Oktoberfest: More organic at the Wiesn – but not with the favorite dish
At Oktoberfest, there is a growing focus on organic food, although this trend has not yet reached the festival's most popular dish.
The Oktoberfest in Munich, known locally as the Wiesn, has transformed into a competition among vendors for the best tent, the finest roasted chicken, and the cheapest beer. Recently, the festival's hosts and chefs convened at the city's 'Haus der Kost' to explore the integration of organic products into their menus. Participants eagerly discussed the percentage of organic ingredients featured in their offerings, showcasing a clear commitment to sustainability and health consciousness at the event.
The shift towards organic food at the Wiesn is not merely a passing trend; it has developed into a broader movement, further propelled by initiatives such as 'More Organic at the Wiesn.' This project, a collaboration between the Bavarian organic sector and major festival tent operators, received support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs and is set to officially launch in summer 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the presence of ecological products in traditional Bavarian cuisine, thereby increasing awareness and availability among festival-goers.
This recent tasting event for Wiesn hosts and chefs is a clear indication of the growing importance of organic food in traditional settings like Oktoberfest. While other dishes may embrace this movement, the most beloved favorite, presumably rotisserie chicken, has not yet adapted to these changes, posing questions about the pace at which traditional German cuisine integrates sustainable practices. This tension highlights the challenges of balancing tradition with modern dietary preferences in a festival context.