The Best Currywurst in Berlin – Our Top 5 Picks

Of the many iconic street foods in Berlin, none are quite as legendary as currywurst. It’s easily up there with schnitzel and brezel as a hallmark of German cuisine, and feasting on the best currywurst in Berlin is a cultural experience in its own right!

More often than not, currywurst is the dish most people on my Berlin food tours are eager to try, and I can’t say I blame them. This simple but oh-so-satisfying combination of fried and chopped sausage chunks and curried ketchup always goes down a treat, especially alongside French fries.

If finding the best currywurst in Berlin is on your to-do list for your visit to the German capital, this guide will be just what you’re looking for!

The History of Currywurst: How It Became Berlin’s Favorite Street Food

Currywurst is ingrained in German history and culture and has similar roots to many beloved dishes in that it came about in a rather unorthodox way. While sausages, namely bratwurst, have been a staple in German cuisine for centuries, ketchup and curry powder, key ingredients in currywurst, were only introduced after World War II.

There are a couple of conflicting stories out there, but most credit food vendor Herta Heuwer as the mastermind behind the dish. In Berlin in 1949, a bored Heuwer experimented with ketchup, curry, and Worcestershire sauce, adding the mixture to a sausage.

As the city was gradually rebuilding itself after the war, the dish became hugely popular among construction workers. Not long after, it was a firm favorite with Germans from all walks of life.

Top Currywurst Spots in Berlin: Must-Try Vendors

Curry 36

Photo credit: Curry 36

Calling Curry 36 a Berlin institution would be an understatement, and their Kreuzberg location is especially treasured. There’s always a queue at this retro-style food stand, but I can assure you it’s worth persevering.

In addition to serving arguably the best currywurst in Berlin, they also whip up vegan alternatives. I went for the classic meat version and was instantly impressed by the herbaceous, savory sausage. The sauce was equally tasty, with mild curry notes shining through the zesty tomato sauce.

Curry 36 (€2 – €4) – Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin, Germany – Open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Curry Baude

Photo credit: Curry Baude

A low-key corner kiosk with an old-school red-and-white facade, Curry Baude is the go-to spot for currywurst in Mitte’s Gesundbrunnen area.

The sauce here had such an addictive, tangy taste, and the peppery paprika added a gentle sweetness. It clung to the meaty sausage chunks perfectly and complemented the crispy fries, which I, of course, teamed with creamy mayonnaise.

Curry Baude (€2 – €4) – Badstraße 1-5, 13357 Berlin, Germany – Open every Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and every Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Curry 61

I’ve never walked by Curry 61 in Mitte and not seen a lengthy line forming outside. On one occasion, I managed to get here just as this casual joint was opening up, so I ordered myself some vegan currywurst and snagged a seat outside.

My curiosity about the plant-based version paid off. The salty sausage balanced out the fiery sauce that was packed full of juicy tomatoes and umami Worcestershire sauce.

Curry 61 (€3 – €6) – Oranienburger Str. 6, 10178 Berlin, Germany – Open every Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Zur Bratpfanne

Photo credit: Zur Bratpfanne

Zur Bratpfanne near the Botanical Gardens is a bustling fast food stand with a seriously great reputation.

I went for the skin-on sausage and loved how it brought some crunch to every bite. The sauce was particularly memorable, as it was rich and fragrant with a silky consistency.

Zur Bratpfanne (€3 – €6) – Schloßstraße, 12163 Berlin, Germany – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 am and every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ketch’up 35

Photo credit: Ketch’up 35

Even the Currywurst Museum has commended Neukölln’s Ketch’up 35. Because of this, I was determined to swing by this ski lodge-looking snack bar and try some of the best currywurst in Berlin for myself.

It was easy to see why this place is so acclaimed. The quality of the sausage was evident from the first mouthful, and the juices seemed to seep into the zingy, lightly spiced sauce, intensifying the flavor.

Ketch’up 35 (€3 – €6) – Gradestraße 35, 12347 Berlin, Germany – Open every Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm and every Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Tips for Enjoying Currywurst in Berlin

• Variations in the recipe are very common, meaning no two currywurst vendors serve up quite the same version of the dish.
• Currywurst is available at pretty much any time of day, but to avoid long queues, ordering yours before or after the lunchtime rush is always recommended.
• Although mostly seen as a grab-and-go street food, you’ll also find currywurst in restaurants, many of which offer elevated versions of this dish.
• Fries are typically the side of choice, and some diners top them with mayonnaise. For the full currywurst experience, wash yours down with a German beer. If you’re not a fan of beer, a glass of Riesling is a lovely alternative.
• What makes a currywurst good is very much a matter of personal taste. That said, getting the balance of flavors right is essential, as the sauce shouldn’t be too sweet or spicy.
• Keep in mind that while the original recipe utilizes skin-on sausages, many prefer skinless versions. One of my best tips for eating currywurst is simply to sample both!

Conclusion

Many locals and travelers have strong opinions about where to find the best currywurst in Berlin, but these spots left me yearning to come back. Whether you opt for the underrated haunts or the ultra-popular currywurst locations, I’m confident this famous snack will leave a lasting impression on you.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin food tours & culinary experiences. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin street food: The ultimate guide. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/berlin-street-food/

Curry 36. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://curry36.de/de/

Curry Baude. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from http://www.curry-baude.de/index_en.html

Curry 61. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.curry61.de/

Zur Bratpfanne. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from http://www.zurbratpfanne.de/

Ketchup 35. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.ketchup35.de