Duisburg has officially staked its claim as the true birthplace of Germany's beloved currywurst, challenging Berlin's long-held status with new historical evidence. The city celebrated this culinary revelation by installing a commemorative plaque at the original location of "Peter Pomm's Pusztetten-Stube" in the Marxloh district. Oberbürgermeister Sören Link emphasized the significance, stating "Currywurst is a genuine dish that fits the Ruhr region and fits Duisburg - and it wasn't invented somewhere else, but right here in Duisburg!"

The historical reassessment stems from research conducted by authors Gregor Lauenburger and Tim Koch, detailed in their book "Alles Currywurst - oder was?!". Their findings suggest that Peter Hildebrand, known affectionately as "Peter Pomm" for his famous fries, first created the currywurst in 1936 - a full 13 years before Berlin's Herta Heuwer is traditionally credited with the invention. Hildebrand reportedly developed the snack for employees at his sausage factory, combining sausage with tomato sauce and English curry seasoning.

According to the authors' research, the dish gained popularity among workers during the Nazi era but was kept relatively secret because it was seasoned with "the curry of the enemy." Supporting evidence includes eyewitness accounts and invoices showing Hildebrand had been purchasing English curry from a Hamburg spice mill as early as 1935. The findings were formally recognized on September 22, 2025, which would have been Hildebrand's 100th birthday.

The revelation has implications beyond historical accuracy, potentially influencing cultural celebrations and even future tourist attractions. The planned Karl's Adventure Village leisure park in Oberhausen may feature currywurst as a central theme in one of its areas. While Berlin has long celebrated September 4th as Currywurst Day commemorating Heuwer's 1949 invention, the new evidence suggests the celebration date may need adjustment to reflect the earlier Duisburg origin.