Image by Claudio Schwarz

Currywurst

The mighty Currywurst, a popular German dish that is often seen as a quintessential representation of German culture. It is an incredibly versatile food that can be served in a variety of different ways, with many different types of sauces and condiments. The dish is usually composed of fried pork sausage, diced potatoes, ketchup, and curry.

Currywurst


This simple yet flavourful dish is usually served as an affordable meal, often found at roadside snack stations, diners, and gas stations. Although most widely known in Germany, it has also gained a following in other countries such as the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

The dish itself originates back to 1949 when Herbert Gröner, a Berlin street vendor, decided to add curry powder to his spaghetti sauce. His creation was such a hit with customers that soon everyone wanted to try it out. This new variation of the original dish quickly gained popularity throughout the country, spawning numerous variations of sauces and recipes.

Nowadays, Currywurst is typically served with a side of fries or potato wedges, sometimes with a bit of garlic or onion. A lot of people also like to top off the dish with mayonnaise, pickles, and/or ketchup, adding a unique touch to the flavour. You can even find some restaurants and vendors offering an exotic take on the traditional dish, such as one topped with spicy chutney or a savoury tomato based sauce.

The popularity of Currywurst has extended over the years, even making its way into the culinary scene, with many chefs creating their own takes on the classic dish. This gourmet version of Currywurst can include various ingredients such as cream cheese, chili, and smoked paprika, resulting in a flavourful and sophisticated dish.

No matter how it is served, there is one thing that all Currywurst dishes have in common – they are always delicious. The combination of spices, herbs, and sauces, alongside the savoury pork sausage, makes it an ideal dish to enjoy no matter the occasion. Whether you’re looking for an affordable snack or a hearty meal, Currywurst has something to offer everyone.

The origin of Currywurst

The fascinating origin of Currywurst, the iconic German dish beloved around the world, is a source of much conjecture.

It seems fitting that the birthplace of currywurst lies in the grand metropolis of post-war Berlin, a city of adventurous citizens eager to explore and integrate flavors from around the Europe.

As the story goes, a woman named Herta Heuwer was the pioneer of the dish. She served up her creation of a steaming hot sausage slathered with a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a proprietary blend of Indian spices, affectionately known as “curry powder”, to her hungry customers.

Legend has it that she acquired her unique recipe after befriending British soldiers stationed in the city during the Allied Occupation of Germany. Whether or not there’s any truth to this rumor, one thing is for sure: Currywurst became an instant classic with Berliners and soon spread throughout the country.

It wasn’t long before it had captivated the palates of people worldwide. To this day, currywurst remains a favorite in Germany, particularly in Berlin, where stands selling the classic snack can be found at almost any street corner.

So what exactly makes currywurst so special? Even by today’s standards, its simple ingredients, wistful backstory, and flavorful kick make it the ultimate combination of comfort and nostalgia. For many folks, it’s all about the memories associated with their first experiences trying currywurst in Germany.

No matter its true origin, it’s safe to say that this iconic dish has managed to transcend its humble beginnings and become a global phenomenon.

FAQs about Currywurst

Is bratwurst and currywurst the same thing?

No, bratwurst and currywurst are not the same thing. Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage made from pork, while currywurst is a specialty sausage found mainly in Berlin that is topped with a spiced, ketchup-based sauce.


What does currywurst mean in English?

Currywurst is a German fast food dish made of steamed and then fried pork sausage, often cut into bite size pieces, and served with a combination of ketchup and curry powder, sometimes with a tomato-based sauce.


What is currywurst sauce made of?

Currywurst sauce is typically a combination of tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder. Other recipes may also include ingredients such as garlic, onions, apple cider vinegar, paprika, chili powder, mustard, and brown sugar.


Why is currywurst so popular in Germany?

Currywurst has been popular in Germany since the 1950s, when a Berlin street vendor named Herta Heuwer invented the dish. It's a quick and easy meal that many Germans enjoy as an affordable snack or light dinner. The combination of curry powder, ketchup and other spices adds a unique flavor to the sausage, making it something that people enjoy. It's also very popular for its convenience; it's usually served with fries, making it a complete meal that's available at various street stalls and snack bars throughout the country.


Types of Currywurst

Currywurst, a beloved German dish, is a must-have for gourmands and foodies alike. It’s not just an ordinary sausage, it’s a culinary masterpiece of flavour, texture and delectability that rivals even the most scrumptious of dishes. But, for those brave enough to venture into the realm of currywurst, there are many types to choose from.

The original currywurst is a pork or beef sausage covered in a peculiar combination of ketchup and curry powder, alongside a sprinkle of paprika for colour. This hearty snack is perfectly complemented by a side of French fries and is usually served with a generous slathering of mayonnaise and a squirt of mustard. Delicious and unctuous, the original currywurst has been a staple of German cuisine for decades.

But if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, try the Berliner Currywurst. This delicious variant of the classic is made with pork sausage, pickles and a unique blend of ketchup, paprika, garlic and spices. The intriguingly unique flavour of this dish makes it hard to resist, and it's a great way to enjoy the flavours of Berlin without ever having to leave your kitchen.

If you prefer something less traditional, vegan currywurst is a great option. It’s made with a vegetable-based sausage and is served with ketchup, curry powder and other spices. The vegan version offers all the deliciousness of the original, but with a much lighter flavour profile.

Finally, Turkish currywurst is a variation on the classic that has recently become quite popular in Germany. It’s made with a pork sausage, combined with a variety of spices, including cumin and coriander, before being served atop a bed of golden-brown chips. This dish is a great option for those who want something a little bit different that still packs a flavour punch!

Whether you’re a fan of the original or want to try something a bit different, everyone should experience the culinary delight that is currywurst. From the traditional to the avant-garde, there’s something for everyone in this mouthwatering German delicacy.