As you probably know, the 2020 edition of the world’s largest beer festival, the Oktoberfest, has been canceled in Munich because of the risks of further spreading the coronavirus. The global pandemic has hit us hard, this time taking away a 200-year tradition close to our hearts.
In the spirit of not letting the Oktoberfest go unnoticed this year, we thought we could all celebrate our own folk festival at our local Bavarian restaurants with a fair amount of fine beer and Oktoberfest staple food. Here are the top German restaurants in Bangkok for you to celebrate with your own.
Bei Otto
Potato & leek soup with crispy diced bacon served in a bread bowl | BEI OTTO
In Bei Otto, every day is Oktoberfest. The lights, the long wooden tables, and the checkered tablecloths just say beer garden, and they’ve been bringing the best Bavarian tradition to Bangkok since 1984.
There’s the Schwarzwald tube, or the Black Forest pub, and the Jaeger Raum, the large 160-seat hall. Either way, you’re in for a treat with hearty food, traditional music, and lots of beer, including Hofbräuhaus.
Bei Otto is a butchery, a bakery, and a deli, as well, so if you’re looking to immerse yourself in German traditions, this is the place to go.
Try the: Potato & leek soup with crispy diced bacon served in a bread bowl and the Jägerschnitzel, a hearty veal cutlet served with souffle pasta and lingonberry cream.
1 Soi 20, Sukhumvit Road Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
The Old German Beerhouse
Cold cut dish of smoked salmon, smoked trout, and smoked mackerel | THE OLD GERMAN BEERHOUSE
With two locations, this is one of the most popular German beer houses in Bangkok. As Bei Otto, The Old German Beerhouse has been in the market for over three decades.
This traditional place is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it’s during the night time that you can feel the authentic festive spirit, especially during a soccer match.
The Old German Beerhouse serves both Thai and German food, but you know you’re here for the Krakauer sausage with mashed potatoes and a good German weissbier.
Try the: Cold cut dish of smoked salmon, smoked trout, and smoked mackerel with garlic bread, and the Curry sausage with fries.
10, 23 Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Alexander’s German Eatery
Bavarian Pork Roast with sauerkraut | ALEXANDER’S GERMAN EATERY
Another well-established German eatery, Alexander’s is more of a traditional beer garden with lots of outdoor sitting and a beautiful indoor dining room. The food and hospitality are top notch, and it’s easy to see why. The former manager of Bei Otto, Alexander von Wnuk-Lipinski, is behind this newer, more rustic venue.
Discounts for locals and daily promotions make Alexander’s a fun place to visit often. For a casual beer and a few bites, the outdoor patio is beyond compare. For a memorable dinner, you’ll feel right at home in the elegant dining room.
Try the: Schweinshaxe (pork knuckles) and the Bavarian Pork Roast with sauerkraut.
37/3 Charoen Chai Alley, Khongtan Neua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
www.facebook.com/AlexandersGermanEatery
G’s Bangkok
Traditional Wiener Schnitzel | G’S BANGKOK
This very traditional but hyped-up gastro-pub meets a Bavarian tavern, close to the Patpong Market, is tons of fun. A young, loud crowd is drawn to the gorgeous terrace, ideal for people watching while you enjoy a cold beer and a bite.
If you’re all about the beer, then you’re in the right place because the German beer selection is legendary. There’s also a wide selection of Thai dishes, and they’re very well accomplished, but the German specialties are what you really want to eat here.
Try the: Traditional Wiener Schnitzel and the spicy currywurst.
74 74/1 Silom 4 Alley, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
www.facebook.com/GsBangkokRestaurant
Ratsstube
Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles and vegetables | RATSSTUBE
For an upscale take on German cuisine, the Ratsstube at the Goethe Institut is for you. Don’t expect a crowd, but a family-friendly, attentive restaurant focusing seriously on quality and hospitality.
A complete international bar featuring German beers, whiskey, and cocktails is top of the line and completes the experience for a wonderful time. The Ratsstube is a favorite for German ex-pats, and that says a lot. This is the real deal.
Try the: Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles and vegetables, and the pork cutlet Zuerich-style with spaetzle.
18/1 Soi Sathon 1 Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
No Oktoberfest? No Problem!
We’re pretty sure Oktoberfest traditions will come back in full force once the global coronavirus pandemic gives in. In the meantime, it’s up to us to keep the season’s spirit alive either by visiting our local restaurants, with our own backyard Oktoberfest, or our Bavarian-inspired dinner parties.
Cater, cook your own, or visit a local beer garden, but don’t miss the opportunity of celebrating the world’s most important beer fest. Call your friends and family over and celebrate with a cold one in hand.
