An invite to try out the recently opened Extrawurst take-away on New Street in Brum city centre, was a welcome prospect, having missed a few opportunities of barbecued hot dogs the last few weeks, so, off I trotted to try out this new German palace of pork .
For those who are interested, Extrawurst is the leading authentic German bratwurst brand founded in 1981. A family business and German success story, renowned for providing authentic, German fast-food. The business now operates around the world and Extrawurst Birmingham is the second Extrawurst to open in the UK after Merry Hill.
The take-away is nicely designed with modern clean interior, you can see the food being prepared in full view by staff in branded wear. There’s a great circumspection from inside looking out over the Floozy In The Jacuzzi, Victoria Square and New Street.
After a quick nose at the two types of sausages being grilled (red and white) I decided on a white bratwurst with glazed onions in bread, with fries, tomato sauce, mustard and a side of currywurst.
The sausages are made to a secret recipe, with the pork sourced from German farms, and steam cooked in Germany. The sausages are then exported to the UK, and grilled again for the final touch.
I am going to be honest here, it was bloody lovely. The bratwurst was packed with taste, i probably did not need the sauces, but the onions were so worth it. It took a while to munch through, sat there people watching, I suddenly noticed I had dripped onions and sauce down my top, ah… memories of the German Christmas Markets!
Undeterred, the fries were then wolfed down and I finished on the currywurst which I had not tried before to my memory. Both these options were superb, and I think it’s fair to say I’ve tried a few hot dogs in my time, the quality of meat is essential, and fresh bread, onions all compliment this brand. I can see them picking up a lot of trade in such a central location where grilled fast food options are usually.. well, greasy and crap!
Extrawurst is a fine addition to the city centre’s fast food offerings, and with the increase in nightlife along Bennett’s Hill and Colmore Row, authentic German bratwurst hot dog options are a winner for me!
I do miss Wok Your Way which was just around the corner, and will always buy my chippy kebabs from All Greek street food nearby, but an Extrawurst sausage fills the gap others cannot reach.
Last but not least, I couldn’t leave without trying a Rounton Coffee (from a small coffee roaster team based in Yorkshire). Great coffee option for a take-away too!
The menu also offers Vegan Bratwurst, Shnitzel and Frikadelle so plenty more to try yet after a night out on the tiles.
If you are passing and need filling up, Extrawurst is a must try!
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham