Switzerland Food and Drink
Switzerland's food and drink scene reflects its rich cultural diversity and artisanal traditions. Cheese lovers can indulge in iconic dishes like fondue and raclette, best enjoyed in cosy mountain settings or local restaurants. Chocolate enthusiasts should not miss sampling Switzerland's world-famous chocolates, with brands like Lindt and Sprüngli offering tours and tastings. In addition to its dairy products, Switzerland excels in baked goods, including braided Zopf bread and crispy Rösti, a national favourite. For beverages, the country's wines from the Lavaux vineyards and refreshing apple ciders are must-tries. Don't forget to enjoy Swiss hot chocolate, which is perfect for warming up after a day in the Alps.
Specialities
Fondue: A delicious concoction of Gruyère and Vacherin cheese, melted and mixed with white wine, flour, Kirsch and a little garlic.
Raclette: A semi-hard cheese melted and served with accompaniments such as potatoes, pickles, and onions. It's a staple of Swiss alpine cuisine.
Berner platte: A traditional dish from Bern consisting of assorted meats, sausages, sauerkraut, green beans, and potatoes.
Viande sèchée: Dried beef or pork from Valais and the Grisons (where it is called bündnerfleisch) served with bread.
Rösti:A shredded potato dish fried into a round cake, often served as a side dish or breakfast item.
Fondue bourguignonne: Cubes of seasoned meat cooked in oil or butter and served with various sauces.
Älpermagronen: A Swiss take on macaroni and cheese, often combining cream, potatoes, onions, and sometimes fried apples for a hearty alpine meal.
Leckerli: Ginger honey cakes topped with icing sugar, originally from Basel. The sugar bear decoration in Bern is a nice regional touch.
Kirsch: A clear cherry brandy commonly used in cooking and desserts, such as Kirschtorte, a sponge cake layered with Kirsch-infused cream.
Chasselas: A grape widely used to produce dry and delicate Swiss white wines.
Tipping
Tipping in Switzerland is typically not mandatory, as service charges are already included in restaurant, hotel, and taxi bills. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for excellent service. For example, round up to the nearest 5 or 10 CHF or leave 5-10% in higher-end restaurants. Hotel staff and porters may appreciate small tips, such as 1-2 CHF per bag.
Drinking age
16 years old: For beer and wine.
18 years old: For spirits, liquor, and other stronger alcoholic beverages.
