Exploring the World of Sausages

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Mar 24, 2025 5:30 pm | Add a comment | 128 reads

With Sausage Fest all ready to kick off on Friday, we thought it would be the perfect time to dive into the world of sausages. Numerous countries across the globe have their own spin on this tubular delight, so we’ll be taking a look at some of the most famous kinds as well as where you can find them in Beijing.

Many sausages in this post will be available to try at our Sausage Fest this weekend (Mar 29-30). For more details on all the succulent sausages and hot dogs, check out the posts below:

Germany: Bratwurst

Nowhere is more famous for sausages than Germany, and it’s estimated that there are around 1,500 different kinds of German sausage. However, the most iconic has to be bratwurst, which is usually made from finely minced pork with spices like nutmeg and marjoram. Grilled or pan fried, bratwurst is often served with sauerkraut and mustard. Recipes vary from region to region, and there are over 40 different documented varieties. 

Where to find in Beijing: Bratwurst is available at most of the numerous German restaurants in Beijing like Paulaner and Schindlers Tankstelle.

Schindlers Tankstelle (Sanlitun branch)
10 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯北小街10号
Hours: 11am-midnight
Phone: 010-64631108

Paulaner
1/F, Yansha Youyi Shangcheng, 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路52号燕莎友谊商城F1
Hours: 11.30am-1am
Phone: 010 6465 3388, 010 6410 4212

UK: Black Pudding

The UK is another country with many different types of sausages, but the most famous – love it or hate it – has to be black pudding. Made from a mixture of pork blood, fat, oatmeal or barley, and seasoning such as onions, spices and herbs, it is normally served as part of an English breakfast. 

Where to find in Beijing: As part of the Full Irish Breakfast at Paddy O’Shea’s.

Paddy O’Shea’s
28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东直门外大街28号
Hours: 010 6415 6389
Phone: Mon-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun 3pm-1am

Ireland: White Pudding

A lesser-known cousin of black pudding, unlike its darker counterpart, white pudding omits blood as an ingredient, resulting in a lighter appearance and milder flavor. It's typically made from a mixture of pork meat, fat, suet, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings such as pepper, nutmeg and herbs. Similar to black pudding, it’s normally enjoyed as part of a traditional Irish breakfast. 

Where to find in Beijing: As part of the Full Irish Breakfast at Paddy O’Shea’s.

Paddy O’Shea’s
28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东直门外大街28号
Hours: 010 6415 6389
Phone: Mon-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun 3pm-1am

Spain: Chorizo

Chorizo is undoubtedly Spain’s most famous sausage, made from coarsely ground pork seasoned with smoked paprika (pimentón), garlic and other spices. The sausage is then cured so it’s ready to eat without cooking, and is normally enjoyed as a tapa or snack alongside cheese and bread.

Where to find in Beijing: Chorizo is available at multiple Spanish restaurants here in Beijing like La Copa and Migas Mercado.

La Copa
Rm 108, JinShang Yuan, 20 Xinyuan Lixi, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
新东路新源里西20号金尚源大厦一层108
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
朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城7层
Hours: 11.30am-2am
Phone: 010 6500 7579

France: Lyonnaise Sausage

Lyonnaise sausage, also known as saucisson de Lyon, is characterized by its coarsely ground pork seasoned with a blend of spices typically including garlic, black pepper, nutmeg and sometimes red or white wine. Traditionally, Lyonnaise sausage is encased in a natural casing and lightly smoked, imparting a subtle smoky flavor to the meat. 

Where to find in Beijing: La Maison Lyonnaise. 

La Maison Lyonnaise
44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路44号
Hours: 11am-10.30pm
Phone: 132 6003 4808

USA: Andouille Sausage

Although this sausage originated in France, it has become deeply rooted in Cajun and Creole cuisines, particularly associated with Louisiana, USA. Crafted from coarsely ground pork seasoned with garlic, pepper and other spices, what sets andouille apart is its intense smokiness, achieved through a slow smoking process over pecan wood or other hardwoods.

Where to find in Beijing: At Nola in their Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo.

Nola
11A Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区秀水南街11号
Hours: 10am-11.30pm
Phone: 133 6618 8770

South Africa: Boerewors 

A traditional South African delicacy, boerewors is made from a mixture of beef, pork or lamb combined with spices like coriander, cloves and nutmeg, and is distinguished by its coiled shape. It is often grilled or braaied (barbecued) and is a staple at South African social gatherings and braais (barbecues).

