Best places to buy a traditional Thuringian bratwurst from a street stall

The best place to buy a traditional Thuringian bratwurst from a street stall is in Thuringia, Germany, particularly in cities like Erfurt or Jena, where the sausage is a regional specialty and a staple at local markets, festivals, and street vendors. Look for stalls advertising “Thüringer Rostbratwurst,” which is traditionally grilled over a charcoal fire and served on a bun with mustard, sauerkraut and fried onions.

A Thuringian bratwurst from a street stall is a low-fat, spiced sausage of finely minced pork, beef, or veal, traditionally grilled and served in a crusty bread roll (Brötchen) with mustard. It is seasoned with a blend of spices, including salt, pepper, caraway, marjoram, and garlic, and is known for its juicy inside and crispy, charred skin.

While you can find a good Thuringian bratwurst in almost any town square in the state, the “best” ones share a few key traits.

What to Look For

Before where, the most important thing is how it’s made. A truly traditional Thuringian bratwurst from a street stall will always be:

Cooked on a Charcoal Grill: This is non-negotiable. You must be able to see and smell the charcoal (Holzkohlegrill). A gas-powered griddle is a sign it’s not the traditional experience.
Served in a Hard Roll: It’s served in a Brötchen (a small, crusty white roll), which is simply sliced open.
Served with Mustard: The only traditional condiment is mustard, ideally local Born brand mustard (Born-Senf). Asking for ketchup is a dead giveaway you’re not a local!

Where to Find the Best Stalls

Based on reputation and popularity, here are the most famous places to find an authentic street stall:

Erfurt (The Capital):
- Location: Domplatz (Cathedral Square).
- Why: This is the most iconic spot. You’ll find several small stalls and food trucks on this massive square, with the stunning backdrop of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the St. Severus Church. The combination of the historic atmosphere and the smell of charcoal-grilled sausage is unbeatable.
Weimar (The Historic Heart):
- Location: Marktplatz (Market Square), right in front of the Rathaus (Town Hall).
- Why: This square is home to some of the most famous, long-running bratwurst stalls in Thuringia. Vendors like Frank Trommler and Lutz Teufel have been grilling here for decades and are local legends. You can’t go wrong here.
Arnstadt (The “Birthplace”):
- Location: Marktplatz (Market Square).
- Why: Arnstadt is where the first-ever documented mention of the Thuringian bratwurst appeared, in 1404. The town is incredibly proud of this heritage, and you will find excellent, traditional stalls in its main square.