This sausage, which has been made by Volkswagen since 1973, has a cult following among sausage fans and has even won awards at German food fairs.
Sorry, but the Volkswagen currywurst isn’t sold in North America. But don’t worry—we know where you can find this tasty treat.
Read on to learn more about this famous sausage’s history and where you can buy it.
The Volkswagen currywurst is a legendary German sausage with a cult following. Made by VW since 1973, this curry-seasoned pork sausage is now sold at VW factories, supermarkets, and stadiums across Europe. But can Canadians get a taste of this iconic wurst? In this article, we’ll explore the history of VW currywurst, why it’s not available in Canada, and how you can try to track it down.
A Brief History of Volkswagen Currywurst
In 1973, Volkswagen started producing its own currywurst to serve to employees in factory canteens. It quickly became a company icon. Here’s an overview of how this humble sausage rose to fame:
- Invented by VW as a quick lunch option for workers in Wolfsburg
- Gained a cult following for its tangy, curry-laced flavor
- Branded as an “Original Volkswagen Part” with its own part number
- Now made by 30 butchers who produce 18,000 sausages per day
- Sold at VW’s 6 German factories, supermarkets, stadiums across Europe
- Over 6 million wursts produced annually – more than VW cars!
With its secret blend of spices and smoky aroma, VW currywurst has earned celebrity status in Germany. But why has it never expanded overseas to markets like Canada?
Why Volkswagen Currywurst Isn’t Sold in Canada
There are a few key reasons why Canadians can’t easily get their hands on authentic Volkswagen currywurst
-
Limited production – VW only makes the sausage at its German factories Expanding production overseas would jeopardize quality and freshness
-
Import restrictions – Sausages and meats face importation hurdles when entering Canada from other countries.
-
Short shelf life – The fresh, handmade VW sausage doesn’t have a long enough shelf life to ship overseas.
-
Cultural roots – currywurst holds a special place in German culture, so VW has focused on domestic markets rather than expanding globally.
VW wants to maintain meticulous quality control and food safety. So for now, Canucks will have to look for creative ways to get a true taste of this German icon.
On the Hunt: How to Find Volkswagen Currywurst in Canada
Canadians shouldn’t give up hope! Here are a few ways you may be able to track down authentic VW currywurst on home soil:
Check European Specialty Markets
Some larger European food stores may be able to source and import limited quantities of German sausages. Be sure to call ahead to specialty markets to ask if they can get VW currywurst.
Contact Volkswagen Canada
Reach out to VW Canada to see if they import sausages for promotional events or staff. You may get lucky!
Look for Limited-Time Pop-Ups
VW may send currywurst to Canada for publicized events or pop-ups on occasion. Follow VW social media to find any announced publicity events with free sausage samples.
Travel to Germany
Plan a trip to Wolfsburg or other cities and visit the VW factory, dealerships, supermarkets, or football stadiums. You’ll surely find ample currywurst!
Order Online From Europe
There are some specialty sites that ship certain German goods internationally. See if any offer imported frozen Volkswagen currywurst.
With dedication and luck, getting your hands on authentic VW sausage may just be possible!
Tips for Cooking Volkswagen Currywurst
If your currywurst quest succeeds, you’ll want to cook it right to enjoy the real German experience. Here are some top tips:
-
Grill or pan fry to get the crispy, charred exterior
-
Boil in beer or broth for a more tender, juicy interior
-
Slice the cooked sausage into bite-sized coins
-
Douse it generously in curry ketchup or powder
-
Serve with fries, cabbage slaw, or potato salad on the side
-
Pair it with a cold German lager or Hefeweizen beer
-
Savor the smoky, subtly spicy flavors in every bite!
With the right preparation, you can recreate the authentic currywurst flavor in Canada. Time to put those cooking skills to the test.
Alternative German Sausages to Try in Canada
If your valiant Volkswagen sausage hunt comes up empty, don’t despair! You can still find plenty of tasty German-style wursts and sausages at specialty stores across Canada:
-
Bratwurst – Pork sausages often seasoned with nutmeg and ginger. Perfect for grilling.
-
Weisswurst – Bavarian veal and bacon sausage mix that’s boiled or grilled.
