Wurstel

Würstel is the umbrella term in German-speaking countries—especially Austria and Germany—for sausages, including several that overlap with hot dog culture. Popular varieties like Frankfurter, Bockwurst, and Käsekrainer are often sold at street kiosks (Würstelstände), where they’re served either sliced with mustard and a roll on the side, or tucked into a crusty bun. Though not identical to the American hot dog, Würstel culture played a major role in shaping the sausage traditions that inspired it. Austrian and German immigrants brought these styles to the U.S. in the 19th century, laying the foundation for what became the American hot dog. Today, Würstel remain central to quick eats and late-night snacks in cities like Vienna, Munich, and Berlin. It’s where hot dogs came from—and where they still reign in their original form.