Foods to try in Switzerland

If you’re planning a visit to Switzerland, whether it’s for an activity-filled holiday on the slopes or a European city break, it’s an excellent chance to treat yourself to some truly lavish feasting.

Switzerland’s breathtaking mountainous terrain makes it an ideal destination for luxurious skiing vacations, while its expansive lakes and distinctive climate make it an attractive location for a quick getaway. Additionally, Switzerland boasts some delicious and hearty traditional cuisine.

Here are some of the best cuisines that you must try when you visit the country of Switzerland.

Fondue

While it may be considered a cliché, fondue is an integral part of Switzerland’s culture and heritage. For generations, Swiss inhabitants of the mountains have relied on fondue as a way to use bread and cheese during the colder months. Nowadays, it has become a must-try for locals and tourists alike during the autumn and winter seasons. You can dip rustic country bread into melted cheeses, such as gruyere and vacheron, mixed with generous amounts of wine and garlic, and bubbling over an open flame. Complement your fondue with white wine and follow it up with schnapps or tea for a truly unforgettable winter meal. Check out our ultimate fondue recipe collection for some seriously cheesy recipe ideas.

Leeks with potatoes and sausage (Papet Vaudois)

Papet Vaudois is a traditional Swiss dish that consists of a rich and savory mash made from leeks and potatoes, which are slowly stewed for hours. The resulting mixture has a delicious earthy flavor with a hint of onion that perfectly complements the unique fat sausage exclusive to the canton of Vaud, known as saucisson Vaudois. Papet Vaudois has a deep connection to the region and is often considered its emblematic dish. The famous crimson sausage, loosely stuffed and plump, is a crucial part of this dish and should not be overlooked.

Rosti, Valaisanne-style

Rosti is a beloved Swiss dish made by pan-frying thinly grated potatoes until they become crisp and golden. Although the exact origin of rosti remains unknown, farmers in the canton of Bern traditionally ate it for breakfast. Nowadays, it is a popular dish throughout Switzerland and can be enjoyed at any mealtime. If you’re looking for a delicious winter version of this classic dish, try the Rosti Valaisanne from the canton of Valais. This delectable variation combines rosti with salty bacon, a fried egg, and melted raclette cheese, all served steaming hot in a ceramic dish. The dish is completed with the addition of tangy gherkins and pickled pearl onions, making it a truly irresistible treat.

Basel-style roasted flour soup

According to an old saying, a girl from Basel was expected to know how to make roasted flour soup before she could get married. There are numerous variations of the recipe, but at its most basic, it consists of flour, butter, onion, and beef stock, topped with a sprinkling of grated Gruyere cheese. As the legend goes, the soup was invented when a distracted cook left flour cooking in a pot until it turned brown by accident. Rather than throwing it away, the cook transformed the mistake into a dish that has since become a beloved tradition. The soup is a must-try during Basel Carnival, which officially commences with a serving of the soup at 3am.

Raclette

In Switzerland’s cooler months, the air is filled with the aromas of wood-burning fires and pine. Upon entering most hillside establishments, you’ll also be greeted by the pungent scent of melted raclette cheese. This cheese originates from the canton of Valais and is traditionally grilled slowly over a fire, with each layer of melted cheese carefully scraped off and draped over boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. Nowadays, raclette machines have made grilling the cheese commonplace in Swiss homes, where friends can gather for hours, waiting for the cheese to melt while enjoying copious glasses of local Fendant wine.

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