Switzerland Food, Cuisine, At The Highest Level, explained by a Swiss nativeWhen you think of Switzerland food, perhaps Swiss cheese or chocolate immediately comes to mind. While the Swiss are certainly known for these two foods, they also have much more to offer. Various types of breads are served with nearly every meal, often accompanied with cheeses. Important vegetables such as spinach, beans, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes and various types of meat are served as well. Some of the locally grown fruits include apples, pears, grapes, and many varieties of berries. Of nearly every fruit growing in Switzerland the Swiss are making fine alcoholic liquids, which are used in pastries, food preparation or with a cup of coffee. Two special coffees are the Luz,mainly drunk in the canton of Lucerne, and Kaffee Fertig, translated "Finished Coffee". Much of Swiss cuisine has influences from Italy, Germany, and France. From Italian influences come the popular dishes, polenta, and risotto. Switzerland food also consists of varieties of many foods that Americans know and love, such as pasta and pizza. Tarts and quiches are also traditional Swiss foods. Cervelat is the national sausage and is well loved all throughout the country. In the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, unique restaurants can be found called Grottoes. This is a rustic eatery usually built near a forest or rocky backdrop. Grottoes are often remodeled ancient wine caves. The façade, benches, and tables are usually fashioned out of granite block. Most grottoes don't have a written menu card. You have to ask what is the dish of the day and the quality is very good - I've never been disappointed when I ate there. They serve sausages such as Luganighe and Luganighetta as well as other popular Italian dishes. In the bigger cities you'l find cheap eateries with good menus inside supermarkets. Breakfast in Switzerland usually consists of bread with butter, honey, or jam. Lunch and dinner will consist of one light meal of bread, cheese, and dried meats and a heavier meal of perhaps pasta, meat, and vegetables. Switzerland Food GlossaryTo help you understand Switzerland food a little better, here is a glossary of some of the native dishes and what they include.
Älplermagronen Birchermüesli Brotzopf
Zopf Emmental Fondue A very popular dish of melted cheese - this is Switzerland food as people know it worldwide. Cubes of bread or small bits of potato are then dipped into it. According to tradition, should you lose your bread cube, you have to pay the other a bottle of white wine.
It is recommanded to have a good digestation afterwards by drinking tea and a little bit of Swiss white wine, and for those who like to try strong alcoholic drinks, a small glass of Kirsch is recommended, which is made with cherries. In the french speaking part of Switzerland this is called le Coup du Milieu which means the middle hit. Fotzel Papet vaudois Rösti
The Swiss are very proud of their native cuisine and as a result, you will not see many ethnic restaurants in this country. Switzerland food can satisfy almost any palate all by itself. Learn more about Switzerland food - read this piece on Swiss chocolate. Swiss Cheese - One Of The Prides Of Switzerland Click here to find the best city tours, boat cruises and day trips for Lake Geneva visitors.
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