A Saucy Icon of Hamburg’s Culinary Scene
Currywurst, a beloved German street food, holds a special place in Hamburg’s vibrant culinary landscape. This savoury delight consists of sliced pork sausage generously smothered in a tangy, tomato-based sauce infused with a blend of curry powder and spices. Often accompanied by a side of crispy chips or a fresh bread roll, Currywurst has become a quintessential snack for both locals and visitors alike.
The origins of Currywurst are a subject of friendly debate among German cities. While Berlin is widely credited with its invention—attributed to Herta Heuwer, who, in 1949, began selling sausages with a unique curry-tomato sauce from her stand in Charlottenburg—Hamburg offers its own narrative. In Uwe Timm’s 1993 novella The Invention of Curried Sausage, the story is set in Hamburg, suggesting the city as the birthplace of this iconic dish. Although the tale is fictional, Timm claims to have enjoyed Currywurst in Hamburg as early as 1947, adding a layer of intrigue to the city's association with the snack.
Regardless of its true origin, Currywurst has firmly established itself as a staple of Hamburg’s food culture. The city boasts numerous establishments, each offering its own unique take on the dish.
Some of the most popular places to get an original Hamburg Currywurst include:
Große Bleichen 68
20354 Hamburg
Beim Grünen Jäger 14
20359 Hamburg
Mozartstraße 23
22083 Hamburg
Hammerbrookstraße 73
20097 Hamburg
Barkhof 10
20095 Hamburg