Oktoberfest has kicked off in Munich, and we can already hear steins clinking across Mumbai. Here’s your handy guide to chug, dine and soak in the festivities in the city
In Germany, the Lederhosen costume is worn during Oktoberfest. PIC/ISTOCK
Beer for all
PIC COURTESY/@indebrewco
Get a taste of age-old tradition at this brewery that is pouring limited edition craft beer like the bittersweet chocolate-y Darth Vader Dunkelweizen to the lighter and crisper Munich Mischief featuring citrusy hints of cilantro and orange.
AT Independence Brewing Company, Central Avenue, Powai; Seven Bungalows, Andheri West.
CALL 8484820401 (Powai)
Bite-sized fun
PIC COURTESY/@Eddiescafeandbarr
Munch on mini bratwurst skewers, beer-battered onion rings or the classic mini pretzels as the beers keep flowing at this all-day café and bar.
AT Eddie’s Cafe and
Barr, Silver Croft Building, 16th and 33rd Road Junction, Bandra West.
CALL 9930462377
Bavarian binge
PIC COURTESY/mostly grills
Buckets of beer at this rooftop bar come with comfort food picks like the German Potato and Leek Soup served with Sauerkraut and pretzels, and the Jagerschnitzel that packs crumb fried chicken in mushroom gravy and Brussels’ sprouts.
AT Mostly Grills, The Orchid, Navpada, Vile Parle East.
CALL 9930247874
All hands on deck
PIC COURTESY/woodside inn
Ring in the festivities with a classic Nuremburg hot dog in one hand, and a Schwarzbier Dark Lager in the other.
AT Woodside Inn, Colaba, Andheri and Bandra.
CALL 9321728192 (Colaba)
Best of the wurst
PIC COURTESY/effingut
The Germans are picky about their beers, and this Colaba brewery is leaving no room for error. The Festbier at Effingut is a malty, smooth hat tip to the traditional Bavarian spirit. Chug it down with the special menu that features staples like Curry Wurst, Zigeuner Schnitzel, Hunter’s Stews, Roast Chicken, and Bacon Bombs.
AT Effingut, Dhanraj Mahal, next to The Bentley Showroom, Colaba. CALL 8657440661
Desi duets
Malvani Chicken. PIC COURTESY/Berlin Brew Beer Garden
If pretzels and bratwursts are not your drift, try the Dunkelweizen paired with Malvani Chicken, the light citrusy Witbier with spiced Paneer Jalfrezi, or the bold Stout balanced with creamy Cheese Kofta.
AT Berlin Brew Beer Garden, Tarapore Towers, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West.
CALL 9819801555
Speak easy
The beers might help you muster the courage, but before you attempt a toast in fluent German, head to linguistics centre AwayWeGoo’s Oktoberfest-special crash course. Learn simple German greetings and expressions at the one-day session. You can also stay back for a deep dive into the history of the annual tradition.
ON September 27; 12 pm to 1 pm
AT AwayWeGoo, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla West.
CALL 8976405741
Like the Germans do
Two German nationals who frequently shuttle between Mumbai and their homeland for work share their Oktoberfest memories and favourite haunts in the city
Paul Halfar, commercial project manager
In Germany, you start your day at around 9 am with Frühshoppen, a meet-up in one of the Biergarten (beer gardens). It’s a heavy breakfast including Wheat beer, Brezel, and White Sausage. In the evening the crowd starts dancing on the benches and sings along with live bands. The nights always end with Angel by Robbie Williams. My usual spots in Mumbai are the Berliner Bar, Lotus Cafe, and Woodside Inn in Colaba. I enjoy having a pint from time to time at Toto’s Garage, Toit, PJ’s or Effingut. It’s a pleasure to see so many breweries popping up in the city.
Natalie Mayroth, writer and journalist
Growing up in Munich near the Oktoberfest ground, we always knew that every year after the summer holidays, a big event was on the cards. If you’re heading to the celebrations, do not miss the wine tents and the traditional food they serve. Steckerlfisch, (grilled fish on a stick), and Obatzda cheese spread served with pretzels are my favourites. I enjoy a Shandy, called Radler in Munich. It’s a mix of beer and lemonade, which is especially refreshing in Mumbai’s hot weather. Even though the city’s beers are quite different from traditionally-made German beer, I find myself at Doolally Taproom from time to time to try their evolving beer menu.
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