What to eat at Oktoberfest ?

As you may already know, Oktoberfest is the iconic festival held each year in Munich, Germany, during September and October. Originally a celebration of the royal wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Louis I of Bavaria) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, it has since evolved into the world’s largest beer and food festival. While the history is fascinating, today we’re focusing on something even more mouthwatering: the food and beer!

Oktoberfest is a paradise for food lovers—especially fans of hearty German cuisine. Think crispy roast chicken, sizzling sausages, tangy sauerkraut, freshly baked pretzels, and of course, Bavarian beer served by the litre. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about feasting, celebrating, and embracing Bavarian tradition through every bite.

Oktoberfest beer: brewed by the Purity Law

All official Oktoberfest beers adhere to the Reinheitsgebot, the German Beer Purity Law, which permits only four ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. To be served at the festival, the beers must also be brewed within Munich’s city limits. The six official Oktoberfest breweries are:

  • Augustiner-Bräu
  • Löwenbräu
  • Paulaner
  • Hacker-Pschorr
  • Spatenbräu
  • Staatliches Hofbräu-München

Each of these breweries serves beer specially brewed for the event, and they pair beautifully with the wide variety of dishes available in the lively beer tents.

Roast chicken Oktoberfest

What’s on the menu at Oktoberfest?

Let’s start with the crowd favourite: half a roast chicken—crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. It's a must-try and a classic Oktoberfest staple. You’ll also find:

  • Bratwurst and other German sausages served with mustard or curry sauce
  • Sauerkraut—often beer-infused for extra flavour
  • Giant pretzels—fresh, chewy, and salty, perfect with a pint
  • Stangerl—bacon and cheese-stuffed bread
  • Spätzle—soft egg noodles, sometimes served with cheese
  • Knödel—savory dumplings made from potatoes or bread
  • Wurstel—classic German sausages in many forms
  • French fries—a universal favourite, ideal for snacking between sips


What does it all cost?

Here’s an idea of what you might expect to pay:

  • French fries – around £3
  • Pretzel – around £4
  • Bratwurst – around £8
  • Half a roast chicken – around £12

And don’t forget the beer—served in a Mass, the famous 1-litre glass mug. With pints that size, it’s especially important to eat well throughout the festivities!

So, what will you be enjoying at Oktoberfest? Whether it's a salty pretzel in one hand or a frothy beer stein in the other, one thing’s for sure: your taste buds are in for a treat.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.

Read other articles : How to organize Oktoberfest at home ? and How to prepare a beer cake ?