A culinary feast awaits you in the French region of Alsace, a distinct area in northeastern France along the Swiss and German borders. Alsace is a culinary lover's heaven thanks to its fusion of French and German cuisines creating a rich tapestry of flavors. Let's take a quick culinary expedition around this lovely area and learn about the delectable foods that await your visit.
Alsace
Alsace, a charming and often hidden gem, is in the northeastern corner of France. A wonderful marriage of croissants and sauerkraut, Alsace's borders hug Germany to the east and Switzerland to the south. It is known for its distinctive blend of French and German culture. The region's vibrant capital, Strasbourg, is home to the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, a towering example of Gothic design.
Mulhouse and Colmar are two additional important Alsatian cities that include charming canals and half-timbered houses that make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook, so don't overlook them. The people of Alsace, numbering just over 1.8 million, are renowned for their friendliness and love of wine. Fun fact: Despite being one of France's smallest districts, Alsace is home to more than 39,000 acres (about twice the area of Cleveland, Ohio) of vines that produce some of the best Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines in the world.
Alsace is well-known for its delicious food, which includes many delectable items like coq au Riesling and tarte flambee. During the holiday season, the area is also home to quaint Christmas markets, which dazzle guests with sparkling lights, gingerbread, and homemade ornaments. Be ready for a mesmerizing fusion of French style and German comfort wrapped up in a charming Alsatian bow if you ever find yourself in Alsace.
Food and Drink of Alsace
Tarte Flambee - Start your trip across Alsace's culinary landscape with the enticing Flammkuchen, also known as Tarte Flambee. Fromage Blanc (soft cheese), onions, and bacon are delightful additions to this thin, crunchy flatbread. It's the ideal starter or a main dish.
Choucroute Garnie - Choucroute Garnie is Alsace's famous sauerkraut famous filling and hearty dish. A rich and filling meal made with sauerkraut, various sausages, smoked meats, and potatoes is ideal for the region's chilly winters. One can also find Choucroute made with fish instead of sausage in certain restaurants.
Quiche Lorraine - Alsace gives the traditional Quiche Lorraine a unique twist. You may discover quiches here that are stuffed with decadent cheese, bacon, and caramelized onion fillings. With Alsatian Quiche Lorraine, the delectable savory filling is wrapped in a delicate, buttery pastry.
Alsatian Pretzel - also known as a Bretzel, is a tasty snack that is both salty and filling. It tastes best when eaten right out of the oven and pairs well with a bottle of local Alsatian wine.
Baeckeoffe – Baeckeoffe is a traditional Alsatian casserole dish consisting of potatoes, onions, and a variety of meat (typically lamb, beef, and pork). The dish is baked with regional wines and spices in a traditional ceramic dish. While usually eaten on special occasions such as Christmas, it is very popular.
Alsace Wine - Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris are some of Alsace's most well-known white wines. The food of the area pairs beautifully with these wines. Discover the best wine combination for your meal by visiting nearby wineries for tastings.
Kugelhopf - Conclude your gastronomic tour of Alsace on a sweet note. Try the Kugelhopf, an Alsatian specialty cake with a distinctive crown shape and an almond and raisin flavor profile. Note that the Alsatian Kugelhopf is often light and crispy, very different from the Austrian version which is moist and dense. If you’re in the mood to explore other sweet treats, enjoy delicious fruit tarts and a variety of multicolored macarons.
The food and drink of Alsace are tasty combinations of French and German influences, providing a distinctive and varied culinary experience. This area of France is a treasure trove of culinary delights, whether you're relishing the hearty Choucroute Garnie, taking in the complex tastes of Alsatian wines, or indulging in sweet Alsatian sweets. So, get your appetite ready and set off on a spectacular culinary tour of Alsace's picturesque surroundings.
If you are unable to jet off to Alsace at this moment and crave its delicious foods, check out RudiGourmand for French and other international foods. If you are in Alsace and wish to export your food to the United States, PriorNotify automates US FDA prior notices, making your selling and shipping process much easier.