Sending your taste buds on an international adventure is the best cure for the moderate wanderlust that can descend in winter months. Each of these Munich shops will provide you with the authentic ingredients you’ll need to create a meal that stirs remembrances of home, or dreams of new destinations.
Senza la Mamma is packed to the brim with Italian salami, olive oil, sweets and, of course, pastas. At first glance, however, they seem to be just the decorations of an Italian café: Several high tables dot the store, and soft candlelight bounces off of the grotto-like walls. Owner Ralph Bauch offers fresh-made Italian lunches every day. Those inspired to craft their own Zuppa di Fagioli or pesto will find all of the necessary ingredients, and a wide selection of imported wines, including a selection of rich Montepulcianos. (Hiltenspergerstrasse 15, Tel. 27 29 95 31. Mon.–Fri., 10 am–8 pm; Sat., 10 am–2 pm.)
Most tour guides highlight the Viktualienmarkt as the city’s premier market, but Schwabing’s Elisabethplatz is a smaller cluster of stalls free from tourist hordes and rich in international offerings. Barcelona meets Bavaria, for example, at Sancho Panza. The Barrón family imports an array of Spanish wines, oils, ham, horchata (almond milk), and more. Those tempted to taste can sample the goods by choosing from a daily selection of fresh-made tapas, representing many regions of Spain. (Stand 2 on Nordendstrasse, Tel. 271 02 01. Tues.–Fri., 10 am–7 pm; Sat., 9 am–2 pm.)
Nearby at Le Châlet du Fromage, each Monday sees the arrival of a truck bearing cheese, wine and ba-guettes straight from France. Indulging in an 18-month old Mimolette with a light hazelnut taste, or a smooth Crottin goat cheese from a farm in the Pyrennees would make anyone a Francophile. (Elisabethplatz, Stand 11, Tel. 271 22 43. Tues.–Thurs., 10 am–6:30 pm; Fri., 9:30 am–6:30 pm; Sat., 9 am–3 pm.)
Munich’s Australian expats (of which there are around 500) will be glad to know that they can get a taste of home without flying halfway around the world. Australian Shopping World stocks these and many other delicacies from down under. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are stuffed with Foster’s, Australian Shiraz, TamTams, and lots of other surprises. There’s also a small selection of cookbooks from Australian Women’s Weekly and Aussie hats that could serve as an ersatz chef’s toque for the truly authentic cook. (Dachauerstrasse 109, Tel. 542 8391. Mon.–Fri., 10 am–7 pm; Sat., 10 am–2 pm.)
The clean modern de-sign of Mélody’s Canada gives the ambience a crisp edge in tune with its offerings—imported Canadian goods. Although many shoppers might draw a blank on “Canadian cuisine,” the rich variety of items stocked in immaculate displays is astounding. Award-winning ice wines, bison salami, and wild rice from Saskatchewan are pleasant surprises, while the selection of fantastic maple syrups lives up to expectations. Friendly owner Mélody Roussy-Parent also supplies coffee, conversation, and fantastic homemade muffins. (Jahnstrasse 11, Tel. 55 26 20 94. Open Tues.–Fri., 11 am– 7 pm; Sat., 10 am–4 pm.)
