As always, Hilton Colombo Oktoberfest is proving to be a smashing success. The annual Oktoberfest has attracted a relaxed, good-humoured, and a young crowd, despite the almost continuously wet and cold weather.
As we walked in, we were greeted by the twinkling fairy-lights, mimicking the feeling of attending a folk festival. Taking a seat in the tent set up for the event, we found several waiters rushing around with pitchers of brew, eagerly waiting to serve or top up the revellers.
And of course, we must talk about the food. There was the pretzel – you can’t have Oktoberfest without pretzels – which were large and soft, and the perfect accompaniment to the beverages on offer. The pork was excellent – perfectly seasoned, soft, and there’s something about watching a whole beautifully glazed roast pig being cut up just for you that has you salivating in anticipation.
We also ended up stuffing ourselves with lots of sauerkraut-pickled cabbage, which paired well with almost anything. And we can’t forget the potatoes, our personal favourite: They had a range of potato pancakes, mashed potato, gnocchi, potato salad, and a whole bunch of other foods that were all incredibly heavy and hearty. At the end of the night, patrons left with full stomachs and happy hearts – if not from the Oktoberfest beverages, the food certainly hit the spot.
Hilton also sported a pretty indulgent lineup of dessert as well, with the rich black forest Swiss roll, the cut up mini-pancakes with custard and apple sauce, a range of traditional German cakes and sweets, and for those a little less adventurous – tonnes of flavours of ice cream.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Hilton Oktoberfest is the fact that the staff are all adorned in traditional Bavarian outfits (Tracht). The men wear Lederhosen (leather breeches) and the women wear Dirndl, which truly gives an impression that the guests are being transported right to Germany.
Oktoberfest is a hearty festival to attend, whether you’re a stalwart drinker or a die-hard foodie. As this year’s Oktoberfest is wrapping up on 5 November, be sure to head over to Hilton this week!
Photos Pradeep Dambarage
