Oktoberfest Bretzel | © Foto von <a href="https://unsplash.com/@schluditsch?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Daniel Schludi</a> auf <a href="https://unsplash.com/de/fotos/DzGefKHQA9A?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

Oktoberfest tips

How to become an Oktoberfest pro

When the first Oktoberfest was held on Munich's Theresienwiese in 1810 in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig, no one expected that 200 years later there would be offshoots of it all over the world. Why is that? We can only guess. Our guess would be the combination of folk festival, food, music and beer that has always delighted the masses. The Oktoberfest is simply a world of its own that you should experience once, but where there are also a few customs to observe..

Guide to the Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest involves dirndls, lederhosen, brass band music, merry-go-rounds, and other rides such as bumper cars and rollercoasters. The most important thing, however, are the many festival tents where people sway, drink plenty of beer from large mugs, and, of course, eat one or two typical Bavarian Oktoberfest delicacies.

Every year in September, the motto in Munich is “O zapft is'”. Germany's largest folk festival, the Munich Oktoberfest, takes place from the end of September to mid-October. Around 6 million visitors are drawn to the Wiesn and the festival tents every year. In addition to plenty of beer, veal sausage, fried chicken, and pork knuckle, there are also numerous delicious potato specialties on almost every menu.

If you would like to know more about the Oktoberfest or the legendary, typical Bavarian veal sausage, you can find out more with Kühne's guide to the Oktoberfest. You can also find tips and tricks about the Oktoberfest at Kühne. Find out more about the great tuber and the role it plays at Oktoberfest below.

The 10 Weisswurst commandments

It's that time of year again: with a lively “O'zapft is!”, the next Oktoberfest in Munich opens its doors and transforms the Bavarian capital into Germany's largest funfair. What should not be missing?

A strong pint of wheat beer, pretzels, Weißwurst and sweet mustard. If you want to get that Wiesn feeling at home this year, we'll be happy to add our mustard, but you'll have to take care of the sausages yourself - and they would only be half as iconic if there weren't a few myths, rules and wisdom surrounding the Weißwurst. So we present to you:

 

  1. A Weißwurst is pulled, not cut 
    And yes, this is a real art in itself! Step-by-step instructions: hold the lower third of the sausage between your thumb and forefinger and bring it to your mouth. Then bite open the skin at the upper end and suck out the inside of the sausage. Once you have successfully inhaled half the sausage, you can turn it over and start the game all over again.

  2. Weißwurst is scalded, not boiled
    Weißwurst has no place in boiling water! Instead, first bring the water to the boil, remove the pan from the heat and then place the sausages in the hot water for about 10 minutes.

  3. Only warm Weisswurst is a good Weisswurst
    Once the Weisswurst has been scalded in hot water, it is served in a tureen with a lid without being removed from the hot water. This is because a lukewarm to cold Weisswurst loses a lot of its charm and can no longer win over even die-hard fans.

  4. The lid is not allowed on the pot during scalding 
    When scalding (ideally in 70° hot water), however, a lid must not be used, as the sausage could get a veritable cold shock and a tear in the sensitive skin when the lid is removed. The resulting white sausage mash is anything but appetizing!
  5. A Weisswurst must not hear the 12 o'clock ringing of the church bells
    This rule goes back to the fact that the sausages could not be cooled sufficiently back then and therefore spoiled easily - today this is no longer a problem and white sausages can easily be stored in the fridge for two days. If you still like it cult and original, serve your white sausages before 12!

Why is Oktoberfest called Oktoberfest when it takes place in September?

The world's largest folk festival is called Oktoberfest, and we know this name worldwide. But why is that, since the festivities actually begin in September? The reason goes back a long way, to the year 1810. At that time, King Ludwig I married his beloved Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

The festivities lasted several days and on October 17, there was a horse race to conclude the celebrations. It was called “Oktoberfest.” Since then, this name has become established and is now an integral part of folk festival culture.

Originally, the celebrations continued to take place in October, but the weather often threw a spanner in the works for the “Wiesn.” It was decided to start Oktoberfest in September in future. However, they didn't want to change the name, as it has a long history behind it.

Oktoberfest recipes

What do people actually eat at Oktoberfest? Join us on a culinary tour.

The Wiesn is known not only for its festival tents and beer, but also for the hearty food available on every corner. From chicken and pork knuckle to white sausage, sauerkraut, Obazda cheese and Bavarian snacks, there's something for everyone. Sounds delicious? Then how about trying out a traditional Oktoberfest menu at home?

It starts – naturally – with Weißwurst, which is traditionally served with sweet mustard. Read on to find out everything you've ever wanted to know about Weißwurst, including the 10 Weißwurst commandments.

The famous Leberkäs is also a must, of course! Whether served as strips, rolls, or in a Wiesn burger, this classic Bavarian dish is an absolute must for your party! Alongside the Leberkäs, half a chicken is also an essential part of the meal: first baked until crispy, then served with sauce, potato dumplings and red cabbage.

