You can’t visit Switzerland without experiencing these must-try traditional Swiss foods.
Alongside its beautiful scenic nature, mountains, villages, and diverse culture, Switzerland is also home to many delicious traditional Swiss dishes. So, don’t leave Switzerland without trying these top-quality Swiss foods.
1. Fondue
Swiss Fondue is a must-try dish for cheese lovers. In French, fondue means “melted,” it contains melted cheese, garlic, and wine in a big communal pot. The way to eat this Swiss dish is by dipping chunks of bread into the cheese and enjoying the iconic taste. Fondue originated in Switzerland in the 18th century, and traditional Swiss cheeses are used in the dish, mainly Gruyeres and Emmental. Lauterbrunnen is one of the greatest places to try the best cheese fondue ever.
2. Raclette
Raclette is a traditional Swiss cheese type made from Alpine cow’s milk. However, it’s also the name of a popular dish in Switzerland. Originating from the canton of Valais, Raclette is usually grilled over a fire, accompanied by small potatoes, meat, bread, pickles, and onions. Swiss Raclette tastes even better with Fendent, a Valais region wine.
3. Rösti
Rösti is a delicious Swiss potato dish consisting of grated potatoes fried in butter until they are crispy and golden. This traditional Swiss dish is good to eat all year round, and the people in the canton of Bern love this dish for breakfast. To experience the most exclusive version of Rösti, why not try out Rösti Valaisanne from the canton of Valais, topped with melted raclette cheese, bacon, and fried eggs…YUM!
4. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Rösti is usually served on the side of delicious traditional Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. This stew originated from Zurich and contains veal, mushrooms, cream, white wine, and stock, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a perfect lunch for winter. You can try this delightful dish in famous restaurants across the whole of Switzerland.
5. Basler Läckerli
Basler Läckerli biscuits are traditional Swiss sweets, particularly famous around Christmas time. The biscuits contain dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, honey, and cloves, served in squares, very similar to German lebkuchen biscuits. Write down these tasty sweets on your Switzerland bucket list, they are definitely worth a try.
6. Chocolate
A perfect trip to Switzerland includes tasting the famous Swiss chocolate. The world-renowned Swiss chocolate is a must-try, especially in the form of milk chocolate bars. The traditional techniques developed by Swiss chocolate makers are still used in the chocolate-making industry today. A private trip to Maison Cailler - the Swiss chocolate factory, will take you on an interesting journey through the history and originality of Swiss chocolate.
Switzerland is a great place to enjoy fun and unique experiences and to taste new and delicious dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Tasting the Swiss food will help you understand the Swiss rich culture and traditions to really give your fabulous trip a boost.