Being right next to Chinatown, Market Lane seems like an odd place to find a Bavarian beer house, but Hofbräuhaus has been around since 1968. In this venue, you’ll be treated to hearty Bavarian fare and entertainment – live music builds a fun atmosphere during the busy evenings.

Admittedly, I’m not a huge beer drinker, but the Passionfruit Weizen is a treat. The Mango is comparatively stronger on the beer flavour, and less so in fruitiness.

It’s hard to agree on which mains to order because there are so many enticing options, so what better way to settle than going the platter route? The Hofbrauhaus Feast Platter will get plenty of pork on your fork. You’ll get the crispy pork belly, pork loin, the full sized pork knuckle, pork jus, and a selection of sausages (today, the Chilli Käsekrainer, Brautwurst, and Nürnberger). Also on the platter are two chicken schnitzels and a mounds of sauerkraut, mashed potato, and braised red cabbage. All the proteins are handled exceptionally well. There’s plenty of crunchy crackling everywhere, the meat is juicy – especially that succulent pork belly – and even the schnitzel avoids the curse of being dry. The acidity of the sauerkraut and braised cabbage offsets some of the heaviness from the meat and the well-salted pork knuckle, but there’s also a lemon wedge handy if you need it.

After all that protein we need something sweet, so we go for the Apfelstrudel. Though the pastry encasing the filling is more elastic than crisp, the warm apple filling delivers comforting and familiar flavours of cinnamon and other spices.

Fans of Bavarian food, and pork in particular, will not be disappointed by what Hofbrauhaus has to offer.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Hofbräuhaus as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time

Hofbräuhaus
18/28 Market Ln
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
hofbrauhaus.com.au
(03) 9663 3361