Trying to figure out what Swiss people eat may seem like an impossible task at first, since cheese and chocolate are two of Switzerland’s most famous exports. But fear not – Switzerland’s national cuisine is as varied and unique as its stunning countryside. Here’s a deep dive into the delicious dishes that make up the Swiss eating experience.
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Breakfast, Snacking and Appetizers
Swiss breakfast usually centres around pastries, breads and rolls. Popular options include croissants, brioche, pretzels and Zopf which is a traditional Swiss braided bread. Swiss rolls are often served with butter, cheese and jams, and muesli – a combination of rolled oats, nuts, seeds and dried or fresh fruit – is also a favourite but famously fiddly to make.
Light, savoury snacks and appetizers include Raclette, a melted cheese dish served with potatoes, pickles and cured meats, Fondue, melted cheese served in a pot with bread to dip and Rösti, or shredded potatoes usually served with fried eggs. For something a bit more substantial, Flammkuchen is a German-Swiss speciality made with a crispy, thin flatbread, topped with cheese, bacon and onions.
Main Courses
Main dishes vary greatly, but some staples include Saucisse au Chocolat, a pork sausage smothered in a thick, creamy chocolate sauce – a combination which might sound strange, but is surprisingly delicious. Cheese is naturally a Swiss treat, taking centre stage in dishes like Älplermagronen, a macaroni and cheese dish with potatoes and boiled onions, and Rosti Läggerli, a grated potato cake with cheese, cream and eggs.
Meats like beef, pork, veal, goose and even horse are all traditional Swiss ingredients, roasted, boiled or fried to perfection with a range of fresh vegetables. Rösti has an obvious main course appeal – a big, hearty portion of grated potatoes topped with bacon, eggs and cheese.
Sweets and Snacks
Swiss chocolate and sweet pastries are known and loved all around the world. Regional Swiss specialities include Berner Haselnuss Torte, a nut cake from Berne made with chocolate, hazelnuts and meringue; and Zuger Kirschtorte, a classic cherry cake with a crunchy nut topping and multiple layers of sponge. Basler Leckerli are a type of gingerbread cookie popular in Basel, Bern and Zurich, and Zurich speciality Chügelipastete is a rich, decadent sweet tart made with raisins, nuts and chocolate.
Finally, you can’t forget about Swiss cheese! Whether eaten as a snack, served with fruit for dessert or used as a central ingredient in saucy dishes, there are hundreds of varieties of Swiss cheese, each with its own unique taste and texture.
Whether you’re looking for a unique culinary experience or just want to munch on some delicious snacks, Switzerland has something to offer you. In addition to world-famous chocolate and cheese, Switzerland has many tasty treats that will satisfy any appetite and give you a true taste of a unique cultural experience.