World renowned Chef Martin Yan, culinary ambassador of the WMC Group, says the Oktoberfest will be a good opportunity to learn about German culture and make new friends. — VNS Photo Van Dat

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Fans of German cuisine, beer and culture will want to attend Oktoberfest in HCM City on October 10-11 and 14-18, the largest German beer festival in Southeast Asia.

The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 people in HCM.

Authentic German cuisine such as sausages, sauerkraut, sauerbraten and pretzels, the rituals of opening a barrel of beer, traditional costumes, dancing to foot-stomping music, and traditional German games will be available during the week-long event.

Music will include rock hits and popular Bavarian folk music from the German band Gaukis Bavaria. The band are new to Viet Nam but are no stranger to playing to overseas crowds, having performed in Brazil and more recently in Tokyo.

The Oktoberfest in Viet Nam recreates the massive beer halls of the original Oktoberfest in Munich.

Martin Yan, a world renowned chef, who attended the introductory event held on Thursday night (Sept. 4), said the festival would be a good opportunity to learn about German culture and make new friends.

The festival is organised outdoors under a tent that can accommodate 10,000 people.

The festival began in Viet Nam in 1992. Last year, 14,000 visitors consumed 2 tonnes of sausages, 700 kilos of pork knuckles, 350 kilos of sauerkrauts, and over 20,000 litres of imported German beer, according to organisers.

Last year's event had over 2,000 participants each day.

Under the patronage of the German Embassy in Ha Noi and the German Consulate General in HCM City, the German Business Association (GBA) has teamed up with Windsor Plaza Hotel in HCM City's District 5 to organise the festival.

For the ninth year in a row, the GBA and the Windsor Plaza Hotel have organised the Oktoberfest.

According to Reuters, the event in HCM City is ranked among the Top 10 Oktoberfests outside of Munich.

Tickets can be booked online at www.oktoberfestvietnam.com or call the hotline at 0908477489. —VNS