Oktoberfest, popularly known as the largest beer festival in the world, isn’t just for the Germans anymore. After millions of people around the world have been flocking to Germany to be part of the beer guzzling and meat eating frenzy, Chennai has also been home to various Oktoberfest celebrations in the recent past. “We have so many expats living here in the city now, so we can definitely expect a good crowd to come in and participate in the celebrations,” says Executive Chef Thomas Angerer from Hyatt Regency. “But it’s definitely not just for the expats. It’s also for Chennaiites who like a bit of culture,” he says, “And a bit of beer!”
Yes, you heard that right. Oktoberfest is all about drinking excessive amounts of beer and eating some good food. If that’s the way the Germans celebrate it, that’s exactly how we will too, Chef Tom insists. “It’s all about Bavarian delicacies. So I’m importing everything from the sausages and meatloaf and even beer from Germany,” he says. “Dancing on the tables after you’ve had a few beers is a tradition,” he provides suggestively, but quickly adds, “But I doubt there will be any of that at Hyatt though,” he laughs.
And there definitely will be no compromise on the authenticity of the fare to please local taste buds, he adds, “It’s all going to be authentic,” says Chef Tom, who has been with Hyatt in Chennai for over two years now, “We’re going to have traditional German music and wooden benches and tents up on our terrace just like they do it in Germany.”
The fact that 2012 also marks the 60th anniversary of Indo-German diplomatic ties makes this year’s Oktoberfest not only more significant, but also special, Chef Tom says before giving us a peek into the menu he’s planned.
“Bavarian sausages, German-style potato salad, boiled sausages with mustard, homemade pretzels and a variety of authentic desserts,” he says.
The Austrian-born chef, who has been on the road for the last 16 years, says that he has been a part of Oktoberfest celebrations in almost every part of the world. “Australia, San Francisco, London,” he begins to list, “Since they import the meat and beer from Germany in all those places also, it’s a very authentic experience,” he recalls, “But what it really is about is the people who come to participate in the celebrations.”
Hyatt Regency will host Oktoberfest between September 22 and October 7.
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