When it comes to eating in Switzerland, the country is famous for mainly two things: cheese and chocolate. Swiss cheese is so good that, unsurprisingly, some traditional Swiss dishes involve eating mainly cheese. Be warned: the following recommendations are not meant for those who like to count their calories.
Swiss Specialities: Fondue
One of the best-known Swiss foods is fondue, a pot of melted cheese into which are dipped small pieces of bread. The fondue pot stands in the middle of the table over a flame that keeps it hot, those sitting around it are given small cubes of bread and a long fork, and everyone simply dips their pieces of bread into the hot cheese and eats one cheesy piece of bread after another. The secret of a traditional fondue is in the mix of cheeses that go into the pot. It is very easy to eat fondue until one suddenly feels ready to explode. But fondue does not have to be made of cheese; fondue Chinoise is a beef fondue, and for dessert there is chocolate fondue.
Swiss Specialities: Raclette
Another famous Swiss cheese dish is raclette, a traditional dish that originates from cow herders in the Swiss mountains who used to place a chunk of cheese next to their campfire in the evening. When the cheese was melting, they would scrape the soft cheese off and eat it with bread. These days raclette is usually made in a special raclette grill. Thick slices of cheese are placed in the grill and then eaten with potatoes, accompanied by gherkins and pickled onions.
Swiss Specialities: Zürich Geschnetzeltes
Extremely difficult to pronounce, this dish is for meat lovers. Traditional Zürich Geschnetzeltes is made with veal, cut into small pieces which are then cooked with cream, mushrooms and white wine. It can be served with noodles or with rösti.
Swiss Specialities: Rösti
Rösti is made with grated potatoes that are fried in a pan with butter or oil, and shaped into a flat cake. Rösti is essentially a side dish and resembles hash potatoes. It can be topped with cheese or bacon.
Swiss Specialities: Chocolate
Swiss chocolate comes in many shapes, sizes and flavours, and is regarded as one of the best types of chocolate in the world. Quality control in Swiss chocolate factories is strict, and Swiss chocolate has a reputation for extremely high quality. Chocosuisse, The Association of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers, claims that the Swiss eat the most chocolate in the world (and who would blame them). Some chocolate factories in Switzerland organize factory tours for visitors.
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