Okotberfest is heaven for food lovers with the classic half-grilled chicken, vintage pretzels, pork knuckles, Bratwurst, sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, Käsespätzle and more. The famous Oktoberfest desserts include beer pudding, dumplings, German waffles, Apfelstrudel, and Kaiserschmarrn. The experience is not complete without the specially brewed Oktoberfestbier. Food served at Oktoberfest has a unique taste as they are made of authentic local ingredients.
Every year, Oktoberfest attracts more than 6 million visitors who collectively consume about 5.6 million liters of beer. The festival sees impressive quantities of food being served, including 549,899 whole chickens, 140,225 pork sausages, 97,708 pounds of fish, and 75,456 pork shanks.
Both meat lovers and vegetarians can find out the best Oktoberfest foods to have with your favorite German beer.
What to Eat at Oktoberfest: Chicken, Vegetarian, Vegan & Desserts
Each of the 17 large tents and 21 small tents offers a different food menu, with each dish keeping the original taste alive. Well, the food at Oktoberfest is expensive. It gets even more costly inside the tents, but the taste is really worth the money.
Whether you are looking for Oktoberfest foods for a party or the best things to eat at the original Oktoberfest in Munich, here is the complete list.
Traditional Oktoberfest Foods for Meat Lovers
Any meat lover will find a variety of food to try at Oktoberfest, all made and served traditionally. Despite being challenging to serve thousands at the same time, the meat dishes are always available in the desired taste.
Half-Roasted Chicken (Hendl)
Half roasted chicken is one of the most famous Oktoberfest traditional foods, part of the event since 1885. The slowly roasted chicken is tender and juicy, seasoned with different spices for an amazing taste. The unique cooking method transforms the bird into something delicious, enhancing the flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more.
Oktoberfest Bratwurst
Bratwurst is among the best Oktoberfest food recipes made from ground pork. It's traditionally grilled and served on a roll with sides like mustard, ketchup, and sauerkraut. Alternatively, you might find the bratwurst Oktoberfest presented on a plate with a side of potato salad for a more satisfying taste. This protein-rich sausage is a flavorful and must-try option for meat lovers.
Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe)
Pork knuckle is the end of the pig's leg, below the hem portion and above the ankle. It is one of the most loved Bavarian foods served at Oktoberfest. This dish includes the roasted pork in a gravy and served with Knödel (a boiled dumpling). The taste is incredibly unique and authentic that is best enjoyed with Bavarian beer.
Roasted Ox
The Ochsenbraterei tent is famous for a huge ox on a spit, a staple at Oktoberfest since 1881. You will get the marbled parts of beef with organic potato salad and a strong red wine sauce. If you arrive at the tent early, the ox will have enough meat on it, but within few hours, there will only remain bones. They're always prepared to throw another ox on the fire for the next wave of hungry festival-goers.
Weißwurst and Currywurst
Weißwurst, and Currywurst are the delicious Oktoberfest cuisines that are considered best for breakfast. Weißwurst has a mild flavor that makes the best combination with sweet mustard, pretzels, and a wheat beer. Currywurst is a snack that is covered in curry ketchup and powder served with hot fries to enhance the flavor.
Grilled Fish (Stecklerfisch)
Stecklerfisch is the perfect alternative to heavy meaty dishes at the festival. Fischer-Vroni tent is fully dedicated to it with an open grill is almost 50 feet (15 meters) long. The dish includes roasted fish (mackerel, trout, char and whitefish) on the stick. Though the smell is a bit pungent, it is one of the must-try foods at Oktoberfest.
Vegan and Vegetarian Traditional Bavarian Food at Oktoberfest
Even though Oktoberfest is mostly associated with grilled chicken, fish or fried meat, the meat-free dishes are also available for vegetarians and vegans. Most tents have had the traditional cheese spaetzle on the menu but the selection is increasing year after year.
Obatzda
This creamy cheese spread, flavored with paprika, is a Bavarian classic. You can enjoy it by dipping your giant Oktoberfest pretzel (Brezel) into the spread for a delightful combination of cheesy and delicious flavors.
Allgäu Cheese Spaetzle
This is a must have Oktoberfest food for cheese lovers. The soft egg noodles are tossed in melted Allgäu cheese, a regional specialty, creating a satisfying dish that perfectly complements your Oktoberfest beer.
German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
A popular Oktoberfest food is the Raiwadadschi, a Bavarian potato pancake also known as Reibekuchen, Kartoffelpuffer, or a type of Rösti. Made from grated potatoes, eggs, and spices, these crispy golden pancakes are served hot. You can choose between sweet toppings like applesauce or savory options for a delicious experience. It is also among the best German recipes to make at your Oktoberfest theme party.
Organic Bread Dumpling Gröstl
Experience authentic German taste with organic bread dumpling gröstl. This dish offers a perfect blend of bread dumplings, potatoes, and onions, making it a delightful vegetarian option.
