Bratwurst (in English bratwurst or brat) is a very popular German dish, eaten at fairs, in restaurants, at barbeques. Of course, the love for Bratwurst is not limited to Germany; there even is a World Bratwurst Day on August 16th.
There are many different varieties, depending on the region, but generally speaking it is a sausage made of chopped pork, pan-fried or roasted on a grill.
You would think that the German verb braten which means ‘to fry’ gave the sausage its name, however Brat is derived from the Old High German word Brät which means ‘finely chopped meat’.
As I said, depending on the region, Bratwürste can vary in size and ingredients, and the way they are served. Here are three popular Bratwürste in Germany.
1. Nürnberger Bratwurst
Nürnberger Bratwürste or Rostbratwürste (lit. Nürnberger grilled sausage) are made from pork and seasoned with marjoram, and only about 2-3 inches long. The first mention of the sausage dates to 1313. They are normally served in sets of three or six on pewter plates if eaten in a restaurant.
You can also buy them as a street food, commonly with three sausages in a bread roll and with mustard. It is called “Drei im Weggla” (dialect) which means ‘three in a bread roll’.
Only sausages made in Nuremburg can call themselves “Nürnberger Bratwürste”, the name has been protected since 2003.
In November 2021, a museum dedicated to the Nuremberg sausage opened its doors. For more information about the museum and the Bratwurst, see my sources and resources at the end of the article.
2. Thüringer Bratwurst
As the name indicates, the Thüringer Bratwurst or Rostbratwurst comes from the state of Thuringia, and just like the Nürnberger Würstchen, it is geographically protected, meaning at least 51% of its ingredients must come from the state of Thuringia. Compared to other sausages it has a relatively low fat content with around 25%.
The Thüringer is normally made from minced pork or beef and seasoned with marjoram, caraway, and garlic. The first recipe was recorded in 1613, but the sausage is mentioned in writing as early as 1404.
The Thüringer is around 6-8 inches long, and normally served in a cut-open roll with mustard.
3. Currywurst
Currywurst is a favorite street food, especially in Berlin, Hamburg and the Ruhr region. Herbert Grönemeyer even sang a song about this iconic food.
While other Bratwürste have been around for centuries, this specialty sausage was invented in the 20th century, most often credit is given to Herta Heuwer who started selling fried pork sausage with curry ketchup in 1949 in Berlin. She received curry powder and ketchup from British soldiers after the war, mixed them and poured it over the sausage.
When you buy a Currywurst at a food stand (Imbiss), it might come precut (there is a special machine for it) or as a whole, with curry ketchup or with ketchup and curry powder sprinkled on top. Often it is served with french fries like in the photo.
