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.
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.
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’.
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.
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
