preparation, obatzda is always a highlight for me.

The knuckle of pork, or “Haxn” as it’s known in Bavaria, is a true embodiment of hearty cuisine. It’s perfectly browned, with a crispy skin encasing tender, juicy meat. The crackling, the pork’s crispy outer layer, forms a delicious crust during roasting, complemented by a tender, melting layer of fat underneath. The flavor is further enhanced by spices such as cumin and garlic. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh, slightly spicy Bavarian potato salad made with shallots, vinegar and oil for a tangy contrast.

Similarly, the half chicken or “a halbes Hendl” is equally hearty and juicy, with the same irresistible crispy skin found on the pork knuckle. Grilled over an open flame or cooked in a charcoal oven, the chicken takes on an intense smoky flavor that elevates the dish. An aromatic blend of herbs and spices gives the meat a robust flavor that makes every bite a savory delight.

To complement the hearty and rich meal, we ordered two small salads made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and shallots. Once again, the rule holds true: simple yet delicious.

The Royal Hirschgarten in Munich captivates visitors with its charming beer garden ambiance, authentic Bavarian cuisine, and an extensive selection of regional beers. One of its most outstanding features is the spacious self-service area, along with a delightful deer enclosure that particularly enchants children. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the Bavarian way of life, savoring delicious food, refreshing beer, and a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by nature.