-
Landjaeger – Dried, cured sausage similar to jerky. Bold flavor and chewy texture.
-
Knockwurst – Short, plump sausage with garlic, coriander and lemon. Great in one-pot meals.
-
Bauernwurst – Hearty smoked pork sausage with robust flavor.
-
Teewurst – Mild raw pork sausage spreadable on bread.
With so many Germanic sausage options, you can still get your wurst fix even without the elusive VW currywurst. Skol!
Keep Hunting for the Legendary Currywurst
The iconic Volkswagen-made currywurst may remain out of reach for most Canadians. But that doesn’t mean you can’t continue the quest to someday taste this famous German delicacy. With the right connections, lucky timing, and a trip overseas, you may finally bite into the smoky, curry-laced sausage that VW fans rave about. In the meantime, cook up some delicious alternative German wursts available locally. But never fully give up the hope of someday scoring an authentic Volkswagen currywurst in Canada!
The History Of Volkswagen Currywurst
The Volkswagen car company has been making the Volkswagen currywurst brand of sausage since 1973. At first, it was meant to be a breakfast or lunch item in the company cafeteria. It was served whole or cut up and mixed with Volkswagen’s own curry-flavored ketchup. The sausages were so popular that they quickly became a part of Volkswagen culture. They were sold in all of the Wolfsburg factory’s canteens and restaurants.
The sausage is marked as a “Volkswagen Original Part” and has the number 199 398 500 A on it. The product has been described as the most produced of any of Volkswagen’s parts, with some 6. 81 million sausages being manufactured in 2018. In many recent years, the company has produced more sausages than cars.
Today, the Volkswagen currywurst can be bought in supermarkets and football stadiums across Europe, and Volkswagen customers can also get one for free. At the company’s Wolfsburg plant, 30 kitchen staff members, most of whom are trained butchers, make 18,000 sausages every day. The company keeps the curry powder, pepper, and ginger-based recipe a secret. The pork comes from nearby farms. The sausages are dried, smoked over beechwood, and then steamed at 350°F for 100 minutes. They come in two lengths.
Last year, Volkswagen sold more sausages than cars under the VW brand. They sold almost 7 million sausages. The famous Beetle comes and goes, but the Originalteil (German for “original part”), which the company calls its “most popular non-vehicle part,” keeps on cooking.
Why Can’t You Find Volkswagen Currywurst In Canada?
The Volkswagen currywurst isn’t sold in Canada because it would be too hard to ship the sausage there while keeping it fresh and high-quality. Volkswagen has decided that the sausage will only be sold in Europe. It is made at the company’s Wolfsburg plant and sold in restaurants in its six German factories. This sausage is sold in stores and football stadiums all over Europe. It is also given away as a promotional item to Volkswagen customers. It’s too bad that people in Canada can’t enjoy this famous sausage, but those who really want to can go to Europe and look for it at Volkswagen dealerships or factories.
Volkswagen’s Factory Produces More Sausages Than They Make Cars Worldwide | Richard Hammond’s Big
What is a Volkswagen sausage?
The sausage is branded as a Volkswagen Originalteil “Volkswagen Original Part” under part number 199 398 500 A. The product has been described as the most produced of any of Volkswagen’s parts, with some 7 million sausages being manufactured in 2019 alone. In many recent years the company has produced more sausages than cars.
How many sausages does Volkswagen make?
An estimated 6.81 million sausages were created in 2018, making it the part of a Volkswagen that is produced the most. The company has recently produced more sausages than vehicles. Additionally created and distributed is a Volkswagen ketchup to go with the currywurst. What product sells the most for Volkswagen?
Does VW still sell pork sausage?
Pork sausage continues to be VW’s most popular item for sale. Specifically, currywurst sausage. The original recipe was developed by VW butchers in 1973, and it is now one of the business’s best-kept secrets. VW described the currywurst’s flavor as falling between the “sweet and “hot range.
When did Volkswagen start making Currywurst sausages?
In 1973, the company started making the currywurst sausages, known as “item no. 199 398 500 A” in the Volkswagen factory, at the company headquarters in Wolfsburg. Meant as a breakfast or lunch item in the company’s cafeteria, the sausages were served whole or chopped up and tossed with Volkswagen’s own factory-made curry-flavored ketchup.