Strasbourg, France, is renowned as the Christmas capital, adorned with spectacular decorations that make it a festive haven during the holiday season. However, as a vegan traveler, the big question was – is Strasbourg’s vegan food as good as the markets? Join me on my special Christmas Market extravaganza (and birthday celebration) where I explored not only the enchanting Christmas lights but also sought out delectable vegan eats.
Strasbourg Vegan Must-Eats
Origin: Nestled on the route to the cathedral from Petite France, Origin stole my heart with its quiet charm. The famous Strasbourg dish, Tarte Flambée, (you might think it’s just a fancy pizza- but I promise it is NOT) featured delightful vegan cheese and caramelized onions. They also had a sauerkraut and tofu scramble dish and an enticing array of cakes which made this 100% vegan spot a haven. My personal favorite was the vanilla cake with chocolate frosting and speculoos pieces – an absolute delight and a perfect way to celebrate my birthday!
L’Alsace à Boire: Recommended by our walking tour guide, this local wine bar is a must-visit. Specializing in wines from the Alsace region, known for wines that are aromatic, floral and spicy. I’ve tried a lot of wine from around France, including Bordeaux and the Champagne region…and I must say the Alsace region has catapulted to the top of my favourites list. When you go, you must try a Riesling and a Pinot Noir. Vegan options on the menu, including tapenades and a crudites platter, elevated the experience, providing delicious dips like hummus and baba ganoush for the veggies.
Bistrot et Chocolat: A vegan and gluten-free haven, Bistrot et Chocolat beckoned us with a second slice of birthday cake – a scrumptious cinnamon chai. With a culturally inspired menu that rotates daily, offering dishes like dahl, fajitas, and Flemish stew, this spot is a treat for gluten-free vegans.
Christmas Markets: Go to Petit France for the eco-markets, boasting more vegan options than the main markets and supporting local sellers. While the main markets offer fewer vegan choices, the Lebanese food stall at Place Kléber and the poêlée végétarienne (roasted potatoes) sans butter at the same location provide savory options in the festive atmosphere. Don't miss out on the tree-lighting ceremony! It was a spectacle I'll never forget.
The Strasbourg Foodie Landscape
Situated in the heart of the Alsace region, Strasbourg showcases a unique blend of French and German influences in its culinary landscape. The historical oscillation between French and German nationalities has left an indelible mark, making Strasbourg's cuisine distinct.
Signature Dishes
Sauerkraut: A beloved dish of Alsace, sauerkraut, featuring fermented white cabbage, is a culinary highlight.
Tarte Flambée: Mirroring German flammekuchen, Origin's incredible tarte flambée captures the essence of the region.
Pretzels: A Christmas market staple, these savory delights are a go-to snack.
Vin Chaud: A must-try Christmas market delight, vin chaud (mulled wine) takes on a new level of sophistication behind the cathedral, with a stand using local wine and fresh fruit for a superior quality experience.
Accommodation Considerations: The Fridge Dilemma
Choosing Hotel Spalentor in Basel proved strategic, providing a balance of affordability and quality. While a fridge in our room wasn't essential for Basel's vegan breakfast options on the way to Strasbourg, it proved useful for preserving slices of delicious birthday cake, including the coveted speculoos slice from Origin.
Our stay in Basel revealed it as the most cost-effective route from London to Strasbourg. Going on an EasyJet flight from London to Basel was necessary due to the lack of reasonably priced direct flights to Strasbourg. Settling in Basel at Hotel Spalentor allowed for an accessible day trip to Strasbourg without the inconvenience of frequent relocations. This centrally located hotel offered significant cost savings in a much bigger (and high quality hotel) compared to what we could get for the same price in Strasbourg. Our journey from Basel to Strasbourg took only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and thanks to booking on Trainline- we were able to get the cheapest tickets (and the easiest cancellation policy for when last-minute plans changed and we wanted to stay in Strasbourg longer to take in this Christmas night lights)
Overall Vegan-Friendly Rating: 5/5 (except for the Christmas markets which we'll give a 3/5)
Despite Strasbourg's fame for hosting the world's most renowned Christmas markets, the vegan options, especially at the main markets, were more limited compared to other cities like Basel and Munich. However, the city's inherent vegan-friendly nature, abundant vegan eateries, and diverse options elsewhere compensated for this shortfall. The overall vegan-friendly rating stands at a solid 5/5, reflecting the city's commitment to catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Visit Strasbourg to make Christmas Market Memories
In Strasbourg, where the magic of Christmas lingers in the air, the vegan journey was a joyous celebration of culinary delights. As I reminisce about the vin chaud, pretzels, and other splendid vegan offerings, I raise a toast to Strasbourg – a city that not only dazzles with Christmas lights but also invites vegans to savor its unique flavors with open arms. Until next time, Strasbourg, au revoir! and Happy Holidays!