SOTC Blog

The mere mention of Switzerland conjures up images of the snow-capped Alps, lush green meadows, decadent chocolates, and indulgent cheeses. While they have given us Fondue and Raclette, they have a vast culinary repertoire. Food in Switzerland is a flavourful homage to its culinary diversity. Swiss food can be simple or intricate, but it is always delicious. Cheese is a staple of Swiss cuisine. You’ll find the best food in Switzerland in its cafes and pubs. So if you’re ready to explore the delectable Switzerland cuisine, let’s dive in.

Switzerland cuisine
Source: Switzerland Tourism

1. Cheese Fondue

Fondue in Switzerland would be the ultimate culinary cliché if it didn’t taste so heavenly. You can get Fondue all over Switzerland in its many avatars, from the traditional pairing of bread and cheese to fancier modern versions. It is the most popular food in Switzerland by far. Pair it with a crisp white wine and finish with hot tea.

2. Rösti

This humble preparation of baked sliced potatoes is Switzerland’s famous food but is virtually unknown outside. The potato slices stick together to form a galette. Its crisp browned surface hides a soft and creamy heart that nourishes the body and satiates the soul. Traditionally made with leftover potatoes, it is usually fortified with other leftovers such as eggs or meat.

3. Émincé de Veau à la zurichoise

Do not let its fancy name fool you. The dish is a simple yet flavourful combination of sliced veal and mushrooms cooked in a cream and white wine sauce. Perfectly delicious by itself, it is traditionally paired with Rösti. It is a perfect meal for cold weather, filling and high in calories. You have to try it at least once.

4. Raclette

Imagine a stream of hot, melted cheese running down the cheese wheel and enveloping the potatoes, onions, and pickles on your plate in a loving embrace. Yes, Raclette is as delicious as it sounds. A Swiss staple during the winters, you can enjoy it at any time of the year. Enjoy it with chilled white wine or piping hot tea.

Raclette
Source: Switzerland Tourism

5. PapetVaudois

PapetVaudois may appear rustic. But it is a hearty dish that will banish the cold and leave you with a warm glow. The highlight of the dish is plump cabbage sausages that rest on a soft bed of mash made of leeks and potatoes. Stewed for hours, the mash has an earthy flavor tinged with sweet notes of onion.

6. La Cuchaule

This sweet bread is a part of Switzerland’s traditions and finds a prominent place on the table during the traditional festival of Bénichon. La Cuchaule is a saffron-infused brioche that’s shaped like a flattened ball. Recipes are passed down generations and therefore, have many variations. Eat it for breakfast or as a starter, toasted and covered with butter and mustard.

7. Steamed Vegetables with Cheese

If you need a break from the decadence of Swiss cuisine, try this palate cleanser. You can get this dish at any restaurant. The only twist is that the steamed vegetables are served as a side dish to cut the richness of an eclectic selection of strong swims cheeses. Cheese selections include local favorites like Gruyere, Vacherin, Appenzeller, and Emmental.

8. Tartiflette

This dish is a soul-satisfying combination of thinly sliced potatoes, smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and nutty Reblochon cheese. Originally, this dish was conceived as a last-ditch effort to improve the falling sales of Reblochon cheese in the 1980s. Tartiflette is a great pick-me-up that can be enjoyed on the go, making it a fixture on the menu at ski resorts.

9. Älpermagronen

Älpermagronen is the Swiss equivalent of mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food. But it is a heartier preparation, a gratin made with layers of pasta, potatoes, cream, and shredded Gruyere cheese. It is topped with caramelized onions and served with a side of applesauce or stewed apples. It is a satisfying dish that will infuse you with a warm glow after a long day of sightseeing and fun in the snow.

10. Pâté Vaudois

Pâté Vaudois is a meat-stuffed pastry that is a favorite any-time snack. The filling inside can be anything and typical choices vary by region. You’ll mostly find it as a starter, quartered and served on a toast with pickles, little onions, and dried meats like jerky or bacon. We say grab a bagful and carry it along for sightseeing.

11. BünderNusstorte (Walnut Tart)

No meal is complete without dessert. BünderNusstorte is a nutty tart with a short-crust pastry cover that hides a juicy heart. The filling consists of heavy cream, caramelized sugar, and chopped walnuts. Every bite is a delight. Served warm with a cup of coffee or tea, sometimes with honey, it is probably the most popular dessert in Switzerland.

12. ZugerKirschtorte

A bite of ZugerKirschtorte is a slice of dessert heaven as your tastebuds travel through layers of sponge cake, buttercream, and nut meringue. First prepared in the city of Zug in 1921, this Swiss Layered Cake is traditionally flavored with a cherry brandy known as Kirschwasser. A dusting of icing sugar and roasted almonds completes its appealing look.

They say that a country’s tastes, ingredient choices, and culinary traditions are reflections of its history and culture. Food in Switzerland lives up to that adage with simple, hearty recipes that focus on nourishment rather than exotic ingredients or fancy presentations.