Say, ‘German food’ to most folks and they’ll immediately conjure up images of heavy, meat-forward dishes. Due to that common perception, vegetarians may discount German food out-of-hand. And that’s a shame, especially during Octoberfest!
Krautstrudel: The Classic savoury strudel of Bavaria –
and a favourite at Octoberfest in Munich!
But there are some prominent vegetarian dishes in German cuisine. And with Octoberfest in full swing, it’s time to give vegetarians and even vegans a ticket to the celebrations!
‘Gerichte ohne Fleisch’
‘Gerichte ohne Fleisch’ or ‘made without meat’, is a new sign many food vendors are displaying at traditional Octoberfest celebrations to pro0mote new vegetarian offerings. It’s a response to the emerging healthier eating trend, which is being championed by he younger gens. Who are also the most likely to party hearty (‘ordentlich feiern’).
And there’s apparently no shortage, this year, of both classically veggie dishes and veggie adapat-ations of other meaty classics, such as: Tofu Steak and Onions, vegan Bratwurst and Impossible Tofurkey.
“At Oktoberfest, the food is as much a part of the tradition as the beer, and a true Bavarian celeb-ration can absolutely include vegetarian choices, like pretzels, potato dumplings, spätzle, and for dessert, double-baked pancakes,” says Joe Goodin, Vice President of Sales at Paulaner USA.
Some classics you can make
The first classic German vegetarian dish most of us will name is sauerkraut. It’s everywhere in the rest of the Western World, even as a topping or adjunct to many New World classics such as the Hot Dog.
Wiesn Brezn
It’s the an extra-large, traditional Bavarian soft pretzel – in the eyes and stomachs of some, the unofficial bread of Octoberfest. Everybody eats them. ‘Weizn’ is the traditional accompaniment to Fall-season Octoberfest beers, with their malty or toasty flavor and crisp finish.
Obatzda
This ancient and venerable Bavarian cheese dip is known as Beer cheese in the US. It’s a classic beer garden snack served everywhere at Oktoberfest. Dip your Pretzels!
Schupfnudeln
“Similar to Italian gnocchi potato dumplings, these German potato noodles are a traditional side or main dish in southern Germany.” Like Gnocchi, they can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Allgäuer Kässpatzen
“These iconic, cheesy noodles topped with crisp, caramelized onions are addictive (and nothing like mac and cheese).” At Octoberfest, they’re often served with a side of sauerkraut!
Weisskraut
Traditional Bavarian shredded white cabbage, slow-cooked with onions, apples, caraway seeds, vegetable broth, and a splash of vinegar or apple cider for a sweet-and-sour top note.
Krautstrudel
Sauerkraut, Bacon and Onion Strudel is a Bavarian classic which can easily be made veggie by excluding of the bacon and adding some par-boiled potato, carrot and/or turnip cubes.
My take
There are plenty more classic Bavarian dishes that can be rendered veggie-friendly. They’re called ‘Gemüserezepte’, and Quick-german-recipes.com offers dozens for your approval!
Enjoy Octoberfest! And do it YOUR way!
~ Maggie J.