Flammkuchen is a traditional European dish that is heating up in Cape Town. Also known as tarte flambé which translates to ‘flaming cake,’ this pizza-like dish does not disappoint.

The crust is made from a yeast free, bread-style dough that is rolled out super thin. The result resembles a pizza with a crisp, textured base, topped with savoury trimmings and drenched in crème fraîche.

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In France and Germany, Flammkuchen is a popular dish to enjoy with drinks at restaurants, cafés, wine estates and beer gardens. Market and street food vendors often serve it on a wooden board as a convenient meal at celebrations such as Oktoberfest and it’s no wonder the tradition has been wholeheartedly adopted locally, too.

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Flammkuchen originated in the European wine district of Alsace, a region which has alternated between German and French control and now reflects a mix of both cultures. The history can be traced back two decades, to when Alsace bakers would use the leftover dough as a test to estimate the temperature of wood-fired bread ovens. If the temperature was too high, the Flammkuchen would burn or catch fire, earning it the name ‘flaming cake’.

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Piroschka’s Flammkuchen
Sisters Jutta and Inge started cooking up flammkuchen over five years ago, following a dream to introduce the delicious dish to South Africa. They have been overwhelmed by the response and have built a base of regular customers. They have become well versed in catering to festival goers and market attendees, and fulfil a high demand.

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You can find Piroschka’s Flammkuchen at various annual events, as well as at some regular markets in Cape Town:
Every Thursday at the Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek from 4:30 to 8:30 pm.
Every Saturday at the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock from 9 am to 2 pm.
Every Sunday at the Blaauwklippen Family Market in Stellenbosh from 10 am to 3 pm.

This dish is both delicious and easy to eat, so try it out next time you spot the stall at a market or festival. A word of warning, though: Don’t call it pizza!

OF NOTE
Contact +27 21 422 4868, www.piroschka.co.za

Photography courtesy

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1 Comment
  • piroschkasCPT
    piroschkasCPT
    January 28, 2016 at 9:03 am

    CapeTownEtc thanks for the great article about our #Flammkuchen

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