These hearty delicacies are best enjoyed with Brotzeit, a snack that Bavarians hold dear. Simply serve meat, sausage, cheese, radishes, onions, pickled cucumbers, pretzels or bread on a wooden board with a refreshing litre of beer and your typical Bavarian Brotzeit is ready! Get some bold ideas for delicious sandwiches and a hearty Bavarian panzanella recipe here.

For those of you who like to experiment, we have a very special Weißwurst recipe: A Weißwurst hot dog in a potato bun with fried sauerkraut.

And if you fancy something sweet for dessert, try apple strudel with raisins and vanilla ice cream. Bon appétit!

Oktoberfest Bretzel | © Foto von <a href="https://unsplash.com/@schluditsch?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Daniel Schludi</a> auf <a href="https://unsplash.com/de/fotos/DzGefKHQA9A?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

No Oktoberfest is complete without dumplings, pork knuckle and sauerkraut!

Crispy pork knuckle and delicious roast pork provide the perfect accompaniment to the large quantities of beer usually consumed at this festival. Bread or potato dumplings made from floury potatoes are the perfect accompaniment. And, of course, delicious, juicy, fruity sauerkraut is essential.

Mashed potatoes are also a popular accompaniment to roast pork. This is accompanied by delicious roast pork gravy.


BACKHENDL – THE LEGENDARY PERENNIAL FAVOURITE

Tender, juicy grilled chicken with crispy skin is one of the most popular delicacies at the Oktoberfest. This speciality is offered in almost every festival tent. It is often enjoyed alongside pretzels, potato salad or coleslaw.


'RAIWADADSCHI' – THE BAVARIAN POTATO PANCAKE

Not everyone is a meat lover. For those who would prefer a vegetarian option, the authentic Bavarian Raiwadadschi, made from grated raw potatoes, is a real hit.

A serving usually consists of three potato pancakes fried in oil or clarified butter. The aroma of the potato pancakes is tempting even from a distance, and this specialty is hard to pass up.
They are typically served with apple sauce. There is also a hearty version with sauerkraut and sour cream, or with bacon for non-vegetarians.


MEATBALLS WITH POTATOES IN ALL VARIATIONS

In Berlin, flattened meatballs are called Bulette. In northern Germany, they are called frikadelle. The Bavarian version is called Fleischpflanzerl and is a must at Oktoberfest.#

Fleischpflanzerl taste good cold or warm. They are served with a variety of side dishes. Some people like to eat them with potato salad, while others prefer fried potatoes. Fleischpflanzerl are often served on the go in a Semmel, a type of bread roll.


BAKED POTATOES – AT THE WIESN WITH RACLETTE CHEESE

Hardly anyone would expect to find raclette at Oktoberfest. However, raclette cheese is becoming increasingly popular there.

It is melted in a traditional Swiss raclette oven. The melted cheese is then usually served with a baked potato.

THE FAMILIENPLATZL – ALL KINDS OF THINGS WITH FRIES AND FRIED POTATOES

This Munich beer garden is very popular with families. Here, you can find dishes that children love too.

From currywurst and fish fingers with crispy fries to family schnitzel with fried potatoes and a pickle, there is something to suit every taste and budget.

Celebrate Oktoberfest at home!

Here's how to celebrate Oktoberfest at home 

Just because the world-famous folk festival on Theresienwiese isn't going ahead this year doesn't mean we can't still get into the spirit of things.

Not everyone has the time or opportunity to take part in the Munich festivities in autumn. Nowadays, Oktoberfest events are held in many locations across Germany, including the far north, where people celebrate in traditional dirndls and lederhosen. Instead of fish sandwiches, people in northern Germany like to eat pretzels or white sausages.

More and more people are choosing to celebrate at home. Blue and white decorations can easily be purchased in many stores. The traditional dishes are also easy to recreate. At Kühne, you'll find delicious recipes for potato pancakes with bacon and crispy fried chicken with potato salad. White sausages are very easy to prepare as they only need to be simmered in hot water. A schnitzel served with crispy fried potatoes and a Kühne Spreewald gherkin is also quick and easy to prepare. You can't go wrong with any of these dishes!

Follow our tips to create a real Oktoberfest atmosphere in your own home and enjoy a great time!

  1. Beer tent set
    To create a cosy, rustic atmosphere, you first need a roof over your head. What could be better than a sturdy beer tent? Add some matching beer benches and tables, as well as some cosy lighting, and you've created the perfect rustic atmosphere. Fancy tableware is out of the question — now it's time for snack boards and beer mugs!

  2. Decorations
    When it comes to decorations, focus on the colours of the state flag. Blue and white checks form the basis of almost everything here. Tablecloths, napkins and garlands all feature the Bavarian state colours. Other suitable decorations include edelweiss, small hearts, felt decorations, fake deer antlers and mini pretzels.
  3. Use mini pretzels as napkin decorations!
    They are also great for making your own traditional napkin decorations. All you need are some pretty blue-and-white napkins, some matching fabric ribbon, some cutlery and, of course, some mini pretzels. Thread the ribbon through the pretzel, place the cutlery on the napkin, tie the ribbon so that the pretzel sits next to the cutlery, and you're done!

Typical Bavarian beer in large mugs is, of course, a must. 
However, please remember to offer non-alcoholic beverages as well.