Basler Mehlsuppe

Basel's signature dish is a hearty, flavorful soup made with browned flour, beef stock, onions, and sometimes red wine. Basler mehlsuppe is usually seasoned with peppercorns, cloves, nutmeg or allspice, and served topped with a generous grating of Swiss cheese such as Sbrinz or Gruyère. Traditionally, the soup is a must-have at Basel Carnival, which is officially launched with a serving of it at precisely 4:00 AM on the first Monday after Ash Wednesday. Being a national favorite, mehlsuppe is also widely available throughout the year, not just in Basel, but across Switzerland.