A Spotlight on the Cuisine of Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a highlight of any French barge cruise, that takes in the stunning, and often overlooked, regions of Alsace and Lorraine. Sitting at the crossroads of western and central Europe, this city is bursting with a rich and intricate history, is home to an incredible array of architecture, and is proud of its strong cultural traditions.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was filmed in Strasbourg, Lorraine and Alsace and can be visited on a European Waterways barge holiday

Perhaps not the first city that comes to mind when you think of culinary delights, Strasbourg should not be dismissed if you are a self-confessed foodie. Known as one of the most unique gastronomic destinations in Europe, it draws its influence from both France and Germany, making its recipes unlike anything you will find anywhere else in the world.

With menus made up of hearty fare and rich rustic ingredients such as doughy noodles, cream and sauerkraut, the food will definitely not leave you feeling hungry. Here’s a little look into the regional cuisine of Strasbourg on a cruise aboard Panache

Choucroute

This delicious vegetable dish is really just cabbage and is very similar to sauerkraut, but it is elevated to new levels when prepared the Alsatian way. To make the deluxe version, the cabbage is pickled in wine and then stewed with fortifying vegetables and smoked meats. As the stew breaks down the flavours melt into one another, creating the most divine culinary sensation.

Coq au Riesling

A take on the Burgundian classic, this version is much lighter and made with the local sour white wine, which provides a tangy finish to the sauce. Often presented with boiled potatoes and a simple salad, this is a lighter meal than most local dishes.

Tarte à L’Oignon

A very versatile offering, this tasty tart can be eaten hot or cold and is often enjoyed as a snack. Pastry and onions that have been caramelised to perfection are the simple ingredients that make this delicious treat sing. The tart is much loved by the locals and served in every winstub (wine bar) in the city.

Baeckeoffe

Definitely one for the bigger appetites, this casserole takes its name from the local term for ‘baker’s oven’, which was the vessel in which the dish was once cooked. In times gone by, people would collect all their meat scraps and vegetables and pop them into a big pot that they then took to a baker, who would cook it in the oven overnight and have it ready the next day. Today the stew is still made in the same way but without the baker’s oven. The meat and vegetables are slow cooked with white wine and potatoes for hours until the meat is falling apart and melt-in-the-mouth.

Tourte

Another pie style dish that was once made to feed the farmers grafting in the Alsatian countryside, this is a rich filling offering made with Riesling-marinated meat. You can grab a slice at any respectable Strasbourg bakery.

Panache cruising in the canals of France

Savour the Cuisine of Strasbourg

Hopefully, when you visit Strasbourg on a luxury barge cruise aboard Panache, you will give the delicious culinary offerings the attention they deserve. The food really is delicious and worth experiencing! To find out more about our 6-night all-inclusive luxury barge cruises in Alsace and Lorraine, please click here >

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