Kartoffelpuffers (German potato pancakes) star attraction at Texas Wurstfest

Beer, sausage and polka are the public faces of New Braunfels (TX) Wurstfest, this towns signature event. But the traditional kartoffelpuffer has become Wurstfest's cult favorite.

A plate of the deep-fried German delicacy is the most prized trophy of the 10-day festival. In a mammoth food court, featuring dozens of German foods and traditional Texas grub, it's the kartoffelpuffer that keeps diehards — or addicts — coming back for more and standing in line for the privilege.

“This has become the signature food of Wurstfest,” said Kathy Meurin, who runs the kitchen in the New Braunfels Rotary Club's kartoffelpuffer booth. “And we're grateful for everyone who is patient and willing to wait for us to serve them.”

Here's what she's talking about: Thirty minutes after the first kartoffelpuffer was handed out, there were already 60 hungry people in line. By 5 p.m., there were 90 people queued up. By 8 p.m., there were 200 waiting in a pair of lines that snaked through the jam-packed Wursthalle.

That translated to a one-hour wait for the person on the far end of the line.