Swiss and Basel specialities
Basel cuisine has a long and fascinating tradition. In fact, some of Switzerland’s oldest restaurants are right here in Basel. The Gasthof zum Goldenen Sternen, for example, has been around since 1412.
Basel specialities
The list of sweets and desserts Basel is famous for is pretty long – so long, in fact, you might think it’s all the locals eat. To be fair, they do have a sweet tooth, especially during the Carnival in Basel, the Basel Herbstmesse (autumn fair) and Basler Weihnacht. Some Basel specialities are only available on these occasions.
What specialities is Basel famous for?
Basler Läckerli
Basel’s famous sweet treat combines the delicious flavours of honey, almonds and candied fruits, and tastes quite similar to lebkuchen. You can get freshly baked Läckerli at Jakob’s Basler Leckerly, the Läckerli-Huus and Confiserie Bachmann.
Magenbrot
Magenbrot is a kind of soft, glazed lebkuchen that is best enjoyed fresh at the Basel Herbstmesse (autumn fair). This Basel classic gets its name thanks to ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, star anise and mace, which aid digestion (“Magenbrot” translates literally as “stomach bread”).
Mässmogge
Mässmögge are a type of elongated boiled sweet. Each colour has a different flavour. They are available in two different varieties – one with a hazelnut filling and one without – from stands at the Basel Herbstmesse (autumn fair).
Rosekiechli
These little rose-shaped cakes dusted with icing sugar have been a favourite at the Basel Herbstmesse (autumn fair) for hundreds of years. Rosekiechli are still freshly made at stands on Petersplatz and Barfüsserplatz to this day.
Basler Rahmtäfeli
These soft cube-shaped sweets have a consistency similar to that of fudge and a delicious caramel flavour.
Brunsli
Brunsli – Christmas treats made from chocolate and ground nuts – are popular throughout Switzerland.
Where to buy?
Fastenwähe
Fastenwähe are similar to pretzels and topped with caraway seeds. You can get them at Basel’s best bakeries from mid-January to Easter.
Flour soup
During the Carnival in Basel, participants and onlookers enjoy this hearty snack made with roasted flour, stock, red wine and butter.
Cheese and onion tart
Basel’s take on the tray bake is simply called “Wäie”. The cheese and the onions are a great culinary match, making this tart a must at the Carnival in Basel.
Salm
Basel salmon used to be fished in the Rhine. Salm, as it is known in Basel, was a popular (and expensive) fish delicacy in the guild taverns as far back as the sixteenth century.
Restaurants serving Basel specialities
Want to try some classic Basel dishes – maybe suuri Läberli (sour beef liver), salmon or Wurstsalat (a cold dish made with chopped sausage, gherkins and other ingredients)? The following restaurants specialize in traditional Basel cuisine:
Swiss specialities
The best Swiss specialities and national dishes are restaurant classics in Basel, and are often pepped up with innovative ideas.
Which Swiss specialities can I try in Basel?
Fondue
You can’t have a classic Swiss fondue without melted cheese, bread and a group of good friends. In Basel, you can try some new interpretations of this traditional dish, for example with beer or truffles.
Where to eat?
Raclette
Raclette cheese is heated until it melts and served with potatoes and gherkins. At the Basel Christmas market, you can watch the melted cheese being scraped off a half cheese wheel.
Where to eat?
Cordon bleu
A cordon bleu is a schnitzel filled with ham and melted cheese. If you want to combine several different Swiss classics, head to the Gifthüttli and order a cordon bleu with Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and raclette cheese.
Where to eat?
Cervelat
The sausages being flame-grilled here are actually called Cervelas in Switzerland. In Basel, we call them Chlöpfer, and our favourite way to eat them is in a Wurstsalat with cheese.
Where to eat?
Rösti
Golden-brown fried rösti are truly a Swiss classic. Try them as a main course with a fried egg or cheese – or as a side with a meat dish.
Where to eat?
Cheese
We make more than 450 different types of cheese in Switzerland. That’s why you should definitely try a cheese platter if you get the chance – whether it’s a snack with a nice glass of wine or the final course after a delicious dinner.
Where to eat?
Chocolate
There are still a number of small businesses that have been making chocolate in Basel for generations. Beschle Chocolatier Suisse is one of them.
Where to buy?
Vermicelles
This autumn dessert is made from chestnut or sweet-chestnut puree. It’s perfect served with meringue and whipped cream.
Where to eat?
Buttergipfel
Gipfel is the Swiss word for croissant, and they fly off the bakery shelves in Basel every morning.
Where to buy?
Zopf
Nothing beats the delicious aroma of a freshly baked Hefezopf (plaited bread) on a Sunday morning. The Swiss version doesn’t contain any raisins or almonds, and tastes fantastic with butter, jam, marmalade or honey.
Where to buy?
Bircher muesli
In Switzerland, we still prefer to prepare our muesli according to Mr Bircher-Benner’s recipe – with oats, milk and fresh fruit.
Where to eat?Traditional Swiss restaurants in Basel
Fancy a fondue in summer? Want to order a Zürcher Geschnetzeltes in Basel? One of the following restaurants could be the perfect place for you:
