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What to eat in Switzerland – that isn’t fondue or chocolate
Clanking cowbells are the soundtrack of summertime in the Swiss mountains, so it’s no surprise that dairy is a huge part of peoples’ diets here. There’s plenty more to Swiss food than cheese and chocolate though – tempt your taste buds from breakfast ‘til dinner with some other must-try foods you'll find in Switzerland.
Rösti – a national favourite
A Swiss staple since the 16th century, a rösti is a simple potato pancake made from shredded spuds. It started life as a breakfast dish, but fast-forward to today and you’re just as likely to eat one at lunch or dinner time. In fact, it’s a popular Swiss food to have as a side with just about any meal, but some winning combos include spinach and fried eggs or fleischkäse – a kind of meat loaf. And if you’re around Zermatt, look out for rösti Valaissanne, which comes topped with bacon, a fried egg and melted raclette cheese, with some pickled gherkins and pearl onions on the side.
Bircher muesli – the original overnight oats
Set yourself up for a day of exploring with a bowlful of oats packed with slow-release energy. The original recipe dates back to the early 1900s, when it was created by Zurich’s Dr Maximillian Bircher-Benner as a starter for his patients to eat before meals. It was a bigger hit for breakfast though, and nowadays there are tons of different varieties. But to follow the doctor’s orders and make proper Bircher muesli, the oats must be soaked in water overnight first, then mixed with condensed milk, nuts and heaps of grated apple just before serving.
Engadiner nusstorte – a café classic
This tart also goes by bündner nusstorte, so look out for both names on the menu. Whatever you call it, it’s the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up, with its buttery shortcrust pastry and crunchy walnut and caramel filling. Pop into a café and enjoy your slice with a cup of coffee.
Älplermagronen – aka mountain macaroni
Pasta, diced potato and a creamy cheese sauce – älplermagronen is proper fill-your-boots fare. The centuries-old recipe was a staple for shepherds, and you’ll find it in most mountain restaurants. Lots of places give it their own twist though, and add different toppings like fried onions, bacon or sausage. And you’ll usually get a small bowl of tart apple sauce on the side too – add a dollop to help balance out the rich, cheesy flavour.
Walliser teller – a perfect alpine platter
A Walliser teller is a bit like a British ploughman’s lunch and makes for a great snack to share. It normally comes served on a wooden board, and you’ll get chunks of cheese, strips of air-dried beef, pork and a cured sausage called hüswurscht, which is flavoured with spices, vegetables and red wine. Order some rye bread and a drink to go with it, then tuck in while you soak up mountain views from a sun terrace.
Zürcher geschnetzeltes – a stew-pendous dinner
Zürcher geschnetzeltes is what comforting, homestyle cooking is all about. Made from strips of tender veal covered in a cream and white wine sauce, it was invented in Zurich in the 1940s and today it’s a favourite in bistros and hotel restaurants all over the country. Lots of chefs add mushrooms and you can sometimes get it with chicken or pork if you don’t fancy veal. Eat it in true Swiss style by ordering yours with a crispy rösti.
Chestnut vermicelles – a spaghetti-style dessert
Round off your meal with one of Switzerland’s best-loved afters, chestnut vermicelles. The chestnuts are puréed and pushed through a press to make the distinctive strands, which are served over crushed meringue and topped with whipped cream. You can find it on dessert menus all summer long, but it’s particularly popular in September when the chestnut harvest is in full swing.
Ricola – the sweet flavour of the Alps
This may not be a meal, but ricola sweets are definitely a must-try while you’re here. There are a few different varieties of the herbal treat, but the original is a refreshing blend of peppermint, thyme, sage and elderflower, as well as 10 other plants that grow naturally in alpine meadows. Pocket a packet and enjoy a true taste of Switzerland wherever you are in the world.
Add a Swiss flavour to your summer and start planning your holiday to Switzerland. Hungry for more? Find out some of Europe’s other must-try foods.
Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.
Author: Mathew Robinson
Last updated: 13/05/2024