Caspar Plautz at Viktualienmarkt - Potatoes for Lunch
Earth apples, Murphy, Tattie, Pratie, Tubers, Spud… the potato has been given the most delightful names.
Originating in South America, they traveled across Spain and Italy to spread throughout Europe.
And for hundreds of years, they’ve been cultivated here.
But rarely have we seen potatoes in as many varieties as at Caspar Plautz at Viktualienmarkt.
The best part? This potato stand doesn’t just sell the raw spuds - it also serves up delicious lunch dishes crafted from them right on site.
In 1621, Benedictine abbot Caspar Plautz published the first German cookbook with potato recipes.
Exactly 400 years later, Dominik Klier and Theo Lindinger, along with their chef Kay Hoppe, decided to publish their own potato cookbook, honoring the Benedictine’s name.
But let’s rewind a few years…
In 2017, out of love for the beautiful Viktualienmarkt (which we wholeheartedly share), they took over an available potato stand.
Caspar Plautz was reborn.
The stand, alongside those of patissier Lea Zapf, the coffee roastery and the Munich Soup Kitchen, creates a cozy gathering spot around one of the eight market fountains.
Theo and Dominik’s idea to offer small lunchtime dishes centered around potatoes, in addition to selling them raw, has been a fantastic enrichment to the already charming Viktualienmarkt.
There are a few standing tables and some simple seating options.
On sunny days, there’s nowhere we’d rather be at noon.
The duo has lovingly revived ancient potato varieties. Expertly they answer every question abaut their selection and find the perfect type for each dish.
Served on charming enamel plates, the potato might be paired with char and sour cream, roast pork with hoisin vegetables or a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Everything is sourced regionally, much of it organic and each recipe is finely tuned and deliciously executed by Kay.
Anyone who still thinks potatoes are just an old-fashioned side dish will leave Caspar Plautz with a fresh perspective - and will surely be back for more.
