Schnitzel Happens
Oktoberfest, the ultimate carnival of beer, dirndls and oompah bands, is now in full swing. Claire Vine and Chris Wong raise their steins to the best celebrations in town.
In one of the most famous fests in the world, more than five million people descend on Munich every year to guzzle beer and make merry at the annual Oktoberfest. But if you haven’t booked your tickets to Bavaria, don’t worry—you can celebrate by kicking up your heels at one of the many Oktoberfest events being held here in Hong Kong.
Pub n’ Grub
Though usually an Irish pub, McSorley’s is offering a special promotion from now until the end of October, with homemade traditional German fare to complement the venue’s easygoing atmosphere. Start with the Bavarian-style O’Bazda, a delicious Camembert cheese melted with onion slices on hearty rye bread. Then, take your pick from the mouthwatering selection of sausages, from the Munchener Weisswurst to the ever-popular Nurembergers. All of the mains come with Kartoffelpuree (creamy potato mash) and of course, a hearty helping of sauerkraut. But there’s no point hitting the pub if you’re not going to wash it all down with a real German beer. McSorely’s has brought in the famous Flensburger in authentic swing-top bottles. It’s available in four varieties: Weizen, with its full-bodied fruity flavor; Pilsner, the classic bitter; Dunkel, a dark, fresh brew; and Gold, a pale golden lager with a caramel malt.
55 Elgin St, Central, 2522-2646
The Low-Key Option
An Oktoberfest without its signature debauchery may be missing the point a little, but nonetheless, if you prefer to enjoy your beer in peace, then the Tin Tin Bar and Pool Bar in the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin may be the choice for you. The two venues take a classier approach to the festival, with the Pool Bar offering alfresco dining, and Tin Tin Bar hosting live music. The menu includes dishes such as Blackforest Ham and smoked beef as well as a variety of different sausages. No traditional German meal is complete without the German cheese platter and these bars serve the finest. For all you beer enthusiasts: fear not. The bars offer Erdinger beer brewed especially for Oktoberfest.
Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung St., Sha Tin, 3723-1234
Sausagefest at Tiffany’s
This bar in the Intercon Grand Stan is a popular hangout among German expats. So no surprises then that it’s celebrating Oktoberfest this year in conjunction with… wait for it… Sausagefest. Implications aside, there will be a variety of hearty, traditional sausages, or wursts, available. From the classic smoked bratwurst to the lesser-known Regensburger, each sausage you order promises to fill your every need—your gustatory need, that is. Wash those savory bites down with a diverse selection of German beers such as Beck’s, Maisel’s Erdinger and Warstiener. Enjoy the live music from the Dream Girls house band, which livens up the atmosphere with great music. For the whole month of Oktober, the bar is offering a promotion that includes two Beck’s beers and one sausage platter for just $200.
InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Rd., Tsim Tsa Tsui East, 2721-5161
Comfort Food
Nestled in the basement of The Excelsior, Dickens Bar is a warm and cozy English
sports pub for tourists and locals alike. Throughout the merry month, it promises nothing short of genuine German cuisine. Dishes range from pork knuckle to Nuernberger sausages. Each protein-heavy dish is, of course, balanced by a side of greens or the traditional sauerkraut. Sweet-toothed people beware, for Dickens offers mouthwatering desserts too, such as the apple fritter or German cheesecake, sure to give that sweet-tooth a pining ache. Of course, there’s also a range of German beers on offer, including, but not limited to, Paulaner Nartrub and Maissels Weise Dark. Prices stretch high but are not ludicrous, with a full meal costing around $270 per person.
The Excelsior Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay, 2837-6782
Beer Garden
Did you know that a highlight of the original Oktoberfest was a horse race? Neither did we until we read the Wikipedia page. While the practice stopped in Munich in 1960, the tradition is alive and well at Happy Valley, where three Wednesday race nights (6th, 13th and 20th) will be devoted to celebrating Bavarian culture—with meter-wide pretzels and plenty of authentic German beer. Special menu items to devour while you place your bets include roast pork knuckle, sausages, apfelstrudel and more. Hang out in their Beergarden, where there will be entertainment in the form of college-worthy drinking games, where competitors battle it out for cash coupons worth up to $3,000.
Happy Valley Racecourse. For more info, log onto www.hkjc.com
The Big Party
Following from its success last year, the Erdinger Oktoberfest will be held once again at Happy Valley from October 28 to 30. Expect buxom frauleins in dirndls, traditional dishes such as schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), and of course, lots and lots of Erdinger beer. There’s also a never-ending flow of entertainment, including the Flying Sausages band, who are being flown out all the way from Munchen. The traditional keg ritual will also be performed to mark the start of the event. Thursday tickets cost $120, while Friday and Saturday tickets are $190, including a drink.
6pm-11pm. Also open from noon-4pm on Saturday. Happy Valley Racecourse. Call 2973-1116 or visit www.ironmongerevents.com for more info.
The Even Bigger Party
The longest-running Okotberfest party in Hong Kong, the Bierfest at the Marco Polo Hotel, is now in its 19th year. With the harbor serving as a backdrop, the stage is set for three weeks of traditional German fun and games. For a dose of traditional music, the Notenhoblers have been brought out from Munich for the event, and the evenings will be filled with games, prizes and great grub. Carnivores will love the specialties from Germany, such as the pork knuckle or Nurnberger sausages, accompanied by various melt-in-your-mouth potato dishes, such as potato gratin or Spaetzli. For those who want to steer away from the traditional beers, try the apple schnapps, or just indulge your sweet tooth with apple strudel and black forest gateau. The party will run from October 23 to November 13.
The Marco Polo Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2113-0088, www.marcopolohotels.com