German Cuisine 2 - Curry Wurst

Recently I was wandering through the historic town of Wolfenbüttel in Lower Saxony, Germany, when I came over all peckish. I was with some other chaps from the British Guild of Travel Writers and we were visiting town under the guidance of Petra Sievers from Hanover Tourism, and she knew of just the place for lunch.

So we quickly grabbed lunch at the excellent lunch at the Restaurant “Zum Glück”, Löwenstraße 1 in the middle of town - and very good it was too. I could have gone down a much fancier route but I really wanted to try the famous curry-wurst - a simple dish which has spread right across Germany and beyond.

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Curry-wurst is a popular German street food that has been beloved since its invention in 1949. It consists of a grilled or fried pork sausage, usually cut into slices, that is doused in a curry-flavoured ketchup and sprinkled with curry powder.

The dish is usually served with a side of French fries and has become a staple of German fast food. It was created by Herta Heuwer, a Berliner who ran a street stall in Charlottenburg. She came up with the idea of adding curry powder to ketchup to give the dish its distinctive flavour. Heuwer was granted a patent for her invention in 1951, and the dish has since become a beloved part of German culture.

Curry-wurst is most often eaten as a snack or light meal and is popular among children and adults alike. It is often served as part of a larger meal, such as a sausage platter. The dish has also become popular outside of Germany, with variations featuring different types of sausage and even vegetarian versions. The dish has become so popular that it has spawned a number of variations. The most common variation is the “Currywurst mit Pommes”, which is served with French fries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Currywurst

What is currywurst?

Currywurst is a popular German fast food made from sausage, usually sliced into pieces and served with a curry-spiced tomato sauce. It is commonly accompanied by chips or bread.

Where was currywurst invented?

Currywurst is generally associated with Berlin, where Herta Heuwer is credited with creating the dish in 1949 by combining sausage with a tomato-based sauce flavoured with curry powder.

What does currywurst taste like?

The flavour comes largely from the sauce, which combines sweet and tangy tomato flavours with aromatic curry spices. Recipes vary considerably, so some versions are mild while others have much more heat.

What type of sausage is used for currywurst?

Different regions and restaurants use different sausages, but bratwurst-style pork sausages are common. Currywurst may be served with the sausage skin intact or with a skinless sausage.

Is currywurst popular throughout Germany?

Yes. Although particularly associated with Berlin, currywurst can be found across Germany in cafés, snack bars, street-food stalls and restaurants.

What is traditionally served with currywurst?

Chips are probably the best-known accompaniment, often with mayonnaise, although currywurst can also be served with a bread roll. It makes a simple and filling lunch when exploring a German town or city.