When people in Germany hear “curry,” many first think of Currywurst – sausage with ketchup and curry powder. But a real curry is something completely different: a dish in its own right, built around an aromatic sauce. At Mami Viet in Leipzig-Lindenau, you get Vietnamese-Asian curry dishes – with your choice of meat, chicken or tofu. In this post, we explain the difference and show you what to expect.

The comparison is worth making, because the two have almost nothing in common – except the word “curry.” Once you understand that, you’ll order quite differently on your next restaurant visit.

Currywurst vs. curry: two very different things

Currywurst is a German fast-food classic: a fried sausage, sliced, with tomato or curry sauce and a dusting of curry powder. Here, the “curry” is mainly the spice powder on top.

A curry in the Asian sense, on the other hand, is a complete dish: a savoury, often creamy sauce with vegetables and a protein, usually served with rice. Instead of a single spice mix on a sausage, the sauce takes centre stage – layered, aromatic and seasoned differently depending on the cuisine.

In short: Currywurst is a snack, a curry is a meal. Both have their place – but if “curry” only makes you think of the sausage, you’re missing a whole world of dishes. That’s exactly why it’s worth trying a real Asian curry once, deliberately: the difference in taste is clear, and the range of ingredients and heat levels makes it a dish you can experience differently again and again.

What is a Vietnamese curry?

Vietnamese and Southeast Asian curries are usually aromatic rather than brutally hot. Typical features are a creamy sauce – often based on coconut milk – along with spices and fresh herbs that give the dish depth. Add to that vegetables and a choice of meat, chicken, seafood or tofu.

Unlike Currywurst, this isn’t about proving how much heat you can take, but about balance: savoury, slightly sweet, with the freshness of herbs. It’s served classically with rice, which soaks up the sauce nicely.

The word “curry” often leads to confusion. In Germany, people mainly associate it with the yellow curry powder – a ready-made spice blend. In Asian cuisine, however, “curry” stands for a whole type of dish with its own, freshly made sauce. Instead of a single powder, it contains many ingredients: onions, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chilli and, depending on the recipe, coconut milk. That’s exactly what makes a good curry so aromatic – and so different from the quick Currywurst at the snack stand.

Curry at Mami Viet in Leipzig-Lindenau

At Mami Viet on Merseburger Str. 107, curry dishes are part of the menu – as part of our Vietnamese-Asian cuisine. As with our other main dishes, you usually get a choice of meat, chicken or tofu, so vegetarian and vegan guests get a full curry too – not a token dish, but a real option.

• Choice of protein: meat, chicken or tofu
• Vegetarian & vegan possible
• Allergens are marked on the menu
• Served with rice to soak up the sauce

That way you can put together a curry entirely to your taste. If you’re unsure how hot or mild you’d like it, just ask when ordering – the team is happy to help.

The nice thing about a curry: it’s an uncomplicated, filling dish that still doesn’t sit heavy. The sauce, the vegetables and the rice together make a well-rounded meal – ideal when you simply want something warm and hearty after a long day. If you don’t know Vietnamese cuisine yet, a curry is often an easy way in, because the creamy sauce feels familiar while bringing new aromas along.

Which curry suits you?

Because our curry dishes can be adapted, it’s easy to find your version:

• Protein: meat (hearty), chicken (mild) or tofu (light and vegan)
• Heat: from mild to spicier – just say so when ordering
• On the side: rice to soak up the sauce

If you’re trying an Asian curry for the first time, it’s best to start mild with chicken or tofu. That way you get to know the aromas of the sauce without the heat taking over. If you like it stronger, go for meat and ask for a little more spice.

Compared to our other dishes, the curry is the warming comfort food: while the pho relies on a clear broth and the Bun Bo Nam Bo comes as a fresh rice-noodle plate, the curry is creamier and more filling. If you like to try different things, order several dishes for the middle of the table and share – so everyone gets something.

When and how to enjoy your curry

A curry works just about any time: at lunch as a warming meal on your break, or in the evening at a relaxed pace. At lunchtime, take a look at our lunch menu (daily 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., €13 incl. mini spring rolls). In the evening, you can enjoy your curry indoors or – in good weather – outside in the garden.

It goes nicely with a drink during happy hour (daily 5:00–6:30 p.m. and 8:30–10:00 p.m., from €5) – a glass of wine or a cocktail, for example. That turns a quick meal into a relaxed evening. And if you’re short on time, just take your curry home.

🅿️ There’s free parking directly in front of the restaurant – handy if you’re stopping by for a bite in Leipzig-Lindenau. You can pay by cash or card for bills of €20 or more. If you’d like to take your food to go, order directly via restaurant-mamiviet.com.

You can read more about our whole range in our post on the Mami Viet Leipzig specialties.

FAQ: Curry at Mami Viet

What’s the difference between Currywurst and curry?

Currywurst is a fried sausage with sauce and curry powder – a snack. An Asian curry is a complete dish with a savoury, creamy sauce, vegetables and rice.

Is there vegetarian or vegan curry at Mami Viet?

Yes. Curry dishes come with your choice of meat, chicken or tofu, so vegetarian and vegan versions are available.

Is the curry very spicy?

Vietnamese-Asian curries are aromatic rather than brutally hot. If you’d like it hotter or milder, just let us know when ordering.

Is the curry served with rice?

Yes, classically with rice, which soaks up the sauce well.

Is a curry suitable for children?

Yes. If you like it mild, simply order the curry without heat – for example with chicken or tofu. That makes it suitable for children too.

Can I order the curry to take away?

Yes, for pickup or delivery, order directly via restaurant-mamiviet.com.

Are allergens marked?

Yes, all allergens are listed on the menu.

Is there free parking?

Yes, directly in front of the restaurant at Merseburger Str. 107.

Can you pay by card?

Yes, for bills of €20 or more.

Where can I find Mami Viet in Leipzig?

At Merseburger Str. 107, 04177 Leipzig, in Leipzig-Lindenau / Altlindenau, near Lindenauer Markt.

Try a real curry at Mami Viet now

Forget the Currywurst for a moment: at Mami Viet in Leipzig-Lindenau you get a real, aromatic curry – with meat, chicken or tofu, indoors or in the garden, with free parking right outside the door.

We look forward to seeing you – your team at Mami Viet, Sushi & Asian Cuisine in Leipzig-Lindenau. As of: July 2026.

Mami Viet – Sushi & Asian Cuisine
Merseburger Str. 107, 04177 Leipzig (Lindenau / Altlindenau)
Phone: 0341 4925 2244
Website: restaurant-mamiviet.com
Opening hours: Mon–Sun 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.