Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation is a country of the European continent. Bern is the capital of Switzerland. The largest city is Zurich and encounters the maximum number of tourists annually. Switzerland is famous for its amazing scenic views paired with amazing mountains and a bounty of lakes. As a chocoholic, one must have definitely come across the swizz chocolate. Not just chocolate, but the swiss cheese is also one of the most astounding contributions of Switzerland to the world. Here we present to you the top 10 best foods to try in Switzerland.
1. Swiss Fondue
Fondue is a type of melted Swiss cheese served in a communal pot. In order to keep the cheese melted and warm, it is served on a portable stove with a candle beneath. Since the 1950’s the word “fondue” has been generalized to other dishes that involve the dipping of food. For example chocolate fondue in which fruits, etc can be dipped. The classic cheese fondue is to be eaten paired with the bread, dipped by long-stemmed forks. This is a must for all cheese lovers out there.
2. Swiss Chocolate
We can’t go any further without mentioning the very obvious, Swiss chocolate. Swiss chocolates are known worldwide for their quality and texture. The inverter of milk chocolate, Switzerland, started its chocolate production during the 17th century. Did you know, that Swiss people eat 11kg of chocolate per year and the country is home to the best chocolatier, Teuscher.
3. Rosti
Rosti is a potato-based dish, originated in Switzerland. It is a type of side dish paired best with Spinatund Spiegelei. It is also known as ‘Potato Pancakes’. The difference between hash brown and rosti is that the rosti is much thicker than the hash brown, giving it a creamy and smooth center.
4. Alplermagronen
Alplermagronen or the Alpine macaroni, is a swizz version of ‘mac n cheese’. Back in the 1930s, it was made based on the availability of raw materials. Contradictory to the classic mac n cheese, the Alplermagronen consist of potato and in rare occasion some onion as well. Served with Caramalised onion on top, this dish is perfect for a cozy family winter’s night.
5. Raclette
Raclette is a type of semi-hard swiss cheese. The origin of the word Raclette comes from the French word racler which means ‘to scrape’. Traditionally, the cow herders would carry the cheese with them throughout the day, and by the end of the day place it near the campfire to melt the cheese. This cheese is usually paired with white wine. The raclette cheese is used as a public pleaser and is served for birthdays and parties. Typically is served with boiled potatoes and cold cut meats. Also, popularly paired with chicken wings these days.
6. Bundner Nusstorte
Also known as Engadiner Nusstorte, is a traditional sweet dish of Switzerland. It is a type of puff pastry filled with caramelized nuts (mostly walnut). Originally from the canton of Graubunden, every bakery has its own version of this dish. It is best paired with tea and coffee. The amazing balance of sweet and salt makes it an absolute thing to try when in Switzerland.
7. Zopf
Among several other types of Swizz bread, Zopf is a type of white bread. The word Zopf arrives from a german word, meaning ‘‘braid’. The bread has a unique look as it is braided. The loaf is brushed with egg yolk giving it its classic look. Zopf is traditionally eaten on Sunday mornings. It is best paired with butter and jam, as well as butter and honey, and one could never go wrong with Nutella, of course!
8. Saffron Risotto
This dish comes from the southernmost canton of Switzerland, Ticino. Saffron Risotto is one of the staple most diets of the locals. It is cooked with special risotto rice. This dish has a soft and creamy texture due to its slow cooking method for a couple of hours. But the reason for the aroma and taste of this dish comes from its hero ingredient- Saffron. Grown in the swiss canton of Valais, this spice is known as the ‘Red Gold’, due to its expensiveness. And, hence making an absolute spot on the checklist.
9. Vacherin
Blessed with a bounty of cheese variety, Switzerland is an absolute place to visit for all cheese lovers. Among the various other seasonal cheeses, one is Vacherin. Vacherin d’Or is a type of cow milk cheese and is famous for its soft and rich texture. It has an aging period of 5-7 weeks. Like most of the cheese, the Vacherin d’Or is best paired with white wine.
10. Berner Platte
The Berner Platte is a platter containing a variety of meat. It varies from smoked bacon, Ham, pork, etc. This popular dish was originally initiated while welcoming the soldier after the victory of the Neuenegg Battle. Due to a shortage of time, the locals were unable to arrange a proper feast, hence the idea of serving the best in a common big plate toke place.
And with that, we have come to the end of our top 10 must-try dishes of Switzerland. Hurry and grab the best deals at Pickyourtrail and with utmost convenience choose the Switzerland package that suits you the best and make your Switzerland dream come true.