9 traditional dishes and local products from Alsace

Passing through Alsace, are you looking to taste the local flavors? From bouchées à la reine to Munster cheese: there are a large number of Alsatian specialties! But today, we list the most emblematic of the region. Overview of the 9 traditional dishes, savory and sweet, which are the pride of the Alsatians! And as a bonus, discover our best addresses!

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• Sauerkraut: the region's signature dish

We start this list of specialties with the most comforting and emblematic dish of Alsace: sauerkraut! Certainly, you have certainly already tasted this internationally renowned dish, but what a pleasure to taste sauerkraut in Alsace! Go to a typical restaurant and savor this sweet mixture of fermented cabbage, juniper berries, potatoes and bacon, simmered in beer or white wine.

You will even be surprised to find fish sauerkraut on the menu, yes the variations are numerous and delicious!

• Coq au riesling or poularde: a great classic of Alsatian gastronomy

Coq au riesling is a great success! This Alsatian dish is a variant of the famous national coq au vin. It is prepared with whole rooster, riesling, a white grape variety, with its roots in the Rhine and Moselle valleys, as well as local vegetables (mushrooms and shallots). It is cooked with butter and cream for a gourmet and tasty result. It is sometimes accompanied by spätlze, local pasta.

• Flammekueche: an Alsatian tarte flambée to enjoy on the go

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Popular, the flammekueche is an ideal dish for a friendly tasting on the go. And what could be more pleasant than savoring a delicious tarte flambée while strolling through the typical little streets of Alsace, such as those of the Petite France district in Strasbourg?

Nothing prevents you from also tasting this irresistible pie in a winstub according to local traditions! Some establishments even offer to prepare it in front of you. It then becomes difficult to resist its sweet smell of smoked bacon and raw onions.

• Baeckeoffe: an Alsatian delicacy made with three meats

Generous, warm, copious, here are three adjectives that perfectly describe this typical regional stew. The traditional recipe dates back to the 16th century. Baeckeoffe means "the baker's oven". Formerly, this dish was cooked in the village baker's oven.

This dish is simmered with three meats (beef, lamb and pork), vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes, cabbage) as well as Alsatian white wine. It is cooked slowly in a terracotta pot. 

• Spätzle: a must in Alsatian gastronomy

Particularly appreciated in Alsace, Spätlzes are long pasta, served as a side dish or as a main course. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Spätlze means "sparrows". The pasta, once cooked, is placed in the center of a plate and resembles a bird's nest. They can be eaten plain, au gratin or accompanied by vegetables and various sauces.

• Fried carp: a typical culinary specialty of Sundgau

Passing near Sundgau? Do not miss the culinary specialty of the southern Alsace region: fried carp. This tasty fish is coated in a batter made from flour, eggs and beer before being plunged into frying oil.

This dish is served in fillets or steaks, accompanied by fries or salads, without forgetting mayonnaise and lemon.

This typical dish has even given its name to a tourist route, Les Routes de la Carpe Frite.

• Pretzels: small breads originating from Alsace

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Visiting Strasbourg without eating a pretzel is unthinkable! You must stop at an Alsatian bakery to taste this delight and delight your taste buds.

Pretzels are soft, slightly salty brioche breads in the shape of a large knot. The crust is thin and crispy, it's a treat! Pretzels are sometimes coated with salt or covered with Gruyère cheese for the most gourmet. They go wonderfully with aperitifs!

• Bredele: Christmas shortbread

Are you planning to stay in Strasbourg with your family for the holidays? Go to the Christmas market and take the opportunity to taste the famous bredele: succulent Christmas cakes. 

It is a delicacy very appreciated at this time of year. It comes in different flavors: plain, with dried fruit, with spices, filled with jam, flavored with anise… Remember to accompany it with a good mulled wine!

• Kougelhopf: holiday sweetness

Kougelhopf is the Alsatian brioche par excellence. It is generally eaten during the end-of-year celebrations. Indeed, it pays homage to the Three Wise Men with their original high shapes inspired by turbans.

This pastry is filled with raisins and soaked in Kirsch or rum. Crunchy almonds decorate the brioche. The kougelhopf also has a savory version with bacon and walnuts.

The best places to taste Alsatian specialties

Now, let's see the restaurants offering these specialties!

1. La Corde à Linge: a typical Alsatian brasserie in the heart of the Grande Île.
2. Au Pont Corbeau: the authentic winstub not to be missed, very close to the museum of folk art in Strasbourg.
3. Chez Yvonne: a Strasbourg establishment renowned for its excellent Alsatian gastronomy.

After this exquisite experience, it's time to relax! End your day in style by joining one of our comfortable budget hotels in Alsace: B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Sud Ostwald, B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Sud Geispolsheim and B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Schiltigheim