Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

The Oktoberfest is not immune to current dietary trends either. Although vegetarian dishes such as pastries are traditionally part of every Bavarian menu, vegan dishes have actually been quite unusual at a volksfest, given only a little more than one percent of Germans are vegan. But even if some people shake their heads at a chicken-free organic chicken fricassee, there is ultimately one food that unites all Wiesn visitors, whether vegetarian, vegan or carnivore: Wiesn beer. Even vegans can drink it without remorse - at least in moderation.

Vegetarians don't have to search long for a suitable offer at the Wiesn. Obatzda, Radi or Brezn are suitable as starters or snacks and soups are also offered in vegetarian varieties. Various dumpling dishes, e.g. with creamed mushrooms (Rahmschwammerl) or a Gröstl (also called Kartoffelgröstl) as well as Schupfnudeln, which are usually served with cabbage, are suitable as a main course. There are also the aforementioned pastries, which can be eaten as a main course or as a dessert: Kaiserschmarrn, steamed dumplings, apple and curd cheese strudel or even sweet dumpling variations such as apricot dumplings.

Pastries are also sold at stalls. Just like Rahmfleckerl or hearty and sweet Auszogne, Reiberdatschi or even vegetarian Bratwürstl.

Vegan Cuisine at the Oktoberfest

Of course, vegans have a significantly reduced choice, but there are now also some special dishes on offer. Some meat substitutes have been on offer since the 2010s. Unfortunately, vegan cuisine often doesn't even try to serve anything halfway Bavarian. In the meantime, however, word has gotten around that a vegan stomach doesn't necessarily need quinoa. Some menus are also lacking in good basics for a wide range of meals.