Mumbai brews its own watered-down version of the world famous Oktoberfest

Back in Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany, Oktoberfest is a mammoth affair. “It’s very big - thousands come each day. It’s about eating, drinking and having good conversations,” says Chef Maurice de Boer of Germany. De Boer is visiting chef at Shamiana,Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Apollo Bunder, for what can be called Oktoberfest celebrations in Mumbai.

A quick précis: Oktoberfest is an annual 16-day festival held in Munich every year, starting late September. The festival is synonymous with beer (called Oktoberfestbiers) served at the event in Munich since 1818. The event is special to pop cultural forces and attracts a lot of young adults. The amazing quantity of alcohol at the event sees thousands of Beer Corpses every year. It is a term invented for young people who pass out after excessive drinking. This year the festival is celebrating its 175th anniversary.

Beer, yes. But the other things people flock for to the festival are Pig leg with Sauerkraut (red cabbage), Apple Spatzle (tiny egg and flour dumpling), Weisswurst with Brezel (white sausage with Pretzel) and Sweet Mustard Schnitzel (traditional German cutlet) with cabbage salad. “These are some of the things that I am preparing for the Deutschefest too.” When people the world over are eager to catch up on Oktoberfest, De Boer has caught a plane to India. Why? “I see it every year. So for me, being in Mumbai is a different experience. I like the attitude of the people. They are curious to know more. The markets and ingredients here are delightful.” Although Oktoberfest in Mumbai is not even remotely like what it is in Germany, De Boer is happy to do his bit.

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