French Foods to Try in the enchanting Alsatian gem Colmar
Updated: Sep 4, 2023
I always question my readers on one aspect when it comes to European travel. Apart from the characteristic charming canals, colorful half-timbered houses, and quaint cobblestone streets, what is unique about each village, town or city in Europe? And there is always an answer trust me. And in this post we explore Colmar's delectable Alsatian cuisine, which reflects the rich cultural heritage.
Colmar is located in the Alsace region, known for its delicious Alsatian cuisine and excellent wines. Its French and German influence in the food results in a gratifying experience for its visitors.
What and Where to Eat
Before I commence with my list of french foods to try in the enchanting Alsatian gem Colmar, allow me to inform you of the hot spot of eateries in Colmar. La Petite Venise, The Old town (Vieille Ville), Place de l'Ancienne Douane, Place de la Cathédrale, Rue des Boulangers and Marché Couvert (Covered Market) in Colmar is home to several cozy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the ambiance. While I take you through some culinary specialities of Colmar, I shall also list out the restaurants where you may try these dishes.
Choucroute Garnie à l'Alsacienne - It is an Alsatian Wine-Braised Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) served with mixed meats like cured pork and sausages, and potatoes flavoured with juniper berries, garlic and cloves. A definitely satisfying meal for lunch or dinner after all that walking in touristic Colmar.
Try the Choucroute Royale (basically a royal portion of Choucroute Garnie) at Brasserie des Tanneurs, one of the best restaurants in Colmar that specialise in traditional Alsatian dishes.
Tarte flambee
Tarte Flambée is an “Alsace Pizza” with cream ham and cheese topping a wafer-thin flatbread. You can easily have 2 full flambées in one sitting, its that light. If you can swing it, please try the flambée at La Soï at 17 Rue des Marchands. They only do one dish and that is the Tarte Flambée. Other recommended restaurants for flambee specially would be La Stud at 72 Grand Rue, Les Bateliers at 4 Rue de la Herse or La Fleur de Sel at 9 Quai de la Poissonnerie.
We chose a Flambee restaurant next to the boating area to lunch in called 'Tartes Flambees'. We ordered 3 tarte flambées and Alsace Riesling wine to go with it. A delectable lunch done well and we were happy full to go about the rest of our day.
Bæckeoffe - A popular dish during festive occasions, Bæckeoffe translated to 'baker's oven' in Alsatian dialect and originated in Alsace, France. It is a slow-cooked casserole of sliced potato, onions and marinated meats, including lamb, beef and pork.
On 1 rue Turenne, stands tall the Michelin restaurant Wistub Brenner which is a traditional Alsatian tavern, that offers a variety of Alsatian specialties, including Bæckeoffe. The other two notable restaurants where you may try Bæckeoffe are Restaurant Le Fer Rouge and Restaurant La Maison des Têtes.
Quiche
Quiche is a familiar and adored dish that originated in the nearby region of Lorraine but is widely enjoyed in Colmar and throughout Alsace. It's first look reminded me of Caramel Custard but this dish is as delicious or more but with a savory flavour to it. It is made with a mixture of eggs, cream, bacon or ham, and cheese and its top is layered with a flaky pastry crust.
I witnessed many eateries inside the Market Hall (Marché Couvert) selling this classic and delicious dish as a main course during lunch time. I found many variations of quiche in Colmar, such as quiche with local cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Alsatian Wines
If you are aware of the wine route in France, then you also know about the famous Alsatian vineyards that cater to the world's wine produce with their delightful wine specialities such as the Reisling (dry and aromatic), Gewurztraminer (intense floral and exotic spice ingredients displaying flavors of lychee, rose petal, and other spices), Tokay Pinot Gris (rich, velvety texture), Muscat (intense floral and fruity aromas), Sylvaner (crisp, refreshing and fruity flavour), sprakiling wine Crémant d'Alsace and Alsace Pinot Noir.
Apart from the wine tasting tours in Colmar and nearby wineries of Riquewihr and Ribeauville, you can also find a good assortment of Alsatian wines in speciality wine shops in Colmar such as Vinum Colmar and Epicerie. They allow for tasting before you purchase your wine.
Macarons de Riquewihr
Not a speciality of the region but of Riquewihr (located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Colmar) are the delightful macarons from the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. The Macaron Coco, or Kokosmàkrenele, is as its name suggests a small coconut cake, which was first born in 1996 in our first shop in Riquewihr. However, Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie has a lovely little store in Colmar and is located in the heart of the city at the Quai de la Poissonnerie. They do offer assortments of these cakes and they are packed to go.
Eat a mirabelle crepe
If you happen to be in Colmar during the mirabelle season (during the late summer months, typically from July to early September), you will be in for some luck to try out theur famed mirabelle crepe. Mirabelle jam is jam made of a small, yellow plum.This fruit is native to the Lorraine region in northeastern France, including areas like Colmar in Alsace. When applied on a crêpe and eaten, your taste buds will be stunned for its sweet and flavourful taste.
You can try the mirabelle crepes at the Crêperie La Chandeleur located in the heart of Colmar's Old Town or at Crêperie Chez Suzette situated near the picturesque Little Venice area.
Munster cheese
Just like Netherlands in renowned for its cheese, similarly Colmar is known for its Munster cheese. A special variety of cow milk cheese which has a distinctive flavour and aroma. Its used in many Alsatian dishes such as the taste flambee and the quiches. There are several local cheese shops, supermarkets and speciality stores in Colmar that sell this cheese. One to take back home?
Ice cream from Edelw'ice
I cannot even begin to explain the excitement levels of my kids upon the mention of ice cream. And what better than Edelw'ice ice creams in Colmar. Offering an extensive range of flavours and toppings and allowing visitors to create their own custom ice cream creations, Edelw'ice is the go-to place in Colmar for a little sweet treat on a hot summer day.
The shop is located at the following address: Edelw'ice, 17 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar France.
Thus, with this ends my culinary journey in Colmar. The delectable Alsatian dishes, mouth watering pastries, and scintillating wines surely left a lasting impression on me.
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