Currywurst

Currywurst- Proof that not all drunk ideas are bad ones

Berlin is famous for many things- its long and fascinating history, its architecture, cabaret and hipsters…. but one Berlin invention has achieved a level of international fame and prestige that was previously unheard of in all of German history. It is the sausage, transcended. It is a currywurst.

The Currywurst is an almost perfect reflection of Berlin‘s troubled history in the Twentieth Century. The sausage, the Wurst, the main element of the dish, is undeniably and unmistakably German- Germany has literally hundreds of types of Wurst, which have been eaten as street snacks since time immemorial. The sauce however, was a product of Berlin‘s occupation throughout the Cold War- the tomato ketchup and curry powder were brought by the British and swapped with locals, which led to the creation of this iconic if bizarre streetfood.

It takes a bit of time to get your head around the thought of this weird combination, but it‘s well worth trying- it‘s considered (rightly or wrongly) to be one of the greatest streetfoods in the world.

So, when you‘re studying at Sprachenatelier, where should you go to get your sweet, meaty, aromatic tray of Berlin goodness? Here are a few recommendations (which aren‘t Curry 36)

Currybox

Within walking distance of the school, Currybox specialises in interesting variations on the classic currywurst- Mexican Currywurst, anyone? It doesn‘t just offer up a good currywurst, though- it does a good burger, too! With rave reviews on Yelp and trip advisor, as well as testimonials from students and reddit, it seems that we aren‘t alone in thinking this (we tried it of course. For science). Go for curly fries instead of regular ones.

https://flic.kr/p/6wU3Ss

Witty‘s

A more expensive option, but Witty‘s is a dependable proveyeur of tasty and organic currywurst. Although their flagship stand is in Schöneberg, many of you will first become acquianted with it at their stand at Schönefeld airport. Organic, good quality sausages are a real plus, as is the good beer that they keep behind the counter. The real hero, however, is their chips. Some of the best I‘ve had in Berlin so far, and a welcome snack after a long journey.

Konnopke‘s Imbiss

A veritable Berlin insitution, Konnopke‘s Imbiss has stood in Prenzlauer Berg since 1930, and has survived the Second World War, the destruction of Berlin, the occupation, the reconstruction of Berlin, life under the DDR, reunification, the financial crisis and has traded throughout. If all that can‘t tempt you, then their homemade curry sauce to a secret family recipe will.

Your Local Fleischerei

A Fleischerei can be a wonderful place, usually filled with locals (a rare experience in Berlin) . The meals are often cheap, filling and use some really good quality meat (being a butcher), and occasionally, just occasionally, they will turn their expertise on all that is meat-based to making fresh sausages which can be currywurst-ed. If it‘s off the menu, however, try some other classic German dishes. I quite like rouladen.

Hotel Adlon

At one of Berlin‘s most exclusive hotels, currywurst is apparently served with gold on top. So it made the list.

So there we are, five places for a decent Currywurst. Do you have any other thoughts, recommendations or horror stories? Leave them down below!