Snapshots
World famous for its snow-capped peaks, green meadows and majestic waterfalls, the landscapes of Switzerland are like something straight out of a postcard. Its varied landscapes have given birth to a rich culinary heritage, which is a must-try for everyone whether you love trying new dishes or seeking to know more about Swiss culture. Needless to say, your Switzerland trip is incomplete without sampling world-renowned cheese and chocolates. But the Swiss culinary delights don't end here. Scroll down and explore some popular and staple delicacies, from cheese Fondue to crispy Rosti, sure to leave you craving for more.
1. Fondue
One of the Swiss national dishes, Fondue is a must-try for everyone, especially for a cheese lover. It's a traditional Swiss dish made with cheese and wine, sometimes with garlic and spices too, served in a communal pot over a portable stove. This is best enjoyed with bite-sized cubes of bread, whether it is white or brown doesn't matter, dipped into the cheese using long forks. Give a treat to your taste buds with this rich and comforting Swiss delicacy. If you are wondering about the best season to visit Switzerland to enjoy this cheesy delight, it's of course winter. The hearty, goey nature of fondue complements the chilling weather so perfectly. Plus, to take your culinary experience to another level, pair the fondue with a glass of Swiss wine, Chasselas and fendant are some popular options to go for.
2. Raclette
Coming to our next Swiss occasional delight, Raclette, a cheesy Swiss dish made by scraping the melted part of cheese onto plates. Here, the choice of cheese is something which can make or break the taste, raclette cheese is a particular variety of cheese which is generally used to make raclette, owing to its remarkable melting tendency. Gruyere, Comte and Emmental are some other varieties of cheese which can be used as substitutes. Additionally, raclette is best combined with potatoes, pickled onions, cornichons and charcuterie. Are you looking for the best drinks to pair with this hearty dish? Whether you go for white wines or red ones appeal to you more, wines are all-time best pairings for raclette. Once again, winter are the best season to visit in Switzerland to savour this yummy, communal dish, to get a memorable culinary experience.
3. Rosti
While fondue and raclette are occasional delicacies in Switzerland, Rosti is a staple dish over here, similar to Aloo-tikki. Its main ingredients are potatoes, which are grated and then pan-fried in oil or butter. Furthermore, onion, cheese, herbs and bacon can also be incorporated as additional ingredients to invoke a lip-smacking flavour. This Swiss traditional dish is enjoyed all over Switzerland with some regional variations. You can find a thicker and crispier version at one place while a thinner and delicate version in another. Plus, you can pair a variety of dishes with rosti like sauces or cheese to enhance its flavour. If you want it as an appetizer, pair it with smoked salmon or eggs to create a more satisfying meal. Unlike raclette and fondue, there is no best season to visit Switzerland to enjoy this delicious dish, you can relish it throughout the year in every season.
4. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Give a treat to your senses with this melt-into-your-mouth Swiss delicacy, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. Typically made with veal, meat of a very young calf, white wine, cream, mushrooms, flour and onions. The veal is seared in butter until it gets a golden crust. Onion and mushroom are sauteed, cream, flour and wine are added to the pan to create a flavourful, rich sauce. Then veal is added to the pan to simmer. This simple yet sophisticated dish is the favourite of many due to its perfect balance of flavours. Whenever you go for Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, don't forget to complement it with rosti as the velvety veal and the crispy rosti create a stunning contrast of flavours, a combination like no other. Whether you go for white wine, red wine or herbal tea, all goes well with Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, the best pairings depend totally upon your personal preferences. Are you looking for some best places to go in Switzerland in summer to savour Zürcher Geschnetzeltes? What else can be better than its own birthplace, Zurich!
5. Muesli
Better known as Birchermuesli in Switzerland, muesli is a staple Swiss dish which is often enjoyed as breakfast. It was invented by a physician Maximilian Bircher Benner to provide a nutritious breakfast to his patients, yes, it's a Swiss invention! Give a try to muesli to experience a piece of Swiss culinary heritage and immerse yourself in the delicious combination of rolled oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruits. As the fruits pour life into the dish, Muesli lets you taste the seasonal fruits of Switzerland like apples, berries, etc. Other than giving you a unique culinary experience, this offers you plenty of health benefits making it a popular dish worldwide.