Oktoberfest 2026 Food Guide: What to Eat in Munich Beyond Beer
Oktoberfest is more than beer. Try roast chicken, pretzels, sausages, dumplings and sweet festival treats during Munich’s 2026 celebration.
Updated: August 18, 2026
People understandably talk about litres of beer when Oktoberfest comes up, but the food is half the pleasure. The festival is a collection of tents and stalls where a long afternoon can turn into a very good tour of Bavarian comfort food.
Start with the classics
- Hendl: roast chicken with crisp skin, one of the easiest full meals to share or devour alone.
- Brezn: the giant soft pretzel that makes sense at nearly any hour.
- Weisswurst: a mild white sausage traditionally associated with Bavaria.
- Schweinshaxe: roast pork knuckle for when the day has become a serious meal.
Do not skip the sides
Potato salad, sauerkraut, dumplings and radish are not decorative extras. They make the heavier dishes feel like a real meal rather than a plate built entirely around meat.
Save room for sweet stuff
Look for gingerbread hearts, Kaiserschmarrn, roasted nuts and other festival sweets. A gingerbread heart is also one of the most classic visual souvenirs, although the prettiest ones have a habit of being too cute to eat.
Eat before you are starving
Big tents can become busy. If you know you want dinner, order before everyone at the table suddenly becomes hungry at the same time. Food is also one of the best ways to pace a long festival day instead of treating the whole thing like one continuous drink.
Quick questions
Can I enjoy Oktoberfest if I do not drink beer?
Yes. The festival is a cultural event with food, rides, parades and non-alcoholic options.
What dates is Oktoberfest 2026?
September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The lovely part
The meal you remember may end up being the pretzel you tore apart with somebody while the tent got louder around you.
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