The age-old culinary debate heats up between Bavaria and Thuringia over who truly invented the beloved Bratwurst, with historical documents suggesting Thuringia may have the upper hand.
Bavarian and Thuringian States Clash Over Bratwurst Origins
Bavarian and Thuringian States Clash Over Bratwurst Origins
A historic disagreement arises as Bavaria and Thuringia vie for the title of the birthplace of the iconic Bratwurst sausage.
In a delicious dispute over the origins of the Bratwurst sausage, two German states—Bavaria and Thuringia—are embroiled in a rivalry that has sparked local pride and heated discussions. The celebrated "Wurstkuchl," located by the picturesque Stone Bridge in Regensburg, Bavaria, has long claimed to be the world's oldest Bratwurst stand, with its roots tracing back to 1378.
However, recent findings from historians in Thuringia's capital, Erfurt, have uncovered a pivotal document from as early as 1269, which references a meat-roasting stand (Brathütte) and a roasting pan (Bräter), predating the Bavarian establishment by over a century. As the race to lay claim to the title intensifies, researchers are now on the hunt for the precise location of this long-lost sausage stand in Erfurt, although no restaurant there has yet declared itself the oldest.
Previously, historians in Thuringia had only been able to trace their sausage heritage back to 1404, when a reference to spending "1 groschen for bratwurst casings" appeared in the town of Arnstadt. Meanwhile, the Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, known for its centuries-old recipes and traditions, continues to delight visitors with homemade sausages, locally sourced sauerkraut, and its renowned house mustard.
In light of Thuringia's new revelation, Wurstkuchl's landlady, Alexandra Meier, expressed indifference, emphasizing pride in the quality of their sausages. "To be honest, it doesn't bother us at all," she stated, adding that customers value the culinary experience rather than the title of oldest.
This debate is not novel; Bavaria's various towns, including Regensburg and Nuremberg, have previously vied for the oldest sausage stand designation, ultimately favoring Regensburg. As the Bratwurst saga continues, both states revel in the rich cultural history and culinary significance of this beloved German dish.
However, recent findings from historians in Thuringia's capital, Erfurt, have uncovered a pivotal document from as early as 1269, which references a meat-roasting stand (Brathütte) and a roasting pan (Bräter), predating the Bavarian establishment by over a century. As the race to lay claim to the title intensifies, researchers are now on the hunt for the precise location of this long-lost sausage stand in Erfurt, although no restaurant there has yet declared itself the oldest.
Previously, historians in Thuringia had only been able to trace their sausage heritage back to 1404, when a reference to spending "1 groschen for bratwurst casings" appeared in the town of Arnstadt. Meanwhile, the Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, known for its centuries-old recipes and traditions, continues to delight visitors with homemade sausages, locally sourced sauerkraut, and its renowned house mustard.
In light of Thuringia's new revelation, Wurstkuchl's landlady, Alexandra Meier, expressed indifference, emphasizing pride in the quality of their sausages. "To be honest, it doesn't bother us at all," she stated, adding that customers value the culinary experience rather than the title of oldest.
This debate is not novel; Bavaria's various towns, including Regensburg and Nuremberg, have previously vied for the oldest sausage stand designation, ultimately favoring Regensburg. As the Bratwurst saga continues, both states revel in the rich cultural history and culinary significance of this beloved German dish.
