The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the most popular festivals in the world. It attracts over 7 million visitors every year – each one in search of a good time, great beer and some of the most delicious and iconic foods in the world.
Oktoberfest – attracting visitors since 1810
The first Oktoberfest (although it was not named as such for many years) was held in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. During the five days of festivities, the citizens of Munich were treated to parades, foods and, of course, beer. The five days of that original celebration impressed the burghers of Munich so much that it was decided to make it an annual event.
Today, the foods that can be enjoyed include roast chicken, pork knuckle and, of course, the wonderful Bavarian wurst (sausage). For those with a sweet tooth the wonderful roasted almonds are the perfect snack – only those with an iron will can resist the aroma of roasting almonds that wafts gently over the festival grounds. But the question is; why would you want to resist such a wonderful indulgence?
The foods served at Oktoberfest are both delicious and perfect for enjoying in the company of friends – and they go perfectly with an ice-cold beer. After all, what could be better than picking at a golden roasted chicken while sipping on one of the wonderful products of Munich’s best breweries? The joy of pork crackling smothered in gravy and combined with sauerkraut (fermented raw cabbage) with lovely Bavarian mustard on the side is also not to be underestimated. The crispy fried mackerel (on a stick) is the ideal finger food for those wandering the festival in search of the perfect beer tent. The sausage (wurst) offerings should never be ignored. From the famous currywurst and the delicious and ‘moreish’ bratwurst, to the delicious weisswurst (with the skin removed as is traditional) there is something to satisfy every foodie craving.
PS: A giant pretzel is a thing of beauty.
- Only beer brewed in Munich is allowed to be served.
- In 2018 visitors consumed 7.5 million litres of beer.
- Those attending the festival can enjoy food served from 140 food outlets.
- In 1896 a young electrician named Albert Einstein worked at the festival.
- There’s a 20-year wait for licences to open a stall at the festival.
How to enjoy Oktoberfest in Singapore
For local residents of Singapore, the Oktoberfest foodie experience can be enjoyed close to home. Brotzeit offers delicious German specialties – including a wonderful and delicious selection of sausages (yes, they even have currywurst). You could get on a plane and jet of to Munich in September (yes, Oktoberfest starts in September) or you could settle back at home to enjoy some wonderful Oktoberfest inspired meals.
