Why it belongs in ORBIS
Munich spice bazaar by chef Alfons Schuhbeck — over 150 hand-selected exotic spices, blends, and global seasonings in an ornate two-level Old Town shop.
Schuhbeck's flagship spice shop occupies a gilded, two-story space at Platzl 4a in Munich's Altstadt, just steps from Marienplatz. Founded by Alfons Schuhbeck—a chef known for traveling the world sourcing spices and ingredients—the shop opened in its current form in 2013 after major renovation. The interior replicates an Oriental bazaar with elaborate ceiling paintings, sculptures, and gilded columns transporting visitors to the distant lands where the spices originate. The shop stocks over 150 open spice selections, hand-mixed blends for specific cuisines (Bavarian, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian), gourmet salts from around the world, and rare teas. Beyond the spice offerings, Schuhbeck has expanded into a retail enterprise along the Platzl, including a restaurant, ice-cream parlor, chocolaterie, and dedicated tea shop.