Samira Moana Ammann and Pardeep “Lucky” Singh are a cosmopolitan couple who met in Munich’s nightlife scene. She is a Swabian from Lake Constance, he is Indian. She almost got a foothold in Latin America, where she traveled for a long time. But through Singh she learned to appreciate what she has here again. He had studied in New Zealand and fell in love with Germany while traveling through Europe.
Ammann actually comes from the media industry, but as a balance she gives yoga classes with the dance influences that she got to know in Latin America and the Caribbean. For a retreat, she asked Singh, who is gastro-savvy, to do the catering.
Both realized that it is nice not only to be together, but also to work together. He, who dreamed of starting his own business in gastronomy. She, who immediately saw herself in having a little cafe where she shares everything she loves.
“Why are so many people here stressed out and longing for vacation so much?” Ammann asks. “A Small Café” is intended to remedy this. It should be a place where guests can recharge their batteries. A place where you feel comfortable, where you meet different cultures and discover new tastes. Switch off from everyday life.
“A Small Café” on Müllerstraße is really a small café, and not only the dishes are reminiscent of travel and distant countries, but also the decoration.
The heart of the breakfast bar
(Photo: Mark Siaulys Pfeiffer)
Decorations from all over the world adorn the small café.
(Photo: Mark Siaulys Pfeiffer)
The wall behind the counter is painted in rich turquoise, on which are colorfully patterned rattan plates from India, in the display case sweet little things (vegan, gluten-free and actually almost healthy), sandwiches and samosas. A few steps lead up to the small guest room, where Boho meets Aztec style: a mirror framed in rattan and dried flowers, seat cushions covered with Mexican fabrics and an elephant garland – discreet without appearing overloaded. The guests sit privately in their bank niche and yet somehow opposite the others, which at first seems unfamiliar, but quickly feels homely and communal. If you like, you can also sit on a bar stool.
What is there and how much does it cost?
A Small Café’s menu is a real treat for anyone who might be a little bored with the same old acai bowls and avocado-egg breads. There are also no cheese and cold cut platters here, the city already has enough of those. What you hardly find in Munich is a decent chai. Not a chai latte, but a chai masala of the kind that flows from copper cans into cups on every street corner in India from adventurous heights; hot, spicy and invigorating. Singh uses coconut milk to make his chai masala from a family recipe (4.20) and is worth a visit for that alone. However, the Cococcino, cappuccino with coconut milk (4.20), is a serious competitor.
There are “SwabIndian Rolls” to eat: Rolls stuffed with potatoes, vegetables, paneer and chilli spice paste, breaded like small schnitzel, with an Indian chutney (two for 6.90 euros). Highly recommended to try. Of course, samosas (3 euros each) should not be missing, the “Ay mi Dios” sandwich is also hearty: black beans with fine strips of cactus leaves, avocado and tomato, lettuce, cabbage, peppers, coriander and salsa ranchera (7.90 ). It tastes fresh and crisp.
Cappuccino with coconut milk, chai masala – it’s worth a visit for the drinks alone.
(Photo: Mark Siaulys Pfeiffer)
The breakfast dishes don’t have much in common with the usual cheese and cold cut breakfast either.
(Photo: Mark Siaulys Pfeiffer)
For sweet breakfasters there is a selection of overnight oats for 7.90 euros each: “Yello” with orange, ginger and turmeric, for example, or “Bien tropical” with tropical fruits, and the “10 out of 10”: it is made with cardamom, Spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, mixed with pieces of pistachios and blueberries. A nice twist, a touch of India in the breakfast classic.
The menu doesn’t offer much more than that, a few healthy shots, other caffeinated drinks and golden milk. But she doesn’t have to. If you still need a sweet ending, you can reach for the “Snaccidents”, the raw cakes that are in the display like chocolate bars, decorated with dried flowers. Cute in every way.
The operators are currently planning a new format for the summer, “Wine and Travel Stories”, where a sommelier will present wine from a specific country. Travelers and those who are interested in the country should then exchange ideas and share their stories.
They have many ideas for the small café. But none too big for a restaurant that sees itself as a gateway to the world.
“A Small Cafe”Müllerstraße 17, 80469 Munich, opening times: Tuesday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m