If you’re looking to lose weight, Switzerland is not the place to come. With food in Switzerland on the heavy side, this is the place to get your fill on dairy, bread and potatoes.
Dairy if you please
Switzerland is most known for its dairy products. Did you know that the Swiss were the first to think of mixing milk and chocolate back in the 1800s? Chocolate is king here, and you can find every type imaginable. From chocolate factories like Nestle and Lindt to the high-end confectionery shops, this is a chocaholic’s paradise. For affordability, we suggest checking out the wide variety of chocolate at local supermarkets.
The Swiss national dish is fondue. This pot of melted cheese and bread on skewers for dipping has been bringing family and friends together for generations. The blend of melted cheese and white wine makes for a filling meal. Fondue is a big affair, so it typically is only served in the home on the weekend when there is time to prepare and enjoy it. There are many restaurants that serve the national dish, but if you don’t want to be made fun of by the locals, don’t order fondue in the summer as this is a winter-only meal. Also, the Swiss are quite confused to see chocolate fondue in the U.S. as it is unheard of here. Fondue is strictly for cheese. All those choices at the Melting Pot? Not so much.
Raclette is another popular cheese dish. Usually served individually in small black iron skillets, Chris and I just had our first experience with it at a street carnival. Wheels of this pungent cheese are melted to scrape over bread and served warm and gooey. I’ve sworn that Switzerland has cured me for a lifetime of my cheese cravings.
A world food tour in one country
As Switzerland is divided into regions by language, much of the food is influenced by other countries. In the Center and North where we live, you have the German region. In the South is the Italian region. In the West is the French region. There is a very small region in the East that speaks the ancient Romansh language. With a mixture of German, French and Italian influence, one can sample food from across Europe.
With the Germanic influence, we have lots of potato and pork dishes. Röschti is a popular dish made of slivered potatoes, much like hash browns. Any combination of meat or vegetables or cheese is then served on top. Another popular dish to mix is spaetzle. A food created by peasants in medieval times, the drop-dough dumpling has now become a main course. Schnitzels and bratwursts are also very popular. With a bit of French flair, you can find cordonbleu on many menus.
Bread, good bread, is baked fresh and sold almost everywhere. You can find great bread from any of the local bakeries to a convenience store. The best bread, though, is when you can find it homemade. Near our flat, there is a lady who sets up a stand each Saturday and Sunday morning and sells her own bread. Using her grandfather’s recipe, her beer bread is the best we’ve had here.
As eating out is far too expensive for our budget, we’ve learned to cook a lot at home. On those rare occasions during the week when we do decide to venture out, we mainly eat at a local kebap. These Turkish restaurants are the most affordable options, and the menu includes lots of lamb and vegetables rolled up inside of a tortilla-like shell.
Cheers
Though Switzerland doesn’t have a caipirinha or a national drink like Brazil, you will find strong German beers and fine French and Italian wines along with shots of Jager and schnapps. A common pastime here is to sit and enjoy coffee or tea in one of the many cafes.
What food would you most like to try in Switzerland?
-Monica
