Amazing Beer, Food, and Tradition

Every autumn, Oktoberfest, whether in Munich, Germany, Mt. Angel, Oregon, or elsewhere, attracts millions of visitors from around the globe, eager to raise a stein of frothy beer and celebrate Bavarian culture. Beyond the beer drinking and polka music are a host of culinary classics that pair perfectly with the beer to make Oktoberfest a hearty, tasty time of year.

Pretzels

These iconic, twisted knots of dough, originally born in a monastery during the Middle Ages, are baked to golden perfection and standard at every Oktoberfest celebration.

Pork

Smoky bratwurst or spicy weisswurst (veal and pork back bacon) are grilled and served with a side of sweet mustard, seasoned with leeks, chives and green onions. Weisswurst were typically eaten in the morning, with the old saying, “Weisswursts should not be allowed to hear the noon chime of the church bells.” Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle, is seasoned with herbs and served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings.

Beef

Sauerbraten, a beef pot roast, is marinated for days in a mix of vinegar, water and spices such as cloves, juniper berries and bay leaves. The roast tastes tangy and is served with a sweet-savory gravy made of gingersnaps alongside red cabbage and potato dumplings.

Dumplings

Made from potatoes, bread or semolina flour, knödel come in a wide variety. Kartoffelknödel (potato dumplings) are popular. A mix of mashed potatoes, flour and sometimes breadcrumbs, they’re boiled until fluffy. Pretzel dumplings are chewy and fused with savory herbs and spices, made for rich gravies and sauces.

Pancakes

A delicious crispy treat, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) are crafted from grated potatoes, onions, eggs and flour, and fried until golden brown and served with applesauce or sour cream. On the sweet side, kaiserschmarrn is a shredded pancake served with fruit compote and powdered sugar.

Apples

Apfelstrudel is a traditional apple strudel with cinnamon-spiced apples and raisins and blanketed in thin pastry layers, topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream.

Pairing Perfection

While beer is the star of the show at Oktoberfest, pairing the various culinary specialties featured in this article with their proper mate will heighten one’s gastronomic experience. Weissbier, a wheat beer known for its fruity and spicy notes, is a fine complement for sausages and pretzels. For those partaking in Schweinshaxe, Märzen beers with their malty sweetness and robust character provide a balanced accompaniment. Even apfelstrudel finds a perfect partner in eiswein, a sweet dessert wine that elevates the apple and cinnamon flavors.

Beer, Food and Tradition

Far more than just a beer festival, Oktoberfest is a culinary voyage through Bavarian tradition and hospitality. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Oktoberfest enthusiast, grab a stein of beer and a plate of sausages and savor the flavors of autumn. Feel the convivial spirit of community and tradition, and raise a toast to the culinary classics that have made Oktoberfest a cherished world-wide event. Prost!