Colmar's specialities: our top 10 for a culinary immersion experience

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Discover the culinary specialties of Colmar: from traditional dishes to local delicacies, let yourself be carried away by the flavors of Alsatian gastronomy!

• Kouglof: a Colmar specialty not to be missed

Kouglof (or kougelhopf in its Alemannic spelling) is a pastry marvel. Generally prepared with a brioche dough flavored with rum and lemon zest, this Alsatian cake is garnished with raisins and almonds and covered with a thin layer of icing sugar. 

• Gingerbread: a fragrant treat

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Famous throughout France, gingerbread is a gourmet specialty with honey, cinnamon and cloves. Plain, topped with walnuts or decorated with candied fruits: take advantage of your stay in the Grand Est to taste all kinds of gingerbread prepared in Colmar and its surroundings!

• Manneles: symbol of Saint-Nicolas

These little brioche men invade the bakeries and stalls of the Colmar Christmas market during the end of year celebrations. This treat consists of a sweet brioche dough decorated with chocolate chips. A delight for a snack, to be enjoyed without moderation with your children if you plan to visit Colmar with your family!

• Bredele: star of the holiday season

These small typical Alsatian biscuits are traditionally prepared for the end of year celebrations. Stored in metal boxes, they are served as a snack, with coffee or offered as gifts to friends and guests. There is an infinite variety of Bredele, both in taste (sugar, cinnamon, orange peel, spices, hazelnuts, etc.) and in shape (animals, stars, little men or geometric shapes)!

• Pretzel: the essential savory pastry

The Colmar pretzel perfectly embodies the art of traditional Alsatian baking. Made from leavened dough, it is shaped into a knot or twist and then baked until golden brown and crispy, contrasting with its soft crumb. This cake is served hot from the oven, and often topped with coarse salt. It can also be enjoyed sweet, while strolling through the streets of downtown Colmar, with a glass of mulled wine or a local beer. 

• Baeckeoffe: an explosion of flavors

This simmered stew is made up of various meats (lamb, beef and pork), simmered over low heat with potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage in a broth of white wine, herbs and spices. Cooked for several hours in a sealed terrine, this family and tasty dish is very popular during the cold season!

• Matelote du Rhin: a tasty stew of freshwater fish

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This dish showcases the richness of Alsatian rivers. Composed of freshwater fish such as pike-perch and perch, it is simmered in a white wine sauce with shallots, herbs and mushrooms. 

• Spaetzle: the famous Alsatian pasta

These delicious small pasta made from flour, eggs and water are used as an accompaniment to many Alsatian recipes. Pan-fried or served as a gratin, they go perfectly with meat and fish dishes served in Colmar restaurants. 

• Sauerkraut: the emblematic dish of the region

Composed of fermented cabbage and accompanied by sausage, bacon and potatoes, this tangy dish is often served with a local mustard to enhance the aromas. Sauerkraut is a symbol of Alsatian culinary art: a gastronomic experience not to be missed during your stay in Colmar. 

• Munster: a typical cheese with a powerful taste

This typical Alsatian cheese is made from cow's milk. Renowned for its powerful aroma and strong taste, it can be enjoyed as is or in tarte flambée. To accompany it, a dry white wine from noble grape varieties such as Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat or Riesling are excellent choices. To be unearthed during a trip on the legendary Alsace wine route or during the Colmar wine fair!

Your hotel in Colmar

Looking for a hotel in Colmar for a romantic weekend, a professional seminar, or a family vacation in the Grand Est region?

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Located near major roads, Colmar-Houssen airport, and the Colmar train station, our comfortable establishments welcome you for a friendly stay in the heart of Alsace! 

Just a stone's throw from Old Colmar, enjoy our exclusive services at one of the B&B HOTELS establishments in the city.

Their location is ideal for discovering the architectural and cultural heritage of the city: the Statue of Liberty in Colmar, Saint-Martin Church, Pfister House, Little Venice in Colmar and all the gems of this lovely medieval town. Are you looking for a hotel in Colmar with parking? All our establishments have a closed parking area, reserved for customers. It is available to you free of charge for the duration of your stay with us.

Book your room in a few clicks and prepare your trip to the region now!