A genuine German invention: the currywurst. But where exactly did this delicious dish originate? Both Berlin and Hamburg claim to own the copyright to the Currywurst. Here you can find out everything you need to know about this disagreement.
The first currywurst patent
Currywurst is nothing more than a bratwurst served whole or sliced with a tomato-based sauce and curry powder. Let's start with the story that argues for Berlin as the place of invention. In 1949, a woman named Herta Heuwer is said to have invented the currywurst out of boredom in her snack bar.
A few years later, she patented the boiled sausage, which she garnished with a tomato sauce, but under the name "Chillup". This is how the German Currywurst Museum tells the story of the origin of the currywurst – and incidentally a lot more about this popular snack. But back to the original question: Was the Currywurst made by Herta Heuwer from Berlin really the first?
Currywurst in Hamburg Novel
Many people doubt this, primarily because of the well-known Hamburg novella "The Invention of the Currywurst" by author Uwe Timm. In this story, the dish is prepared by the main character Lena Brücker for the very first time in her Hamburg snack bar.
However, the novel is of course pure fiction. So, how can it influence assumptions about the place of origin at all? Well, it's because Uwe Timm claims to have eaten a currywurst at Hamburg's Großneumarkt as early as 1947. And he did so at the snack stand of a lady who later became the model for his novel character Lena Brücker.
Hamburg's Currywurst – A culinary adventure
We may never be certain when and where the first currywurst originated. Today it can be found all over Germany and will probably always remain a true delicacy with different variations.
If you find yourself drooling after reading this much about food, Hamburg is the place to be. Because although we can't guarantee that we are the inventors of the specially spiced currywurst, we do know that there are some really great places in Hamburg with delicious currywurst. Take a look at Edelcurry, Imbiss bei Schorsch or Curry-Pirates and experience the tasty snack for yourself.
