Upon reading the word Switzerland, you, like almost all of the rest, would immediately have visions of cheese and chocolate. But you are not entirely off base; of all its produce and exports around the world, these two most cherished and prized foods stand alone in their popularity. Switzerland has more to offer than simply a well-made chocolate bar and delicious cheese.
The dishes born from centuries in the Alps as well as the cultures of its neighbors (France, Germany, and Italy) have culminated into cooking that is simple, hearty, rich, elegant and without a doubt, incredibly tasty.
Here is what no tourist in Switzerland should leave without having tried;
1. Fondue
Anyone seeking not to dine but to celebrate with food would need look no further than this beloved Swiss specialty. This one-pot dish can actually be shared with several others and involves dipping pieces of bread into a pot of bubbly Gruyre and Emmental cheese (there are other types as well) and is particularly satisfying during winter months.
2. Raclette
While cheese plays a significant role, there is a more unique way to go about eating it. Raclette consists of heating a wedge of cheese, scraping the melted portion onto a plate and serving with small potatoes, pickled vegetables, and cold meats. The word “raclette” is derived from the French term “racler”, meaning “to scrape”.
3. Rsti
To describe this dish in the simplest terms, Rsti is the Swiss version of hash browns. Made in pancake style, this fried grate-potato dish hails from the German-speaking part of Switzerland and can be considered the perfect accompaniment for any topping. Rsti was originally served for farmers and can be ordered with everything from eggs to bacon to cheese.
4. Lplermagronen Alpine Macaroni
Pasta, potatoes, cheese, cream and onions (typically candied) with applesauce is as hearty as it sounds, and undeniably delicious. This popular meal once made up the staple of dairy farmers and lplermagronen actually means “Alpine herdsman’s macaroni.”
5. Zrcher Geschnetzeltes Zurich Style Veal
The nation’s capital of Zurich proudly presents this thinly-sliced veal that is simmered in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce. Order it with Rsti for an experience that you won’t quickly forget.
6. Swiss Chocolate
I couldn’t list this many tasty items without including what Switzerland is probably most famous for. The quality of Swiss chocolates is legendary and each bite melts in your mouth whether you enjoy the rich, sweet milk chocolate bar or something more complex and packed with praline or ganache.
7. Bircher Muesli
Developed by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner at the start of the 20th century, this healthy and filling option is made from a mix of rolled oats, milk, and cream mixed with fruits and nuts. It’s a wonderful start to the day and sure to keep you feeling satisfied for a long time.
8. Papet Vaudois
The region of Vaud is home to this dish of sweet leeks and potatoes slowly stewed and typically served alongside a saucisson vaudois, a specialty local sausage. The flavors are rich and the texture is incredibly hearty, making this a must-try for any visitors.
9. Basler Lckerli
This classic flat, hard, sweet biscuit from Basel is the ideal combination of flour, honey, and sugar with chopped nuts and candied orange peel. Basler lckerli have been enjoyed for centuries, originally produced by monasteries in the late middle ages and made during Christmas. They can now be enjoyed year round.
10. Swiss Cheeses Other than fondue/raclette
I could go on all day about Swiss cheese, and that is before even considering the main components of fondue and raclette! Gruyre has a distinctive nutty and sweet flavor; Emmental is what many refer to as “Swiss cheese” thanks to its many holes;
and then there is the stronger Appenzeller to try.
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