mingtsainy

I'm visiting an college friend in Mulhouse, France this week. We're are planning to meet up with a third old college buddy in Basel tomorrow. I (being the token American) want to try fondue while in Switzerland. But none of us are familiar with Basel.

Can someone suggest a couple decent, medium priced restaurant in Basel that serves fondue and other Swiss cuisines?

Thanks in advance.

BTilke

I spent quite a bit of time in Basel and don't really reemmber any fondue places offhand. Basel has several nice restaurants that feature the cuisine of "Basel land", but fondue isn't a local specialty...that's more of a mountain thing.

Phil

ming:

It is quite some time since I ate there, but the "Walliser Kanne" in Gerbergasse used to offer a selection of very good fondues. Its prices aren't ourageous, too (don't expect any bargains in Switzerland for fondue, as most people cook it at home).

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip.

Phil.

DAX

Hello Ming Tsai,

Another place for fondue inside the old town in Basel is SAFRAN ZUNFT also on Gerbergasse just a block south of the Marktplatz.

They don't serve the plain cheese fondue but a version of the fondue bourguignon made from sliced veal dipped in winebroth. I believe there is something similar in the chinese cuisine without the wine. Years ago, I stayed in the old town for a couple of months and I would try different restaurants for lunch. Most people have cheese fondue at home because it's very simple to make, so not too many restaurants serve it.

Mathieu

Dax, the version you mention (sliced meat dipped in broth) is commonly known as 'Fondue Chinoise', due to the Chinese connection as you mention. When all the meat's done, the leftover vegetables are thrown into the pot and the broth ladled into cups for anyone who wishes to partake. It tends to be rather strong after all the meat that's been dipped into it and most people dilute their portion with hot water.

Fondue Bourguignon - as I've eaten it - is beef chunks or cubes skewered into hot oil and later dipped into sauces before eating.

Whatever the kind, all fondues are yummy.

DAX

You're right Mathieu, thanks for correcting. I believe they call it Fondue Bachus which is a version of Fondue Chinoise except the sliced veal is skewered and dipped into broth with rose wine. It's much healthier than the deep fried Fondue Bourguignon.

mingtsainy

Thanks for all your responses.

My friends and I went to "Walliser Kanne" (water can?? It has a Roman-ish water jug structure above the door) on Gerbergasse on the recommendation of one of my friend's coworkers.

We ordered mushroom cheese fondue and "veal on a stick cooked in broth" fondue, which were okay; not something I would want to eat again. We also had 2 orders of steak tartar (spicy) split 5 ways, which was fabulous. And we each had a dessert. I ordered the chocolate mousse dessert, another winner.

Between the five of us plus 2 bottles of wine (CHF100+ each), the tab came out to be CHF680. Ouch! Not cheap! Even my Swiss hosts were surprised at the price tab.

OH well, it was an experience for me so I think it was worth the price.