In November of 2018, the new Westend cafe, Bean + Batter, opened its doors and Munich, in all her trend-hungry glory, swarmed. With one flip of the waffle iron, this clever, little café came to fill the honeycomb hole in Munich’s culinary heart. Just in time, too, because I’ve been craving waffles to no end lately. With coffee, waffles and a heaping selection of so much more, this café is sure to be your new favorite brunch spot—at least until the next big thing pops up. Be forewarned though, the locale is small and there are no reservations so you might have to rumble for a coveted spot.
In my experience, not sleeping in on the weekend to show up at ten (when the kitchen opens) is well worth the dark under eye circles. In truth, most anything is worth the irresistible fluff-crunch ratio of a Belgian-style waffle. Speaking of waffles, I was beyond elated to find that the waffles at Bean + Batter are golden-crisp on the outside and airy-smooth on the inside. This textural perfection is paired with a palatal plainness surely meant to avoid competition with the abundant choice of toppings both savory and sweet. Would my American taste buds prefer a sweeter batter base? Yes. Was I at all unhappy with my waffle by the end of the meal? No.
After falling in love with Franzbrötchen in Hamburg, I couldn’t resist ordering one as a sweet little appetizer while waiting for my savory waffles. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the buttery cinnamon-bun-croissant hybrid wasn’t overly sticky sweet. As far as toppings are concerned, I expect the world would have ended if I hadn’t fallen for the charm of a classic avocado-egg-bacon combo. My only sorrow was that the poached egg was more jelly than runny, but I suppose that consistency of one’s yolk is more a matter of taste than law writ. So, as long as it’s not rubber, I’m willing to forgive. Because one waffle flavor is never enough, I also tried the mushroom-feta-caper combo and although the moisture of the marinade did comprise the integrity of my waffle, the overall flavor profile was perfectly salty-sour and a pleasure to eat.
As far as the beans at Bean + Batter are concerned, they come from the tiny JB Roastery. The light and fruity blend is a charming base for all their espresso creations. If you aren’t a coffee person, Bean + Batter also offers a selection of te
Like any modern café, Bean + Batter pay particular attention to quality and origin when selecting their ingredients. As such, fruits and veggies are gathered from the Elisabethmarkt, the coffee is roasted locally, and their juices come from the Bodensee. This level consciousness is, of course, something this generation has come to require and expect. Still, it’s a pleasant touch to show an elevated sense of care.
All in all, if you’re craving a waffle – whether it is for breakfast, brunch or lunch – Bean + Batter is the perfect place to get it. Pair it with nice a cup of coffee, cake, soup or Shakshuka and you’re sure to be pleased with you trip to Schwanthalerhöhe’s new it-spot.
Let me know what you think of Bean + Batter and don’t hesitate to share your own personal favorite when it comes to local cafés, wherever your local may be.
Bean + Batter
Schwanthalerstr. 123
80339 München
Wed. – Sun: 9:00 – 18:00
Kitchen: 10:00 – 17:00
