By Sharmila Chand , Consulting Editor

A craft-brewed Oktoberfest celebration at Flow, pairing German-style beers with comforting classics and unexpected beer-infused indulgences.

This Oktoberfest, Flow- Delhi’s leading microbrewery brings Bavarian beer culture and craft brewing together from 19th September to 4th October.
At the heart of the celebration are freshly brewed Märzenbier, setting the scene for distinctive pours, comforting flavours and the convivial spirit of raising a glass over good beer.

What’s in the menu

The Oktoberfest menu brings together comforting classics and indulgent flavours. Guests can enjoy golden, hand-twisted pretzels, with a crisp crust and soft, pillowy centre, alongside a hearty German potato salad featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon and a tangy Dijon mustard dressing. The traditional hotdogs come nestled in soft, house-made buns, layered with caramelised onions, pickled salad and grainy mustard, with a choice of smoky chicken or pork sausages.
Rounding off the experience is the Dark Milk Stout Brownie, a fudgy chocolate indulgence that brings together dark and milk chocolate with the rich, bittersweet notes of stout.

Bringing together the traditions of German beer culture and Flow’s passion for craft brewing, the Oktoberfest celebration invites guests to discover distinctive brews, savour delectable food pairings and enjoy the spirit of convivial dining in a vibrant brewery setting.

Flow Brew & Dine

Flow Brew & Dine is a contemporary microbrewery and dining destination at DLF Avenue, Saket, New Delhi. Specialising in craft beer, Flow brings together a selection of house-brewed beers and an eclectic food menu in a vibrant setting designed for social gatherings and memorable dining experiences.

Details at a Glance

What: Oktoberfest at Flow Brew & Dine
When: 19th September to 4th october
Where: Flow Brew & Dine, DLF Avenue, Saket, New Delhi

Sharmila Chand  In Conversation With Chef Ashish Kumar, Executive Chef, Flow Brew & Dine

Chef Ashish  brings extensive experience in contemporary restaurant kitchens, with a strong understanding of modern European and global cuisine. he says, “At Flow Brew & Dine, the focus is on creating food that works naturally with our freshly brewed craft beers while remaining approachable for the Indian palate. For Oktoberfest, the approach was to stay rooted in traditional German flavours while adapting the menu to suit the preferences and dining habits of our guests.”

# Why do you think Oktoberfest has caught on in India, when it’s a Bavarian harvest festival?

Oktoberfest works in India because, at its heart, it is not just a German festival. It is a celebration of beer, food, music, community and having a good time, and those are experiences Indian diners connect with very naturally.
For us, Oktoberfest also has a very strong relevance because beer is at the centre of the celebration. Guests may not necessarily know every tradition associated with the original Munich festival, but they understand the idea of coming together over freshly brewed beer, hearty food and great music.
Over the years, Oktoberfest has also evolved in India from simply being a themed promotion to becoming a genuine dining and entertainment occasion.

# Is the demand driven more by the beer, the food, or the party atmosphere?

It is really a combination, but beer is the anchor.
At Flow, the craft beer experience is what gives Oktoberfest its authenticity. However, beer alone doesn’t create the experience. The food, music, décor, beer games and overall atmosphere are what turn it into an occasion.
We see Oktoberfest as a complete experience where the guest isn’t simply coming in for a beer or a dish. They are coming to spend an evening celebrating.

# When you were designing your Oktoberfest menu, what were the essential German dishes or flavours you felt had to be included?

We wanted the menu to immediately feel German without making it unnecessarily complicated.
Classic elements such as German  sausages, pretzels, German potato Salad and hearty meat preparations were important references while developing the menu.
At the same time, we didn’t want to simply reproduce a traditional German menu. The idea was to make these flavours approachable and enjoyable for our audience at Flow, while ensuring that the food remained a natural companion to our craft beers.
The balance was essentially German at its core, but designed for the way people in India like to eat and share food.

# Pork is central to Bavarian cuisine. How did you handle that for guests who don’t eat it, and did you add chicken, lamb, or vegetarian options?

India has a very diverse dining audience, so having alternatives was essential.
While pork is an important part of traditional Bavarian cuisine, we don’t believe an Oktoberfest menu in India should exclude guests who don’t eat pork. We therefore included chicken  options, alongside other preparations that allow guests to experience the flavours and spirit of Oktoberfest without being restricted by dietary preferences.
For us, authenticity doesn’t mean copying a menu blindly. It means understanding the essence of the cuisine and adapting it intelligently to the market.

# Are there pairings that surprised you, like German beer with spicy Indian flavours?

Absolutely. One of the interesting things about beer is how versatile it is with food.
German-style beers can work surprisingly well with Indian flavours because carbonation helps cut through spice, while maltier beers can complement smoky, grilled and spiced dishes.
At Flow, because we brew our own beers, we look at food and beer as two parts of the same experience. A wheat beer, for example, can work beautifully with spicy or fried food, while darker and malt-forward beers can stand up to richer, roasted flavours.
The interesting part is discovering that you don’t have to eat completely traditional German food to enjoy a German-style beer.

# Why do you think Indian hospitality has embraced  festivals like Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, and Halloween?

Indian hospitality has always been very good at taking an idea from another culture and making it its own.
People are increasingly looking for experiences rather than simply a meal. Festivals such as Oktoberfest, Christmas markets and Halloween give restaurants an opportunity to create a complete environment around food and beverages through décor, music, activities and limited-time menus.
But there is also an important distinction between simply copying an international festival and localising it thoughtfully.
At Flow, Oktoberfest gives us an opportunity to celebrate the global beer culture while bringing it into our own environment through freshly brewed beer, food, music, games and Indian hospitality.
Ultimately, the festival may have originated in Bavaria, but the reason it works in India is quite simple: people everywhere enjoy good beer, good food and a good celebration.

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