Where to find in Beijing: Pinotage

Pinotage (Shunyi branch)
206, Bldg 7, East Asia Innovation International, Shunyi District
顺义区东亚创展国际7号楼206室
Hours: 11am-pm
Phone: 138 0131 9470

North Africa: Merguez

Originating in the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, merguez is typically made from a blend of ground lamb or beef mixed with spices like paprika, cumin and garlic. It's known for its vibrant red color and robust flavor, often with a hint of heat from chili peppers.

Where to find in Beijing: Toast at the Orchid

Toast at The Orchid
65 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区宝钞胡同65号
Hours: 10am-9.30pm
Phone: 010 64020824

China: Harbin Red Sausage

This sausage is made primarily from finely ground pork seasoned with a blend of spices and seasonings, including garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper and chili powder. Harbin red sausage (哈尔滨红肠 Hāěrbīn hóngcháng) is distinguished by its red hue, achieved through the addition of red yeast rice during the curing process.

Where to find in Beijing: 秋林·里道斯

秋林·里道斯 (Qiū lín·lǐ dào sī)
20 meters southeast of the intersection of Dongsi Beidajie and Qianliang Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区东四北大街与钱粮胡同交叉口东南20米
Hours: 10am-9pm
Phone: 137 9660 3783

Mexico: Chorizo 

Different to its Spanish counterpart, Mexican chorizo is typically made from ground fresh pork seasoned with a bold blend of spices including chili peppers, garlic, paprika, cumin and Mexican oregano. Unlike Spanish chorizo, Mexican chorizo must be cooked before eating because it’s made from raw meat and is neither smoked nor cured. It’s normally removed from its casing before cooking and added to other dishes rather than being served on its own.

Where to find in Beijing: Mexican chorizo is used in dishes at many Mexican restaurants in Beijing such as Q Mex and Taco Bar.

Q Mex (Sanlitun Branch)
H01, 1/F, Bldg 80, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路4号院80号楼1层H01
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am
Phone: 010 6585 3828

Taco Bar (Sanlitun Branch)
1/F, Unit 10, Courtyard 4, Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳区北京机电院南三里屯路10号
Hours: 11.30am-midnight
Phone: 010 6501 6026

Thailand: Sai Ua

A traditional Northern Thai sausage, sai ua is made from ground pork seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices indigenous to Thailand, such as lemongrass, Thai lime leaves, galangal and chili. It is often served alongside sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauces.

Where to find in Beijing: 兰纳 LANNA泰餐厅

兰纳 LANNA泰餐厅 (Lán nà LANNA tài cāntīng)
3/F, Yintai Center, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Jianwai Jiedao, Chaoyang District 
朝阳区建外街道建国门外大街2号银泰中心3层
Hours: 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-9pm
Phone: 185 1127 2801

Argentina: Longaniza

Unlike chorizo, which relies on paprika, longaniza boasts ground anise seeds for its signature taste. This imparts a subtly sweet flavor and a distinct aroma, setting it apart from other South American sausages. Traditionally cured and dried, longaniza is prized as an appetizer or sandwich meat.

Where to find in Beijing: Unfortunately, longaniza doesn’t seem to be available in Beijing, but you can find Argentinian chorizo at Malbec and Beef for an alternative option.

Malbec and Beef (Jinshang branch)
Bldg 105, Jinshang Yuan, 20 Xinyuan Xili, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源里西20号金尚源底商105号
Hours: Mon 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm, Tue-Sun 11.30am-10pm
Phone: 132 6995 1299

Philippines: Longganisa

Longganisa is a type of Filipino sausage known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor. Made from ground pork mixed with various spices like garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sometimes sugar, its taste can vary across different regions of the Philippines. Longganisa can be enjoyed grilled, fried, or even steamed, and it's often served with garlic rice and fried eggs, making it a popular breakfast dish. 

