Alsace is full of colorful half-timbered houses, vineyards and castles.
Visitors flock to the small towns in the region searching for fairytale streets and wonderful vistas. I was one of the visitors who was attracted by the stunning aesthetics of the area.
I was absorbed by the atmosphere and pretty much by everything I saw. Nevertheless, there was another aspect that rivetted my attention. I am referring to the cuisine of the area.
The official French tourist site describes Alsatian cuisine as a family-style cuisine impregnated with Germanic culinary traditions.
In this post, we are going to explore where the Germanic roots come from and the dishes that make the cuisine unique. And, I hope you are able to understand the banquet of flavors found in the area.
Table of Contents
Context
Alsace became German territory after the decline of the Roman Empire. After centuries of different conflicts in the area, Alsace was recognized part of France as agreed in the Treaty of Westphalia (1648).
Even as part of France, rights and customs were preserved. German language was still used in local government and schools. The previous customs border was maintained in the Vosges Mountains.
The region continued changing hands during the 19th and 20th centuries. Germany annexed Alsace and Lorraine after the Franco-Prussian War. Then, it was given back to France under the Treaty of Versailles (after WWI). Germany occupied the two regions during WWII. France got them back after the war.
As you can see, the region has changed hands several times. Nowadays, the cuisine is a mix of the delightful ingredients of both countries.
Several experienced travelers have shared their impressions about food in cities located across borders. They seem to be fascinated by the diversity of flavors and techniques. I have to agree with them. The conglomerate of ingredients used in Alsace awakes the senses.
Specialties of the Alsatian Cuisine
- Choucroûte Garnie
Many consider choucroûte garnie the quintessential representation of Alsatian cuisine.
Choucroûte is better known as sauerkraut. See, you already know what it is! The proliferation of fermented cabbage goes back to the Germanic roots of the region.
The cabbage can be served with ham, sausage, salted pork, pork knuckle or fish. In Strasbourg, restaurants offer options with three, four or five meats (the price is according the number of meats).
And, do not forget the potatoes. One or two boiled potatoes are going to be added to the mix (not sure how they make those potatoes taste so good).
Variations of the dish can include a duck leg or ham hocks served with cabbage and potatoes.
- Flammekueche or Tarte Flambée
It looks like a pizza but it is not a pizza. Actually, take out of your mind the pizza idea and don’t you dare to call it like that in Alsace.
The tarte flambee consists of a thin pastry slathered with crème fraiche, onions and bacon bits. The previous words described the traditional version.
The truth is that the variety of topics is endless. Here are some examples of what you can get:
· Four cheeses
· Goat cheese
· Salmon
· Duck
· Mushrooms
I tried one with ham, parmesan, bacon, lettuce and balsamic vinegar. I still remember how crispy and delicious it tasted.
The dish can be enjoyed as a quick (and affordable) snack, a light lunch (will match perfectly with a green salad) or an appetizer for two.
Oh and remember there are restaurants serving only this mouth-watering dish.
- Bäckeoffe
In this dish, potatoes, pork, beef and lamb are shimmered in Alsatian white wine.
It is cooked in a special dish (shown below) and it is sealed with dough.
Ask for recommendations on where to get the best tasting versions. Some restaurants heat frozen concoctions (you do not want to eat that).
- Fleischschneke
The infamous “meat snails” are created by placing meat on a noodle dough base which is then sliced and cooked in a broth.
So, do not freak out. Real snails are not used in this dish (but they may in others).
- Coq au Riesling
You have probably heard about the Coq au Vin, a dish prepared with chicken, vegetables and red wine.
Well, in Alsatian cuisine, Riesling, a mineral-rich, white wine is used. The chicken ends up covered in a smooth and slightly sweet cream.
- Carpe
The carpe is eaten fried in many places of the region. My husband tried a version where the fish is cooked in Riesling. This may be a good option for those trying to watch calories.
- Gratin de Pommes de Terre
In some way, this simple dish took me back to my childhood. My mom used to prepare something very similar (she had about a 100 cookbooks).
The dish consists of potatoes, cream, onion, bacon and cheese (Muenster works wonders). All the ingredients are baked until the potatoes are soft and the top cheese layer has created a golden crust. The charred cheese pieces are my favorite part!
Some of these dishes sound very simple but they pack a punch of flavor.
- Alsatian Style Meatballs
My husband was able to try meatballs served with a Riesling sauce. The plade included a good portion of spaetzle, a soft egg noodle found in Germany, Austria and other European countries.
- Quiche Lorraine
Ahhh, here we are getting to a dish I absolutely adore. Quiche is a savory, open pastry crust filled with eggs and milk (or cream) and a variety of cheeses. Meat, seafood and vegetables can be added to the filling.
The quiche Lorraine is names after the Lorraine region of France. Guess why it is so popular? Because the filling includes lardon or bacon!
I know this post is dedicated to Alsatian cuisine but keep in mind the Lorraine region changed hands between France and Germany too. The quiche Lorraine in Alsace is to die for (not going to mention how many I had).
