Fire up the grills, barbecue your choice of bratwurst and spice ’em up with German curry ketchup (and a cold German beer). Authentic German curry ketchup (called “curry sauce” in the US) is quite a unique tasting condiment rooted in Berlin. From New York to LA you can now savor the flavor of a hot dog, bratwurst or bockwurst with a kick of hot or sweet curry ketchup. Or pay a visit to the Berlin and get a Currywurst at one of the myriad of food trucks selling the iconic German fast food.
Looking to buy German condiments and seasonings right now? Visit our sister site The Taste of Germany for a selection of German condiments and seasonings.
The roots of ketchup
As much as it is quintessentially “American,” ketchup actually originated in 17th century China; although it was more of a brine than the tomato-based ketchup we know and love today. The first American tomato ketchup recipes were published in the early 1800s and the first commercial ketchup was produced in the 1830s. A son of German immigrants from Kallstadt (near Bad Dürkheim, in the heart of Germany’s southwestern wine growing areas), Henry John Heinz founded one of the world’s most venerated brands in 1876, banking on the growing popularity of tomatoes in that century. Heinz ketchup remains the flavor king on the backyard barbecue table.
Why is curry in the ketchup?
The spicy-sweet German ketchup with a characteristic curry flavor is inextricably linked to the invention of the currywurst after World War II. Herta Heuwer is considered the “inventor,” who first poured a sauce made from tomato paste, curry powder, and other spices over grilled bratwurst in 1949 in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Her improvised snack quickly became a sensation, and the sauce developed into a cult German accompaniment to sausage dishes. The curry ketchup recipe was industrially refined and commercialized in the following decades.
So many uses for Curry Ketchup
Curry ketchup is primarily used in Germany as a sauce for meat dishes, especially currywurst, French fries, or schnitzel. In many snack bars, it replaces classic tomato ketchup and is garnished with additional curry powder. It’s also a staple ingredient in many homemade barbecue sauces. At home, curry ketchup is often used as a dip, marinade, or as an ingredient in spicy stews. Its mild spiciness and slightly sweet flavor make it especially popular with children.
Branded products
In Germany, there are numerous national and local brands offering curry ketchup in various flavors and spiciness levels. The best known include Hela, Zeisner, and Knorr. Hela is the market leader with its “Curry Spice Ketchup” and is considered synonymous with the product category. Zeisner also offers a wide selection, from mild to extra hot. Regional differences are noticeable: While the spicy Zeisner is more popular in the north, Hela dominates in the south. German Discounters and supermarkets also offer private label brands that are more affordable but often have similar recipes.
Trends:
New trends have emerged in recent years surrounding curry ketchup. Demand for organic or reduced-sugar varieties and recipes, as well as vegan alternatives, are steadily increasing. Some manufacturers are focusing on exotic spice blends or special curry varieties such as Madras or Garam Masala. International versions, such as those with mango or chili, are also expanding the range. In the street food scene in Berlin and other German cities, Currywurst is experiencing a revival with innovative curry-ketchup-based sauces. The classic remains intact, but is increasingly being reinterpreted.
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