First of all, what and where is Alsace?

In the east of France, Alsace is a collection of cities, incredibly rich in culture and experiences. It’s easily the most German part of France, with the culture being a beautiful mix of French and German culture, thanks to it being traded back and forth between the french and german governments during the second world war. It’s occupied with beautiful mountains and small rivers, and the unique architecture feels straight from a fairytale. 

Today, we’re talking about the food. These 5 dishes will help you experience the true culture of Alsace without breaking the bank! 

1. The Bretzel (Bread Pretzel)

The bretzel is not only delicious, but very Alsacian. Even the logo for Alsace is a play on the Bretzel!

It is similar to the bread pretzels that we find elsewhere, but Alsace prides themself as the bretzel capital of France, thanks to the avaliability to purchase them and also thanks to the ingredients used to make it.

 If you can, I highly recommend getting it warmed up. (French tip: You can ask a worker to warm it up by saying: “Pouvez-vous le chauffer?” )

There are tons of options, including the original salted bretzel (Bretzel salé), cinnamon sugar (Bretzel sucrée), and bretzels with toppings that range from different kinds of cheeses to creative meat combinations. 

2. The Flammecuche (Tarte Flambee, Alsace-style)

If you’ve ever had the french tarte flambee, you’ll find that the flammecuche is incredibly similar- it tends to start with a thin, flaky crust and is built similar to a pizza, but the flammecuche is covered in Alsace-style toppings. 

The flammecuche in the picture has cream cheese, emmental cheese, and bacon bits on top. It was my favorite to get and this one only cost me 7 euros!

3. Sauerkraut

If you are in Alsace during the christmas and winter season, you will find the famous sauerkraut and sausages everywhere. It’s often the meal eaten with family over christmas, and is a must-have if you’re in alsace over the holiday season and want a true taste of the culture! 

During the Christmas season you can find it in countless stands, and a temporary restaurant called __________ right in the heart of the markets. The price can range anywhere from 7 euros to 20 euros, but you can expect to pay about 15 euros in most locations.

4. Jus de Pomme Chaud (Alsacian Apple Cider)

Jus de Pomme Chaud is basically French for Apple Cider. The apple cider in Alsace is different though, as it has a blend of spices and flavors that make the taste unique to Alsace. (I actually got the recipe from a local, if you want to check that out.)

This warm apple cider is only served during the winter months, and can be found almost everywhere during the christmas season. At most places you buy it, it will cost 5 Euros for the first one and then the souvenir cup is refillable for 2-3 euros depending on where you go for your refill!

5. Manalas

These mini brioche gentlemen are a delicious way that the people from Alsace celebrate the holidays! They start selling them in all of the boulangeries around the end of October, until the first few days of January.

There are ones covered in chocolate or filled with chocolate chips- or even ones made with just pure brioche. According to the locals- you haven’t celebrated the holidays if you haven’t eaten a Manala!

Experiencing a part of the culture of Alsace

Alsace is a french region incredibly rich in tradition, and food is an integral part of the majority of the Alsacian traditions. When you try these delicious treats, you are also experiencing a little bit of what it means to be an alsacian citizen. The best part about these 5 listed, is that they are super affordable and not too difficult to find. When you eat these 5 things, you’ll be eating what the locals eat!