- Kougelhopf
This fluffy cake is made with brioche dough. Its unique shape makes it one of the most recognizable symbols of Alsace. A lot of people prefer the sweet version containing raisings and almonds. Believe it or not, savory versions are prepared with bacon bits and walnuts. I mean, this people are mad about bacon.
Since you are in France …
When in Alsace, it would be a crime not to try dishes from the region. However, you are in France. That means you will have the opportunity to enjoy a lot of the gastronomic gems the country is known for. Restaurants dedicated to Alsatian dishes serve those little things France is famous for. Make sure you have some of those too!
Bread
Charcuterie
Onion Soup
Ice Cream (French Vanilla)
Where to Find Alsatian Specialties
The dishes mentioned in here (and many more) can be found all over cities such as Strasbourg and Colmar.
Keep in mind restaurants in touristic corridors may not serve fresh or house prepared dishes. I highly suggest you ask for recommendations at your hotel reception, AirBnB host or locals you happen to know (or meet during your trip).
Here are some ideas for those in search of practical recommendations.
Strasbourg
- Winstub S’Kaechele
- Caveau Gurtlerhoft (located close to the Cathedral)
- La Choucroterie
- Le Deux Gourmandes
- Le Gruber (located close to the Cathedral)
- Fink Stuebel
Colmar
- Le Petite Bidon
- Restaurant La Soi
- Le Fleur de Sal
- Wistub Brenner
- Winstub la Soi
- Jardins et Gourmande
Even though this post is dedicated to Alsatian cuisine, exquisite French and international restaurants abound in Strasbourg and other cities in the area.
Also, we have discussed dishes that are heavy on meat, eggs and milk. It is not my area of specialty but I observed many salads, tarts and quiches prepared without meat. Restaurant’s menus indicate what dishes are prepared only with vegetables. Colmar has several eateries serving organic and vegan options.
Have you tried Alsatian food? What are your recommendations?
If you enjoyed this post, remember to share!
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Anna says
oh my! these are mouthwatering! quiche is my favorite dish of all these too. I haven’t tried the tarte flambee, but I’m sure I’d love it too!
Lorelle says
Looks divine Ruth. I love French Food, but have not yet sampled Alsatian cuisine! Definitely a cuisine to try! 🙂
Photo Cache says
Oh someday I hope to be able to sample these over there!
Sujenne Macaay says
Loved most of the dishes except the first one. Looked scary to me. A lot of meat on a plate.
But seems like you had just a belly full after these.
Kelly / Tiny Trips & Tips says
I’m from Strasbourg, but my fave stays the flammekueche 😀 I can never get bored of it !
Sarah says
Two things I adore together… food and travel. But even more so, a history behind WHY the food is what it is! I absolutely love this post. It blends such character into a destination.
Kristen Tcherneshoff says
Gosh I should NOT have read this post while trying to prepare dinner! Now I feel like I need to run back to the store and step my game up 🙂 this all looks so delicious, especially the Coq au Riesling — I had no idea a Coq au Vin could be exchanged for white wine.
Selam says
Oh! I can’t wait to visit the Alsace region! I’m currently living in Nice so I just have to make my way up there ?
Louise says
I love a food post! My mouth is watering! What an interesting read! It all looks delicious and there are some familiar things on there. You were right I did know what Sauercraut was!
paroma says
I ate so many tartes in France! Tarte Flambée looks heavenly. Thanks for such a detailed food guide specially of a border region which is always interesting due to a mish-mash of cultures. As a foodie, I loved reading this post.
Victoria says
I’m totally clueless about French cuisine! Thank you for exposing me to the popular dishes of the region, I don’t feel so intimidated now. It’s interesting to see the German influence in the dishes.
Suzy says
Wow so many tasty treats in such detail too! I absolutely adore quiche Lorraine – fascinating to hear about its origins! I think I’m getting peckish now!
Hanna says
Oh my gosh I’m glad I ate something before reading this. I would have been drooling. Have only tried Quiche Lorraine and and French Onion Soup. Would love to try the Gratin de Pommes de Terre!
Rajesh says
Wow! I like those delicacies.
Johlene Orton says
Such a stunning place!!! And the food looks absolutely amazing! wow!
Esther says
Mmmmm I just LOVE Flammkuche!!
#TravelPhotoThursday
jill says
I’ve not had Alsatian cuisine but my husband was lucky enough to travel to that region several years ago. He was hosted by a family there and they fixed him a traditional meal – of which I was very envious – and said it was some of the best food he’s ever had. Lucky him!
Andrea says
Really interesting back story to the region. I appreciate you sharing that. And the food- such an interesting cultural blend or deliciousness! Have you ever made Coq a Riesling? I look forward to trying!
Kim says
Wow, everything really is mouthwatering! Taking down notes, to try all of these dishes when I finally get the chance to visit France. That quiche looks divine!
