Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus

Melbourne is halfway across the world from Germany, but that doesn’t mean Oktoberfest celebrations aren’t going to be in full swing. Train your beer stomachs, grab your friends and bring your best yodelling voice – Munich Brauhaus has Melbourne’s biggest and mightiest Oktoberfest planned.  

The Bavarian event honouring beers and good times will run for six weeks at Munich Brauhaus, and Milk Bar Mag had a taste of what’s to come. Its South Wharf communal dining hall is where some of the fun begins, the sheer size – an 1,800 capacity venue –means there is no room for loneliness.

By the end of the night you’ll have downed countless beers, linked arms with many newfound friends and danced a jig or two – live music and entertainment are all part of the merriment. Really, it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate and commiserate anything — don’t be surprised if you’re called up onstage because it’s your birthday, hens, bucks or even divorce party.

Be prepared to feast because there’s a lot of food. It’s best to come with an empty stomach, hungry eyes and your eating buddies. Their Oktoberfest menu is definitely designed for sharing, so don’t be shy about seconds (or thirds). Expect generous share platters of Bavarian favourites that feed about four to six people. Groups can also choose from one of three special menus featured for the event.

We started with Brauhaus’ “Lion Sized Appetiser” option, which had a variety of dips, a good selection of cheeses (don’t skip the Piccante blue cheese), cold meats, grilled pita bread and some authentic (not the packaged chip variety) baked pretzels. Their “Tasting Platter” included a meaty spread of roast pork knuckle, crackling pork belly, smoked sausages, chicken schnitzel and, of course, a side of sauerkraut. A vegetarian option was also available, featuring buffalo mozzarella with cherry tomato and basil pesto. To sweeten the feast we finished with a serving of fresh apple strudel with vanilla anglaise.

Five limited edition beers join an already extensive range of lagers, craft beers, wheat beers and imported brews. Drink it by the pint, or up to two litres if you’re game! Get experimental and try their “Beers with a twist”. We tried the Mango Weissbier and The Lemon Weissbier. Both were light, refreshing options that were easy to drink and enjoy.

But if you’re not a beer fan there’s still a bagful of fun and festivities. Join Munich Brauhaus’ Sausage Eating competition, enter your pooch into the Dogs of Oktoberfest costume contest, or try their Oktober Boss challenge for the chance to win a trip to Munich. There will even be a tribute to the Chicken Dance, where Munich Brauhaus will host Australia’s largest one on 6 October.

So raise a glass, toast to good times and enjoy all the Oktoberfest action! Prost!

Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus 
Munich Brauhaus, 45 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf
Till Saturday, 28 October 2018
thebavarians.com/venue/south-wharf