Oktoberfest may be deeply rooted in Bavarian tradition, but at The Westin Manila, the annual celebration gets a distinctly Spanish twist.
This October, Aire32, The Westin Manila’s al fresco bar on the hotel’s top floor, brings Oktoberfest to the Ortigas skyline with two beers from Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery, paired with Spanish-inspired tapas and German favorites.
The concept is particularly fitting for The Westin Manila, which is led by German General Manager Alex Dietzsch, bringing an authentic connection to the Oktoberfest tradition while allowing the hotel’s culinary team to reinterpret it through Spanish flavors.
“We are doing this for the first time. Usually it starts middle of September, but ours will start in October. We are planning to continue this in the next few years. We are partnering now with a famous brewery called Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world,” said Dietzsch.
Adding a Spanish touch to the celebration is Cantabrian Chef Alvaro Romero-Abreu Raya, whose approach brings together Spanish culinary techniques and local influences.
“Our collaboration structure allows for constant innovation in the kitchen output,” he said, noting that the Oktoberfest offering allowed the team to explore different meat preparation techniques while carefully matching the dishes with beverages and condiments.
Among these is his interpretation of Chicharron, which combines Spanish curing and preservation techniques with a Filipino-style steaming process. The dish is complemented by guacamole and the chef’s own take on Pinakurat, bringing together slightly spicy and sour notes in a piña colada-inspired vinegar mix with cherry.
The result is a menu that adds a touch of Spanish character while keeping the convivial spirit of Oktoberfest.
Guests can raise a stein—or a beer glass—to the festivities with Weihenstephan Festbier, a full-bodied, rich seasonal lager specially brewed for Oktoberfest and served on tap.
Also available by the bottle is Weihenstephan Hefeweizen, a golden-yellow classic wheat beer with distinctive notes of banana and cloves.
Complementing the beers is a selection of savory bites and sweet delights available throughout October. The menu includes Tabla de Embutidos y Queso, an Iberico cold cuts degustation of chorizo, jamón and Manchego cheese served with pretzels; Bravawurst, German bratwurst paired with Spanish bravas potatoes; Brezeln, or German pretzels; and Apfelstrudel, a German green apple pie served with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon honey reduction.
For those looking to share the Oktoberfest experience, Aire32 offers a special combo featuring cold cuts and cheeses together with two 300ml glasses of Weihenstephan draft beer.
Set against sweeping views of the sunset and the Ortigas cityscape, Aire32 offers a fine-casual setting designed around social experiences, personal connection and balance. Its relaxed atmosphere, comfort food and drinks make it an inviting destination for gatherings with family and friends.
Oktoberfest at Aire32 is available throughout October 2026.
For reservations, visit Aire32 reservations.
