Currywurst

[edenman]

I've had some really awesome currywurst (Berlin) and some truly offensive renditions (Bavaria). Not enough experience to know what about it makes it so appealing, but enough to know that I need it in my life.

[MeMc]

I've had some really awesome currywurst (Berlin) and some truly offensive renditions (Bavaria). Not enough experience to know what about it makes it so appealing, but enough to know that I need it in my life.

I lived in Berlin from '02-'03 and usually steered clear of Currywurst. It seems like the sausage equivalent of Cheetos. (;

[wdcbrucefan]

Not enough experience to know what about it makes it so appealing, but enough to know that I need it in my life.

Having enjoyed a few late night currywursts in Berlin, I believe the appeal comes from consuming über amounts of weizen prior to ordering your wurst.

[The Hersch]

For the souls still in a state of grace who don't actually know what Currywurst is, allow me to bring you down a little.

I'll begin by stipulating that my Currywurst observations have all been in Bavaria, and may be invalid for the North. But the Currywurst I've observed in Bavaria (which observations have dissuaded me from ever eating any of the stuff) is as follows: Grilled sausages cut into bite-sized chunks, copiously doused in tomato ketchup over which is sprinkled a fearsome amount of curry powder. Usually served on a paper plate with toothpicks.

[edenman]

For the souls still in a state of grace who don't actually know what Currywurst is, allow me to bring you down a little.

I'll begin by stipulating that my Currywurst observations have all been in Bavaria, and may be invalid for the North. But the Currywurst I've observed in Bavaria (which observations have dissuaded me from ever eating any of the stuff) is as follows: Grilled sausages cut into bite-sized chunks, copiously doused in tomato ketchup over which is sprinkled a fearsome amount of curry powder. Usually served on a paper plate with toothpicks.

Yea, that mirrors my Bavaria experience to a T. My Berlin experience was far less doused, far less straightforward (I think the sauce was an actual blend instead of just ketchup covered in curry powder), and very good. And I don't think I had even had that many weizen that day either. But the Berlin experience was like '03, so the time may have skewed perception. Hrm...

[Sthitch]

Issue 101 of Saveur has a recipe for the Currywurst sauce that is used by one of the more popular places in Berlin. They do not use ketchup but make their own tomato sauce with copious amounts of curry powder in it, and then when they serve it sprinkle even more powder on top of it.

[monsterriffs]

I dunno about everyone else, but this sounds totally awesome. And I can't imagine that the combination of curry and tomato and/or ketchup is that far removed from what you find in most Indian food or even the weird Japanese takes on Western foods.

[Chef Tom]

My family is from Berlin.

Growing up we would "take it to the next level" by adding a dash of Worcesteshire Sauce and a little paprika..

[shogun]

Would you order that mit pommes oder brot?

[rkduggins]

My mother always at her bratwurst and polish sausage this way. I thought all those years she was a weirdo, when she was merely paying homage to her Teutonic ancestry. I will also cast a vote in the "yum" column for this combination.

[Pool Boy]

We fell in love with currywurst when we had loads of it for lunches in Wien (Vienna) a number of years back. We've made mad=ny variations of it at home with mixed results. Still on the quest for perfection!

[DonRocks]

German Gourmet has wonderful bratwurst sandwiches, including currywurst.

Note: The store is open until 7, but carryout is only open until 4 Mon-Sat; 3:30 Sun.

If you haven't had them, try your first one with sauerkraut and mustard.

[ElGuapo]

It's a guilty pleasure of mine. I often get it at Biergarten Haus and Tysons Biergarten.