October 2005
Go West...
...to Neuhausen for some unexpected retail treats
Is Munich good for shopping or not? That depends where you look. Lim-it yourself to the city center and you’ll struggle to find anything other than cheap chains or exclusive boutiques. But, as soon as you extend your retail trawl, you’ll be amazed at what goodies there are on offer. To spare you hours pounding the streets, we’ve put together a special series on the various areas of the city and a guide to the top of their shops.
This month: Neuhausen.
Those who don’t live in Neuhausen rarely go there. Besides an occasional visit to Nymphenburg Palace, or a stroll in the Olympic Park, they feel there’s little the area has to offer. But they’re mistaken. Where Glockenbach thrives on vintage and Schwabing on students, Neuhausen is a foodie haven. With delicatessen after delicatessen, it is probably possible to eat your way around the world, without ever leaving the district. Let’s start at its hub—Rotkreuzplatz. From this little square (which comes alive on Thursdays, when local producers arrive for the weekly market), start by heading away from town, along Nymphenburger Strasse. Your first stop is
Feinkost Baumgartner (Nymphenburger Strasse 181)—an old-fashioned food store packed from floor to ceiling with treats. Try some of the gourmet Bachmann chocolate, available in a range of pretty colors, or the deli’s baked ham. Wash it down with some Austrian apricot wine (Marillenwein) or a Xan wellness beer from the Weihenstephan brewery. Whatever unusual ingredient you’re after, you’ll have fun hunting for it here. Opposite is the
Garibaldi store (Nymphenburger Strasse 188, Tel. 168 97 38)—one of a chain and a good source of fresh Italian pasta, meats and cheeses. If you’re after a cute little plate to serve it all on, call in at
Himmelblau (Nymphenburger Strasse 179, Tel. 16 23 08), which sells a variety of gorgeous objects, perfect for presents. Across the road is the store’s sister outlet,
Himmelblau Wohnen (Nymphenburger Strasse 194, Tel. 13 95 81 09). Check out its range of cool home accessories, such as 1960s lampshades for less than € 100 and some very hip summer stuff, like the Tivoli outdoor digital radio. Now head off the main road and up Ruffinistrasse, on to Frundsbergstrasse. Here you’ll find the cult toy shop,
Brauseschwein (Frundsbergstrasse 52, Tel. 13 95 81 12)—an Aladdin’s cave of playthings. Walking back to Rotkreuzplatz, via Volkartstrasse, don’t miss
Muffins ’n’ More (Volkartstrasse 25, Tel. 55 06 37 96) for some Canadian baked treats,
Perlerie (Volkartstrasse 17), where you can make yourself a unique bit of jewelry and
StoffArt (Volkartstrasse 17, Tel. 168 41 51), which stocks eco-friendly but non-frumpy clothes.
Once you’re back at Rotkreuzplatz, walk in the opposite direction, along Donnersbergerstrasse, passing by Al Forno, an Italian delicatessen worth knowing when your cupboard’s bare. Simply call them at Tel. 16 53 15 and order a takeaway of one of their fresh pasta dishes. When you reach Schlörstrasse, don’t miss another foodie haunt—
Kaffee, Espresso & Barista (Schlörstrasse 11, Tel. 12 02 71 71). A peek in here is like a trip back through coffee history—the store stocks a fascinating range of cult coffee machines from the past century. It also runs courses in association with the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe, where you can learn everything you need to know about the magic bean and how to make the perfect cup. Equally exotic tastes abound around the corner, at
Mercado de Mexico (Schulstrasse 38, Tel. 13 93 75 64), which stocks Mexican specialties and craftwork. Poncho lovers, don’t miss it! Following Schlörstrasse further, take a left and check out
Hussfeld Zang (Blutenburgstrasse 83, Tel. 13 95 84 21) for some great home and kitchen accessories, such as Marimekko’s funky aprons. Anyone in need of a lampshade shouldn’t miss
München Leuchtet, just opposite, at Landshuter Allee 39 (Tel. 20 20 40 39). Now cross Landshuter Allee and follow Blutenburgstrasse further. You’ll pass
Armins Räucherkuchl (Blutenburgstrasse 55, Tel. 129 21 23), which looks like a little alpine culinary cave set in the midst of a residential area. Pick up a few smoked sausages to keep you going! Few girls will be able to resist the next stop—
Das Puppenhaus (Blutenburgstrasse 63, Tel. 12 39 13 76). This dream of a shop has everything you could imagine for dolls’ houses, from miniature flower arrangements to vanity sets. Even if you’re not a collector, it’s fun to stop and marvel. For some life-size delights, stop in at
batterie (Blutenburgstrasse 98, Tel. 13 01 03 30). This glorified junk store is a treasure trove of finds, from vintage clothes to lamps and pictures—you name it, they’ve got it. Heading left up Elvira-strasse, you’ll come to the next stop—
Maître Jean (Elvirastrasse 3, Tel. 12 00 12 19). Run by a French woman who won’t let you leave without trying her latest delicacies, this store stocks French specialties, crockery and gifts. For a touch of Dutch, on the other hand, head down the road to
Décor & Design (Elvirastrasse 14, Tel. 12 00 00 90). This tasteful interiors store sources most of its products from Holland and, whether you’re after a total restyle or just some accessories, you’re sure to find something that’ll make the detour to Neuhausen worth it.
Next month: Haidhausen
