Wurst, which means sausage in German, is one of the most popular foods in Switzerland, especially in its German-speaking Eastern part. The sausage is typically combined with bread and a sauce (usually mustard or ketchup). The two most common types of sausage you can find in Switzerland are bratwurst and cervelat.
BRATWURST OR CERVELAT
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork or, less commonly, beef or veal. The name is derived from the German words “brät” (finely chopped meat) and “wurst” (sausage). In the 15th century, bratwurst started to become popular in eastern Switzerland, especially in St. Gallen, where it was traditionally made from veal. Since then, it has become known as “St. Gallen bratwurst,” and it is sold on the street as well as in restaurants.
Cervelat, on the other hand, is a classic Swiss food that is commonly referred to as the country’s national sausage. This sausage was first mentioned in a document from Milan, Italy, in the mid-16th century. In Switzerland, cervelat contains a mixture of beef, bacon and pork. They are also usually lightly seasoned with mustard, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. They can be prepared in a variety of ways or eaten raw.
EATING WURST IN ZURICH
In German-speaking Zurich, the street food tradition of wurst is also quite popular. It is a favourite lunchtime dish among locals and, at the same time, popular with tourists. In Zurich, wurst is typically served with a small loaf of bread and mustard.
During our recent trip to Zurich, we sampled a variety of wursts and recommend the top three. Apart from the famous and almost classic Sternen Grill, we tried excellent sausages at two more places.
THE THREE BEST PLACES FOR WURST
Sternen Grill: The Sternen grill has operated in the same location since 1963 and has become a city landmark. Every day, city residents, visitors, employees, students, celebrities, and passers-by queue outside the place to sample its delicious sausages. The St. Gallen Bratwurst is the most well-known sausage in the restaurant, and it’s served with spicy mustard and crunchy bread. They also serve delicious currywurst, which is normally made of chopped pork and seasoned with curry ketchup. Last but not least, they have their own excellent tap beer. (Theaterstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich)
Wursteria by Hinz & Kunz: This butcher shop and delicatessen is located in the heart of the old town, on a charming square. In addition to the exceptional quality meats and cold cuts available, they also make their own delicious sausages. The sausages are grilled in the shop, and you can sample them right away. They provide two classic sausage varieties (bratwurst and cervelat) which are served in a tasty fluffy bun. We tasted arguably the most scrumptious bratwurst here, with a perfectly balanced flavour. (Stüssihofstatt 10, 8001 Zürich)
Wurst & Moritz: Although Wurst and Moritz does not serve the typical sausage with bread, it is a very good German-style restaurant that serves delicious sausage meals. You can either eat in the restaurant or get the food as a take-away. The sausages are typically served on miniature plates sliced into bite-sized pieces accompanied by French fries and a dipping sauce. Currywurst, bratwurst, and a delicious vegan wurst are the available options here. (Hardstrasse 318, 8005 Zürich)
Zurich is a lovely city with a plethora of gourmet treasures based on both local traditions and the influences of its diverse population’s cuisines. The city has a lot to offer visitors, from fine dining to unique street food.
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