As Sausage Fest is set to begin this Friday, we thought it would be an ideal opportunity to explore the diverse world of sausages. Many countries around the world have unique takes on this culinary delight, so we’ll be examining some of the most renowned types and where to find them in Beijing.
Many of the sausages mentioned here will be available for tasting at our Sausage Fest this weekend (Mar 29-30). For further details about the delicious sausages and hot dogs, be sure to check out the following posts:
This Year's 50+ Sausage Fest Vendors: A Look at the First Half
All the Remaining 50+ Sausage Fest Vendors
Germany: Bratwurst
Germany is undeniably the most famous country for sausages, boasting approximately 1,500 varieties. Among them, bratwurst stands out as the most iconic, typically made from finely minced pork seasoned with spices like nutmeg and marjoram. Often grilled or pan-fried, bratwurst is commonly paired with sauerkraut and mustard. Regional variations exist, with over 40 documented types.
Where to find in Beijing: Bratwurst can be found at several German restaurants in Beijing, such as Paulaner and Schindlers Tankstelle.
Schindlers Tankstelle (Sanlitun branch)10 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11am-midnight
Phone: 010-64631108
Paulaner1/F, Yansha Youyi Shangcheng, 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11.30am-1am
Phone: 010 6465 3388, 010 6410 4212
UK: Black Pudding
The UK also has a rich variety of sausages, but the most infamous—whether loved or loathed—must be black pudding. This sausage is crafted from a mixture of pork blood, fat, oatmeal or barley, and spices like onions and herbs, typically served as part of an English breakfast.
Where to find in Beijing: Available as part of the Full Irish Breakfast at Paddy O’Shea’s.
Paddy O’Shea’s28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Hours: 010 6415 6389
Phone: Mon-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun 3pm-1am
Ireland: White Pudding
A less well-known relative of black pudding, white pudding is made without blood, resulting in a lighter hue and gentler flavor. It consists of pork meat, fat, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices like pepper and nutmeg. Typically enjoyed in a traditional Irish breakfast.
Where to find in Beijing: Available as part of the Full Irish Breakfast at Paddy O’Shea’s.
Paddy O’Shea’s28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Hours: 010 6415 6389
Phone: Mon-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun 3pm-1am
Spain: Chorizo
Chorizo is perhaps the most notable sausage from Spain, known for its coarsely ground pork seasoned with smoked paprika (pimentón), garlic, and other spices. Cured and ready to eat without cooking, it's typically enjoyed as a tapa or snack alongside cheese and bread.
Where to find in Beijing: Available at several Spanish restaurants, including La Copa and Migas Mercado.
La CopaRm 108, JinShang Yuan, 20 Xinyuan Lixi, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-10.30pm, Fri 6pm-11.30pm, Sat-Sun 3pm-5.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm
Phone: 198 0020 3903
Migas Mercado 7/F, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11.30am-2am
Phone: 010 6500 7579
France: Lyonnaise Sausage
Lyonnaise sausage, known as saucisson de Lyon, features coarsely ground pork seasoned with spices such as garlic, black pepper, and nutmeg, often lightly smoked.
Where to find in Beijing: La Maison Lyonnaise.
La Maison Lyonnaise44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11am-10.30pm
Phone: 132 6003 4808
USA: Andouille Sausage
This sausage, though originating from France, has become a staple in Cajun and Creole cuisine, particularly in Louisiana. It's made from coarsely ground pork seasoned with garlic and pepper, known for its strong smoky flavor, achieved through slow smoking
With Sausage Fest set to begin on Friday, we believe it's the ideal moment to explore the realm of sausages.