Michelle says
Mmm I feel hungry just reading all your descriptions and looking at the pics! The Coq Au Riesling looks particularly good. The rest look pretty exotic to me (a pizza that’s not a pizza?! whaat)! I’d definitely be up for trying these if I get to visit Alsace! How awesome that the region isn’t only full of fairytale towns but also has mouthwatering cuisine!
Amanda Keeley-Thurman says
What an interesting mix of cultures and flavors. I love German food, so it sounds good to me.
Angie (FeetDoTravel) says
You are deadright about this being mouth-watering dishes, seriously, I don’t even know where to start (other than say I am salivating right now!). It is all ab-so-lutely divine, I would eat all of it, apart from the fish! That’s what I love about all the dishes you have listed, it’s all delicious food I would devour. I had never heard of Alsatian food before now but if these are all alsatian then I am definitely a fan! ps – let’s not forget the architecture of the buildings, they are stunning!” Pinned! #feetdotravel
Caroline says
Omg this all looks amazing! I’ve heard that the food in this region is pretty awesome! I’m totally craving a quiche Lorraine now!!
Shona says
Oh yum, you’ve made me want to go out and find some Alsatian Cuisine right now! It’s all so hearty and comforting.
Abby says
I haven’t been to the Alsatian region of France yet, and honestly I was a bit disappointed that the Fleischschneke doesn’t contain real snails. I loved snails the last time I ate them. But give me that Tarte Flambee anyday, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It looks absolutely yum. 😉
Paul and Carole says
We love France ad its food. This is a great post full of delicious dishes we could quite happily get stuck in to! #feetdotravel
Lynne says
Thanks for the great info on the food and where to find it. As a travel planner (travel agent) I love to have references like this for my clients. I’d also love to go to this part of France as I believe my Great great grandfather is from the Alsace-Lorraine region.
Carmen says
I’ve had flammekueche and quiche Lorraine, but the others are new to me. I’m a big fan of potatoes so there were several that made my mouth water!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Yum! These all look delicious! We were in the area too and only had time for lunch in Colmar. We loved the Tarte Flambée and my husband really enjoyed the Bäckeoffe. I wish we had more time to eat all the delicious cuisine like you did especially the quiche.
Aurelia Teslaru says
Colmar is definitely one of my favorite cities in the world and I loved the food there! Thanks for sharing this article. I am so hungry now. haha
budget jan says
Tarts Flambee and Meat Snails are tempting my taste buds right now. It’s always fascinated me how cuisine changes when you cross a border but this area has the best of two countries – fascinating.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says
Goodness a mix of French and German cuisine? Seems like a dream! While all of the food you introduced look good, I’m most interested in trying Bäckeoffe. I love a good casserole-type dish!
Russian voyages says
Oh wow. i love colorful houses. Nice lesson. All dishes look so appetizing.
Michael - The Boys Abroad says
Looks absolutely delicious. And here I was thinking that the French just ate cheese and charcutterie while drinking wine. Guess I’ll have to make a trip to sample it myself!?
Tracy says
It must be 25 years since I lasted visited Strasbourg – lovely city. But I want to return! All that beautiful food! It looks absolutely delicious! It may be a while until I can return but I will and I will be trying some of those dishes!!!
Travel Lexx says
Fantastic and mouthwatering post! Such a unique cuisine and so many great things to try there. I like the sound of Bäckeoffe! Thanks for sharing
Garth says
Great post, and pictures, mouthwatering stuff! I must admit not heard about Alsatian food before, so thanks for sharing all these dishes!
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
I love the mix of cultures in this part of France. It’s not an area I know well but I do love the architecture. I’m not sure I’d be a massive fan of the food but we make gratin dauphinois quite a lot at home as a side dish – it’s basically the same as the potato dish you’ve described above, except without the bacon, and it’s delicious. Thanks for sharing your foodie delights on #FarawayFiles
Katy says
I think Alsatian cuisine really is best eaten in winter. We went to Strasbourg last year in summertime and apart from the quiche it was all a bit too heavy for me in the heat. Regardless the cakes were absolutely delicious and you’ve got my tummy rumbling. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Vanessa Brune says
Alsatian cuisine definitely reminds me of traditional German cuisine a lot! I have to admit that I’m not a fan of it, though, as I don’t like red meat… or cabbage… or onions… but I would like to visit Alsace one day to admire the architecture and learn more about the history of the region!
Jenn says
Ah you have made me so hungry reading this post! All the food looks absolutely amazing! Would definitely go with goat cheese on the tarte flambee and would love to try the Fleischschneke. The photos you took of the town makes it really look like a fairytale place. I’ve now added Alsace on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
jill says
Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten was in Switzerland which I think had a Germanic influence so I’m sure I’d love Alsatian food. And I love the architecture,too. Must get here someday!
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
Some of these photos are absolutely drool-worthy!
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/10/blacksmiths-at-work.html
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
So yummy! I keep saying we need to explore the Alsace region, and here’s another reason. The Flammekueche looks amazing, and I love a nice, savory Kougelhopf. Okay, I love bacon…which is why this region seems like a natural to me! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Ruth!