Braunschweig's local specialities are modest but distinctive. Braunschweiger Mumme is a thick, syrup-like malt extract (originally a strong dark beer from the 15th century, now non-alcoholic by law after export regulations changed in the 19th century) — it turns up in sauces and as a flavouring in local cooking. The city is also in asparagus country: in May and June, restaurants around the region serve asparagus with ham and potatoes in a dozen variations.
The Magniviertel has the best concentration of restaurants and traditional German pubs (Kneipen). The lanes around the Magnitorwall and Alte Knochenhauerstraße are where locals eat and drink in the evening. The market square (Altstadtmarkt) and its surrounding streets have more tourist-oriented cafés, but the quality is generally fine.