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Fastenwähe

Fastenwähe is a type of small Swiss bread, carnival treat, and snack originating from Basel. The dough is usually made with a combination of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, milk, eggs, caraway seeds, and butter. Once the dough has rested and doubled in size, it's divided and shaped into ovals.


A knife is used to cut four slits into each piece of dough, which is then carefully stretched in order to create a shape that's similar to a cross in the middle of the dough. The dough is brushed with beaten egg yolks, sprinkled with caraway seeds, and baked until golden.


Fastenwähe is especially popular during the Fasnacht (the biggest carnival in Switzerland) celebration, and it was originally enjoyed only during Lent. 

WHERE TO EAT The best Fastenwähe in the world (according to food experts)

Basler Brot

3.3
Canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland

Schlumbergerli

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Basel, Switzerland

Basler Läckerli

3.6
Basel, Switzerland

Basler Mehlsuppe

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Basel, Switzerland

Schoggiweggli

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Basel, Switzerland

Lummelbraten

n/a
Basel, Switzerland

Zopf

4.1
Switzerland

Burebrot

3.4
Switzerland

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