brent.pinheiro@guardian.co.tt
Throughout the recently concluded T&T Restaurant Week (TTRW) 2025, restaurants across the country opened their doors to food lovers in search of their next “foodgasm”—all at a discounted price. Menus this year spanned a world of flavours, pulling inspiration from both local and international cuisines: Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Indian, and beyond.
At the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre, however, the culinary team at Herbs & Spices Restaurant took diners on a distinctly European adventure, bringing the sights, sounds, and flavours of Oktoberfest to the Caribbean—no lederhosen required.
From schnitzel and sauerkraut to bratwurst, liverwurst, and flammkuchen (a German-style flatbread pizza), the buffet menu curated by executive chef Eduardo Frausto-Cornish and his team paid homage to the Bavarian region of Germany.
“We were really worried about this first time—like, how are Trinidadians going to react to German food?” admitted Olivier Maumaire, Hilton Trinidad’s general manager. “But so far, we’ve gotten very, very good feedback, so we are very happy.”
To ensure authenticity, Hilton Trinidad partnered with the German Embassy and the European Chamber of Commerce, even importing ingredients directly from Germany. The result was a culinary experience that blended precision and passion — though local diners may have noticed an absence of familiar flavours like chadon beni or green seasoning.
Still, the adventure was worth it. The flavours were bold, comforting, and layered—perfectly in keeping with the spirit of Oktoberfest. A standout favourite was the flammkuchen, while the suckling pig with beer sauce and sauerkraut, a chef’s recommendation, was a must-try for traditionalists and food explorers alike.
What’s Oktoberfest without beer? The TTRW menu included bottomless Stag beer, but for the true connoisseurs, Hilton Trinidad also offered Tommy’s limited-edition Oktoberfest lager, the Oktoberfest German-style Märzen.
Described by Declan Khan, Hilton’s Food and Beverage Outlets manager, as “a golden ale with high froth, a sweet tone, and a heavier note and body toward the end,” this specialty brew was available at only two places in the country—Tommy’s Brewery and the Hilton Trinidad.
The immersive experience was rounded out by German music, décor, and a festive atmosphere.
“It’s not only the food,” Maumaire explained. “It’s the music, the ambience, the decoration—we really want to transport people for a night to Germany.”
Hilton Trinidad’s Oktoberfest celebration captured the essence of Restaurant Week—exploring new flavours, celebrating culture, and bringing people together through food. It was an experience that blended culinary creativity with community spirit, leaving guests full, inspired, and already planning a return visit.
The Oktoberfest dinner buffet ran nightly during Restaurant Week. Though T&T Restaurant Week 2025 has now come to a close, its taste of international flair—and that Bavarian cheer—linger a little longer at Hilton Trinidad.