Where to find in Beijing: Mesa Madre

Mesa Madre 梅萨妈妈
Bldg 7, Jianwai SOHO East, Henghui Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区恒惠东路建外SOHO东区7号楼一层717A
Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-9pm
Phone: 131 2048 2745, 134 3638 5810

Brazil: Linguiça Calabresa

Linguiça calabresa is a variant of the Portuguese linguiça sausage and was first created by Italian immigrants in Sao Paolo, Brazil, who wanted to replicate spicy Calabrian sausage. It’s made from pork mince seasoned with Calabrese chili pepper, onion, garlic, paprika and other spices. It’s a popular topping for pizzas as well as at churrasco, aka Brazilian barbecue, gatherings. 

Where to find in Beijing: Any of Latina’s branches. Plus, they'll be at Sausage Fest!

Latina (Grand Summit branch)
2/F Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东方东路19号亮马桥外交办公大楼官舍2楼201号
Hours: 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Phone: 010 8531 5287

Russia: Moskovskaya Sausage

A traditional Russian sausage similar to the Polish kielbasa, moskovskaya sausage is a smoked and salt-cured sausage with a rich, smoky flavor. It’s normally made from a mixture of both pork and beef, which is lightly smoked with garlic, pepper and other spices. It’s normally enjoyed as part of a meat or sausage platter, as an antipasto, or in a sandwich.

Where to find in Beijing: Most Russian restaurants in Beijing, Traktirr Restaurant and any of Russian Kitchen's locations, serve a variety of Russian sausages.

Traktirr Restaurant 老井俄式餐厅
1A Xiyangguan Hutong, Beizhongjie, Dongzhimennei Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区东直门内大街北中街西羊管胡同甲1号
Hours: 10.30am-11pm
Phone: 010 6403 1690, 188 1034 7410

Russian Kitchen 俄士厨房
1/F, A-B Yuanyang Guanghua International, 10 Jintong Xilu, Chaoyang District
​朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际A-B座1层底商
Hours: 11am-10pm
Phone: 010 6396 9999, 175 3105 2769

Japan: Tsukune 

Japanese tsukune can be seen as a kind of skewered sausage or skewered meatballs, depending on how it is shaped. A traditional yakitori dish, it’s made from finely ground chicken, typically mixed with seasonings like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and green onions. The mixture is shaped into small balls or sausages, skewered, and grilled until golden brown and juicy. It’s often brushed with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, mirin and sugar and finished with a garnish of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Where to find in Beijing: Numerous Japanese restaurants across Beijing serve tsukune, and a personal favorite of ours is Beyond Yakitori. 

Beyond Yakitori
1 South Bungalow, 2 Xinyuanxili Zhongjie, Zuojiazhuang Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区左家庄街道新源西里中街2号楼南侧平房1号
Hours: 6pm-10.30pm
Phone: 132 6938 9033

Beijing: Old Beijing Sausage

Old Beijing Sausage, or 老北京粉肠 lǎo běijīng fěncháng, is a beloved old Beijing dish and one variant of 粉肠 fěncháng, a type of sausage that is popular in Northeast China and characterized by mixing pork with starch powder. It’s thought to have gotten its inspiration from Russian sausage, which came to Beijing with White Russians who fled into Northeast China following the Russian Civil War. Old Beijing Sausage is made from pork mince combined with starch – usually potato starch is used – and seasoned with a mixture of Chinese spices like ginger, garlic, spring onions, pepper and soy sauce. The sausage is normally boiled or steamed, though sometimes it is also air-dried or smoked to enhance its flavor profile and preserve its freshness. It’s normally sliced thinly and served as a snack or appetizer. 

Where to find in Beijing: Menkuang Hutong Bainian Luzhu

Menkuang Hutong Bainian Luzhu 门框胡同百年卤煮
2A Zhaodengyu Lu, Xicheng District
西城区赵登禹路甲2号
Hours: 9.30am-2am
Phone: 135 2124 6688, 186 1843 6488

Kazakhstan: Kazy

Kazy is a Kazakh horse sausage that is also eaten in other Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. It’s typically made from horse rib meat seasoned with a blend of spices including garlic, black pepper, and sometimes cumin. Kazy is normally smoked or air-dried and then boiled before serving. It is mostly enjoyed as an appetizer but can also be incorporated into other dishes such as beshbarmak – one of Kazakhstan’s national dishes. 

Where to find in Beijing: MARKOR C.A.V.E. 

