This blog post was updated on May 12, 2020.
A plate of cut up sausages smothered in a strange looking ketchup and topping with fries is a meal you will see often in Berlin. Amidst all of the trendy and hip restaurants in Berlin, the Asian fusions and sushi joints, there is nothing like a good old fashioned and classic currywurst in Berlin. If you need some convincing or coaching on what is currywurst and how to find it, here is the best and wurst on currywurst.
What is Currywurst?: Currywurst is essential curried sausage. The bratwurst sausage is covered in ketchup and seasoned with curry powder. Sometimes you will find it served with fries and mayonnaise on top or to the side. Currywurst also varies by skin. You can generally always order it with or without the skin. Currywurst is then served mostly on a plain paper tray with a wooden mini fork. You eat your currywurst with the provided fork and paper plate rather than fine china and silverware.
Why Currywurst and Berlin?: Currywurst has long been a Berlin specialty. The dish came about during the war when the British brought curry to Berlin to feed the food rationed West Berliners. Many say one woman, Herta Heuwer, started it all when Germans were forced to be more creative with their cooking. A dash of curry on the bratwurst later has given Berlin and all those visit their midnight snack.
Where To Eat Currywurst?: The masses line up to have the currywurst at Curry 36 in Kreuzberg. The crowds hover over their currywurst, usually comprised of mostly tourists. However, you can find smaller currywurst stands just up the street in Kreuzberg like Bergmann curry. The little stand bears an official flag stating it to be an original Berliner currywurst. You know this has to be good. One bite and you’re hooked on this ketchup-dowsed dish. No matter the currywurst stand, each has a different spin on Berlin’s main street food.
Where Can I Learn More About Currywurst?: Berlin is also home to the Deutsches Currywurst Museum. If you can’t get enough information about currywurst, the museum might be right up your alley with its interactive exhibits assaulting the senses to take part in the experience. Visitors learn more about the history and ingredients that have gone into making the best currywurst in the world, or so they say. The museum experience is pricy at up to 11 euros per person.
Have you had currywurst in Berlin? Take advantage of special airfare rates being offered to Berlin on Air Berlin on OneTravel and try some currywurst for yourself!
Photo: WordRidden
‘Like’ us on Facebook for more stories of international eats!
Leave a Comment