Cologne's Sausage Delights: A Tasty Guide

Germany is known for its sausages, and Cologne is no exception. The city is filled with restaurants and street vendors serving up a variety of delicious German sausages. From the classic bratwurst to the more exotic Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), there's a sausage dish for everyone in Cologne.

For those short on time, Meister Bock, a stand-up sausage shop in Cologne Central Station, is a great option to get an authentic taste of German sausages. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, restaurants like Früh am Dom, Peters Brauhaus, and Gilden im Zims offer traditional German cuisine with a variety of sausage dishes.

So, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a hearty meal, Cologne has plenty of sausage options to satisfy your cravings.

Bratwurst

For a quick, convenient meal on the go, grab a bratwurst in a bread roll from a street vendor. This classic German fast food is widely available and affordable, costing around 1.50 to 2 euros. It's a great way to sample authentic German cuisine without breaking the bank.

If you prefer a sit-down meal, you can enjoy bratwurst in a restaurant, served with a variety of sides. The sausage is often accompanied by sauerkraut or potatoes, and washed down with a cold beer. For a truly German experience, look for restaurants that serve bratwurst with kartoffelsalat, the German version of potato salad, made with unpeeled potatoes and a dressing of vinegar and bacon grease. It's best enjoyed warm, making it a comforting dish during the colder months.

Cologne, with its rich culinary traditions, offers several spots to savour bratwurst. Früh am Dom, a cosy pub in the heart of the city, is known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food. Gilden im Zims, tucked away in the city centre, offers a cosy setting and a special winter menu featuring pork knuckle and a half-pound sausage. Lommerzheim, a quirky and charming restaurant, exudes authenticity with its rustic interior and the mouthwatering aroma of bratwurst filling the air.

So, whether you're exploring the city and need a quick bite or are settling in for a hearty meal, bratwurst is a must-try when visiting Cologne.

Leberwurst

If you are in Cologne and want to try leberwurst, head to Metzgerei Schmitz, a well-known butcher shop offering a range of homemade, authentic varieties. Or, for a more traditional dining experience, try Gaststätte Bei Oma Kleinmann, which is famous for its schnitzel but also serves classic German dishes like leberwurst.

Blood sausage

Preparing blood sausage involves cooking or drying blood and mixing it with fillers until it reaches a thick consistency. The mixture is then stuffed into casings, typically made from animal intestines, and poached in hot water to solidify the blood. After poaching, the sausages can be smoked, fried, grilled, or added to soups.

Grilled sausage

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, Meister Bock, a stand-up sausage shop in Cologne Central Station, is a popular choice among locals. They serve both boiled and grilled sausages, which can be cut into small pieces and covered in sauce.

For a more sit-down meal, Früh am Dom is a lively pub in the heart of the city, serving local blood sausage dishes, such as "Himmel en Ääd" ("Heaven and Earth"), a combination of blood sausage, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Gilden im Zims is another great option, offering a cosy atmosphere and traditional German cuisine, including pork knuckle and sausage.

When it comes to grilled sausages, they pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Sautéed peppers and onions: A classic combination that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Mac and cheese: The ultimate comfort food, made even better when paired with the smokiness of grilled sausage.
• Baked beans: A hearty and flavourful option, perfect for a barbecue.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy contrast to the savoury sausage.
• Potato salad: A refreshing side dish, especially the German version, kartoffelsalat, made with unpeeled potatoes and a dressing of vinegar and bacon grease.
• Rosemary and garlic baked potato wedges: Quick and easy to make, these wedges complement the flavours of grilled sausage perfectly.
• Grilled vegetables: Make the most of your grill by cooking up some veggies like onions, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, and zucchini to go with your sausage.

Boiled sausage

Where to Find the Best Boiled Sausage in Cologne

Meister Bock, located inside Cologne Central Station, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It is a stand-up sausage shop with a simple setup, offering a range of grilled and boiled sausages. The sales staff are efficient, and you can point to the sausage that interests you if you're unsure what to order. The boiled sausage is served with bread and mustard, making for a filling and satisfying meal.

Side Dishes and Condiments

While boiled sausage can be delicious on its own, there are several side dishes and condiments that can enhance your dining experience. Here are some options to consider:

• Bread: A staple accompaniment to boiled sausage, providing a hearty base for the meal.
• Mustard: A common condiment that adds a tangy flavour to the sausage.
• Grilled Vegetables: Vegetables like onions, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, and zucchini can be grilled to complement the flavours of the sausage.
• Potato Salad: A German classic, kartoffelsalat, made with unpeeled potatoes and a dressing of vinegar and bacon grease, is best enjoyed warm.
• Baked Beans: A hearty and flavourful option that pairs well with the sausage.
• Applesauce: The sweet and tangy sauce provides a delightful contrast to the savoury and smoky sausage.

Variations of Boiled Sausage in Cologne

While the traditional boiled sausage is a delicious option, there are also variations worth exploring:

• Blood Sausage (Blutwurst): A type of German sausage made with pork blood and spices. It is often served as part of the traditional Cologne dish, "Heaven and Earth" ("Himmel und Erde"), which includes mashed potatoes and applesauce.
• Curry Sausage: A delicious variation where the sausage is covered in a curry ketchup sauce and served with french fries or a roll.
• Leberwurst: A German sausage made from ground pork liver, onions, and spices. It can be cooked or spreadable and is often served with sauerkraut or used in sandwiches.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite on the go or a hearty meal, boiled sausage in Cologne offers a range of flavours and dining experiences to suit your preferences. Enjoy your culinary journey through this charming city!

Frequently asked questions