MARKOR C.A.V.E. 寻味丝路•美克洞學館寻味丝路餐厅
3/F, 99 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳门外大街99号3层
Hours: 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-9pm
Phone: 010 8569 3185

Taiwan: Ian-chhiâng

Ian-chhiâng, also known as Taiwanese sausage, is a popular street food delicacy in Taiwan. It’s typically made from a mixture of fatty pork and garlic, and flavored with rice wine, soy sauce, a five-spice blend, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Sometimes chili powder and red pepper are also added. It’s air-dried and then normally grilled or pan-fried before serving.

Where to find in Beijing: Tanch Studio

Tanch Studio 谈食
East Side, 13 Dashanzi Beili, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路大山子北里13号楼东侧
Hours: 11am-8.30pm
Phone: 010 6438 1694, 139 1134 9503

Germany: Thüringer Rostbratwurst

With so many German sausages to choose from, it’s hard to pinpoint just one to highlight. We've already looked at the famous bratwurst, and Thüringer Rostbratwurst is another of the more famous German sausages. Created in the Thuringia region of Germany, the earliest known recipe for the Thüringer Rostbratwurst dates all the way back to 1613. Only finely minced pork, beef, or sometimes veal are used to make this sausage and it's known for its distinctive flavorings of marjoram, caraway, garlic, salt and pepper and for its long length – some regulations state the sausage must be at least 15cm long. It is often grilled or fried and served with mustard and bread, making it a popular choice at festivals and outdoor gatherings.

Where to find in Beijing: Thüringer Rostbratwurst is available at most of the numerous German restaurants in Beijing like Paulaner and Schindlers Tankstelle, plus numerous vendors will be serving them at our Sausage Fest! 

Schindlers Tankstelle (Sanlitun branch)
10 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯北小街10号
Hours: 11am-midnight
Phone: 010-64631108

Paulaner
1/F, Yansha Youyi Shopping City, 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路52号燕莎友谊商城F1
Hours: 11.30am-1am
Phone: 010 6465 3388, 010 6410 4212

UK: Cumberland

Cumberland sausages are a traditional British delicacy renowned for their distinctive coiled shape. The sausage originated in the historic county of Cumberland, England, hence the name. It’s made with chopped – not ground or minced – pork, giving the sausage a coarse texture. The sausage is normally flavored with black peppers, sage, mace and nutmeg. Now, this is one big sausage, with some measuring up to 50cm long! It’s traditionally served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy – a variation of the classic British dish bangers and mash. 

Where to find in Beijing: Beersmith

Beersmith
1/F, Hotel Jen Beijing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号新国贸饭店1层
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-3am
Phone: 010 8647 1098

US: Hot Dog Sausage

Finally, we have the humble US hot dog sausage, which draws inspiration from the German frankfurter and wiener. Hot dog sausages are made primarily from finely ground pork, beef, or a combination of both, and are normally seasoned simply with salt, garlic and paprika. They’re, of course, typically served in a hot dog bun with a variety of toppings and condiments, with many cities and regions across the US having their own distinctive take on this classic American dish.  

Where to find in Beijing: Hot dog sausages can be found at any of the numerous hot dog restaurants in Beijing – many of which will be at our Sausage Fest – but one of the most traditional US hot dog offerings can be found at Shake Shack. 

Shake Shack (Sanlitun branch)
Taikooli South, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路太古里南区s9-12a、12b
Hours: 7am-10pm
Phone: 010 6466 6508

If that has got you hankering for some sausages, then there is no better place to try a whole variety of sausages than at our Sausage Fest. Get your tickets now by scanning the QR code in the poster below!

Sausage Fest will be taking place at FFC South Square on Mar 28 from 4pm to 9pm and on Mar 29-30 from 11am to 9pm. Early bird tickets are RMB 20, VIP tickets are RMB 100 and tickets at the door are RMB 30. You can purchase tickets by scanning the QR code in the poster above.

FFC South Square 北京财富金融中心(FFC)南广场
5 Sanhuan Zhonglu, Hujialou Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼街道东三环中路5号

If you'd like to stay up to date with everything sausage-related in the capital, join our dedicated Sausage Lovers group chat! Simply add TBJButler on WeChat by scanning the QR code below and request to become a member.

READ: Grills & Grooves: All the Entertainment at Sausage Fest!

Images: Canva, Dazhong Dianping, Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash