Nuremberg, Germany - Historiche Bratwürst Kuche zum Gulden Stern

You can't come all the way to Nuremberg and not try their historically famous Nürnberger Bratwürst sausages, dating all the way back to 1313. They are so famous, in fact, that Nürnberger Bratwürste are trade-mark protected through European Union law. Only sausages manufactured according to traditional recipes within the urban area of Nuremberg are allowed to call themselves with this name. The Nürnberger sausage is no longer than 7–9 cm and weighs no more than 25 g. Legend has it that the sausages were made slim enough to allow them to be pushed through medieval Franconian keyholes to hungry customers who were willing-to-pay for them after curfew hours. They are traditionally grilled over a beechwood fire and served either three in a bun (usually in markets or street stalls), or on a plate in sets of 6 or 12 with horseradish and sauerkraut or potato salad (a cold german pils or hefeweizen beer is a must with this dish!). Fresh marjoram and ground caraway seed are attributed to being among the important ingredients in this distinctive sausage.

My favorite spot for Nüremberger sausages, potato salad, pretzels with spicy mustard and Tucher beer is the Historiche Bratwurst Kuche zum Gulden Stern, and is a place I visit each time I come to Nuremberg. Established in 1419, this restaurant is the oldest bratwurst house in the world! Their sausages are grilled using the authentic beechwood fire, and waitresses wear the traditional German dirndl outfit. In summer months they have a lovely outdoor patio filled with beautiful flower boxes and overlooking the historic city walls. In winter, the inside could not be any cozier if it tried: a warm roaring fire for the sausages, low ceilings, and long dark wooden tables with tiny medeival chairs coupled with the historic building give the feeling as if you have gone back in time.

Photos from my visit last night, as usual, I had the 6 sausages with potato salad:

Photos from my visit this July, with beautiful flower boxes and outside patio seating: