When beer-lovers hear the word October, they will usually think of Oktoberfest (although it officially starts in September) and the great call to attend the 16-day celebration in Munich, Bavaria. Beer tents, kegs and ladies in dirndls, de Wiesn – as the locals call it – draws some six million people to drink millions of litres of beer and eat traditional food.
However, if you can’t make the journey, you’ll be glad to know that KL has also adopted Oktoberfest and you can quaff along to proper traditions honoured by the many German alehouses and restaurants in and around the city. If you’re wondering where to get your fix of Weissbrau while wearing lederhosen, here is a quick guide.
Malaysia’s Own Oktoberfest
Carlsberg is renowned for holding the best parties and competitions for this festival, and this year is no exception. Its Malaysia’s own Oktoberfest tour around the country replicates the high-energy spirit of this fiesta, with a German oompah band, authentic German cuisine, three German beers and stein-carrying, dirndl-clad ambassadors. You can also expect the usual great promotions from all Carlsberg outlets throughout Oktoberfest; make sure you get your hands on one of the commemorative litre beer mugs. In the Klang Valley, the tour will hit Deutsches Gasthaus, Bavarian Beergarden, e-Library, Movida and RP at The Saujana Hotel, KL, before parking at 1Utama shopping centre for a spectacular three-day finale on 5-7 October.
Say prost! at German bars
One of the best German bars in town, Brotzeit, is hosting its Oktoberfest celebrations at Mid Valley Megamall and Sunway Pyramid, on 10 and 11 October and 19 and 20 October, respectively. There are two Oktoberfest beer staples being featured during the festival, Hacker Pschorr and Paulaner, complimented nicely by Chef Helmut’s festival platter of great German foods. Paulaner is also flying in their oompah band from Germany, so expect a raucous and exciting atmosphere.
Then there are fabulous Oktoberfest promotions and a great selection of beers at the many German bars and restaurants around KL. Taps Beer Bar is the place to go if you want some authentic craft brews from here and abroad, while Brussels Beer Café also has a great selection of European beers.
So prost! to a fabulous month of drinking and celebration, don your best lederhosen, aufstöin a ma (donate a good beer) and avoid any blembe (bad beer) along the way.