Schmalznudel - Cafe Frischhut

Jeez. Where do I even begin. I would give 10 stars if I could. The freshly fried doughnut is out of this world! Hands down, this was tastiest doughnut I have ever eaten so far! There are different shapes available to buy and I would recommend you to get the circular shaped one. The inner part is crispy and the sides are chewy and delicious. Trust me on this one, you must come and try their doughnuts.

If you’re following travel blogs about Munich, you’ve probably come across Schmalznudel - Cafe Frischhut, a well-loved spot near Viktualienmarkt. Known for its traditional Bavarian pastries, this café offers a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere that makes for a pleasant stop during a city stroll. The service is friendly and efficient, adding to the welcoming vibe of the place. Even when it’s busy, the staff keeps things moving while maintaining a warm attitude. The interior is charming and simple, with a classic café feel that makes you want to linger over a cup of coffee. As for the star of the show—the Schmalznudel (fried dough pastry)—it’s served fresh and hot, which is a definite plus. While the texture is light and crispy, the taste itself is somewhat average, lacking the depth of flavor that one might expect after reading all the rave reviews. However, if you enjoy traditional pastries straight from the fryer, it’s worth trying at least once.

Well known cafe that specialises in Bavarian pastries - and they are all delicious!! They are around 5 Euros a piece. Also one of the few cafes in Munich that advertised ‘Iced Latte’ - extra point from me. Everything was super delicious and service was lovely. Only downside is that the outside area is located next to a somewhat busy road.

We came for the schmalznudel and it didn’t disappoint. It has a light and crispy texture and goes very well with a coffee. Staff are friendly and attentive, making sure you have what you need. A charming place to visit, would recommend.

We stopped by this Cafe near Viktualienmarkt after seeing it pop up on nearly every Munich food list and many Tik Tok videos. It’s clearly popular, and there’s no doubt the Bavarian pastries are made fresh and served hot….especially the namesake schmalznudel. But beyond the fried dough novelty, the experience was a bit underwhelming. The service felt rushed and impersonal, and while that might be expected at busy spots, there wasn’t much warmth from the staff to balance it out. One thing to note: they only accept cash, which caught more than one tourist off guard including myself. As for the pastry itself it was light and crispy, but flavour wise, fairly plain. Also picked up a Krapfen that was filled with marmalade that was light and fluffy. If you’re into hot, simple fried dough the schmalznudel might hit the spot. Otherwise, it’s more of a quick snack than a must eat moment. Overall, glad we tried it once, but it didn’t quite live up to the buzz.