Knödel and Rahmschwammerl
They are pillowy dumplings soaked in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce with Knödel and Rahmschwammerl. This classic Oktoberfest dish has a very satisfying and flavorful taste.
Oktoberfest Pretzels
No Oktoberfest food is complete without the iconic giant pretzel, also known as Brezel. It is made with just dough, traditionally containing flour, yeast, water, and salt. Baked with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, pretzels Oktoberfest can be eaten plain or with Obatzda or other dipping sauces.
Soups
Warm up on a cool Oktoberfest evening with a bowl of potato and pumpkin soups available at the festival. The soups feature a touch of fall spice, offering a taste of autumn amidst the Oktoberfest celebrations.
Soy Steak with Melted Onions
This delicious and protein-rich dish is a perfect choice for vegans. In this, a soy steak is topped with caramelized onions, providing a great alternative to meat.
Oktoberfest Desserts
Your Oktoberfest meal is not complete without concluding it with the classic Bavarian dessert. Here are the most delicious and must try Oktoberfest desserts that include authentic ingredients and the best flavors.
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
Apple strudel is a famous German dessert that is served with vanilla sauce and ice cream. This pastry is filled with apples and is a must have for anyone visiting Oktoberfest. Augustiner beer garden offers the best apple strudel at the festival.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is the favorite dessert at Oktoberfest desert which resembles shredded pancakes. You can find this delicacy at Café Kaiserschmarrn, the tent that is fully dedicated to serving it. Covered with powdered sugar, it is served in small pieces. This sweet treat is highly popular both among kids and adults.
Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen is the best sweet snack to enjoy at Oktoberfest which is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Often decorated with icing and candied fruits, it is an incredible way to end your Oktoberfest experience. You'll find them sold throughout the festival grounds, perfect for a sweet treat.
Snack Foods for Oktoberfest
While the main dishes steal the show, don't forget to offer some snacks and appetizers to keep your guests satisfied between bites. Here are some ideas:-
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Beer Cheese dip |
A Creamy dip made with beer and cheese |
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Radishes with Salt and Butter |
A Simple yet satisfying snack |
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Mixed Nuts and Pretzels |
A crunchy mix of nuts and pretzel pieces |
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Pickles and mustard |
Pickles and mustard are perfect sauerkraut companions |
Beer Served at the German Festival
Beers from only six major breweries in Munich are served at the Wiesn. Weeks before the event starts, the breweries present their beer selection. These six breweries include Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.
The uniqueness and reputation of Oktoberfest beer recipes are based on the traditional method that has been used for centuries. In addition to Bavarian beer, there are also non-alcoholic soft drinks and shandies to suit different tastes. If you want to drink something different, you will find it in the smaller tents.
Find Affordable Traditional Food at Oktoberfest Munich: From Morning Till Early Afternoon
Though the Oktoberfest grounds are never empty during festive days, however it is less crowded till early midday. During this time, many tents offer special lunch menus at lower prices. This is perfect for families or budget-conscious visitors, especially during weekdays.
Finding a table is easier at midday, so you can skip the reservation hassle and grab a seat easily at a tent or beer garden. Most tents have a different lunch menu each day, featuring tasty Bavarian dishes or lighter vegetarian options. Some tents, like Oktoberfest-Guglhupf, only offer their lunch menu from Monday to Thursday, not on Fridays or weekends which are peak times.
Is Oktoberfest Food Over-Hyped?
While some Oktoberfest food is worth the hype, most items come with a hefty price tag. Expect to pay significantly more than you would at a regular restaurant, even for everyday dishes.
Fried favorites like Schnitzel can be up to 50% more expensive, and they're a common sight for tourists (not exactly traditional Oktoberfest fare). The classic pork roast, Schweinsbraten, suffers the same fate – overpriced and readily available at most Bavarian restaurants. So, while it's tempting to indulge, be prepared for sticker shock on some menu items.
FAQs
What is traditional Oktoberfest food?
Roast chicken, Bratwurst, Pretzel (Brezn), Sweet dumpling (Dampfnudel), Candied almonds (gebrannte Mandeln), Kaiserschmarrn, Leberkas and Gingerbread heart are traditionally eaten at Oktoberfest.
What food is sold at Oktoberfest?
The large tents, small tents and booths at Oktoberfest offer all kinds of food ranging from meat dishes to roasted chicken, vegetarian options and more.
What do kids eat at Oktoberfest?
Many tents at Oktoberfest offer kids menu that includes fries, chicken, and sweet options like apple strudel or gingerbread. There are also juices and soft drinks available for kids.
Do Oktoberfest only have a German menu?
Yes, as you’ll find delicious German mains, side dishes, desserts and snacks. While attending the festival, you can experience the real Bavarian taste as all dishes are made of authentic ingredients.