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When you think of Swiss cuisine, you immediately think of cheese fondue or Zurich Geschnetzeltes. Both are great, but neither is attractive in summer temperatures. Of course, sweets are always possible and there is a lot to discover, especially here. But it is above all the fresh, modern cuisine that attracts me to the city. Regional ingredients, with special accents and especially right on the Rhine with a view of the water. The nice thing is that Basel is manageable. You can spend the day swimming in the Rhine or visiting museums (if the weather isn’t right) and then enjoy the hospitality. And there is definitely something for everyone.
Restaurant LA
I take a leisurely walk from my hotel to St. Johanns Vorstadt. It’s only a few minutes and takes me past busy street cafes. The narrow restaurant is easy to miss; I almost walk past it. The interior is minimalist, tasteful and offers a view of the open kitchen. You can choose from a 4-course or 6-course menu, optionally with wine or non-alcoholic accompaniment. The principle of surprise applies. Whatever is in season is served. If you want to eat purely vegetarian – no problem, just specify.
It starts with a clear, white tomato essence with cream cheese. Spicy with a fine acidity, this is exactly the right start to a summer menu. I chose this 4-course menu decided with a non-alcoholic accompaniment and so the first thing served is a sparkling drink made from mate tea. This also goes perfectly with the following course, a creamy risotto made from peas with sage and almonds.
We continue with a fennel cream, cod and vongole. This combination is also elegant and airy. There is also a kombucha from a local manufacturer with pineapple and mint. It’s bold but gives the dish an extra summery touch. The main course, a lamb roulade, is particularly a puree of fresh tomatoes, pine nuts and fresh Savorywhich excites me. Together with the eggplant cream and a strong lamb jus, this is a very nice main course, the flavors of which dance in my mouth for a long time. Then I have the choice between cheese (always a good choice in Switzerland) and dessert. I would have preferred another portion of the tomato puree – it was just too good – but I stayed on the savory side and opted for cheese. And even though I already feel quite full, I have to grab the really great bread again. I’ve always loved Switzerland for her Bread loved and especially for not cutting it too thinly but in thick slices. By the way, most Swiss people also smile at the fact that you can have your bread pre-sliced in our bakery.
LA restaurant
St. Johanns-Vorstadt 13
4056 Basel
Chocolates from all over the world – Xocolatl
I’m traveling by tram, which I have thanks to my Basel Card can use it for free when I discover the store – Xocolatl. I immediately get off at the next stop and walk the short distance back to immerse myself in something I’ve never seen before. Chocolate from all over the world. From no less than 40 different ones Chocolate factories Artfully wrapped chocolate bars are presented. I, the packaging victim, notice how my pulse quickens. Drinking chocolates, chocolates from all cocoa-growing regions in the world, chocolate liqueurs, even yourself Cocoa soap are offered here. If you’re intoxicated by the sight of so many chocolates, you can also settle down for a cup of drinking chocolate. Here I also get chocolate for cooking and roasted cocoa shells. Simply everything. If you love chocolate, you have to come here. However, don’t expect to get these international delicacies at a bargain price. 10 CHF for a board is not uncommon. This shouldn’t deter a true chocolate lover.
Xocolatl – The world of chocolate
Marktgasse 6, 4051 Basel
World cuisine at Klara in Klein-Basel
A few spring rolls, Tibetan momos in between or fancy some racy tacos? The Klara in Klein-Basel is a microcosm of nine different cuisines. You choose something, are given a buzzer, which then buzzes when you can pick up your food. Without Chi-Chi but uncomplicated and cheap.
Clara
Clarastrasse 13, 4058 Basel
Jakob’s Basler Leckerly – tradition since 1753
The city’s most traditional pastry consists of honey, wheat flour, candied fruits and kirsch. A gingerbread. The pastry name “Basler Leckerli” first appeared above the recipe in Anna Magdalena Falkeysen’s cookbook from 1741. The city’s oldest factory is still committed to tradition today. There are different varieties with chocolate, extra honey or nuts. Does it all sound a bit like Christmas? Then you should “Summer Edition” try with lemon. She absolutely had to come with me. The factory in St. Johanns-Vorstadt also offers daily tours.
Shop
Spalenberg 26
4051 Basel
addicted to bacon – at the market
Of course, it doesn’t work without a visit to the market. The market, located in the middle of the old town, is the seasonal barometer of all culinary delights. And tomatoes, plums and cherries dominate the offering there. And fine sausages, Graubünden meat and bacon. So while I’m strolling through the market, I discover this fantastic bacon, which I can try straight away. With alpine herbs refined. It tastes so good that I have to take two pieces with me straight away. The friendly gentleman at the market stall says I should make a carbonara with it. Be even better than Guanciale. I bet on it.
fresh seasonal cuisine and wine from Switzerland in the Krafft restaurant
Wine from Switzerland is something special. Mainly because it is hardly available outside of Switzerland. People like to drink what they produce locally and very little of it makes its way across the national border. And so it is a pleasure for me to taste a full-bodied Pinot Noir. The Pi Not Noir consists of white-pressed Pinot Noir grapes from the best locations in the Basel region. In the Krafft restaurant, which is located directly on the Rhine and has a lovely terrace, this wine accompanies my Involtini with morel risotto. This is a wonderful alliance.
Restaurant Krafft
Rheingasse 12
4058 Basel
A central hotel and of course Bircher muesli for breakfast
My hotel is not far from Spalenberg, a district with pretty little half-timbered houses, fountains, original shops and restaurants. Living right in the old town is ideal and everything is within walking distance. The rooms are tasteful, the garden invites you to linger on summer evenings and of course there is Bircher muesli for breakfast. In addition to the good bread and tasty cheese. So breakfast may take a little longer because everything tastes so good.
STEINENSCHANZE city hotel
Steingraben 69
4051 Basel
And here you can find my report on swimming in the Rhine in Basel.

at Spalenberg

if that’s not harmonious…
Disclosure: The trip to Basel was at the invitation of Basel Tourism (this is Basel). As always, the impressions are entirely mine.