By Pamela Nandi | Nov 10, 2019

What comes to our mind when we think of typical Swiss foods? Yes, you are right. Its all about the renowned mild and nutty to rich and spicy cheese and utterly pure chocolate, the guilty pleasures that form an important part of the Swiss economy. This charming nation not only boasts scenic landscape, heritage towns, some brilliant ski destinations fascinating lakes and shopping districts, but its intriguing cuisine has multicultural influences from its neighbourhood – France, Germany and Italy.

It’s my passion for food that drove me to discover some amazing eats in this fascinating country of Switzerland, during my stay for a duration of 6 months at the capital city Geneva. While I travelled across the cantons – Chevrier, Montreaux, Versoix, Veyrier, I witnessed that starting from its smooth cheesy fondue treats, Swiss chocolates to smoky country-style sausages and warming soups, its culture that speaks proudly in its food in terms of texture and taste that is truly satisfying.

The first excitement was the festivity in the air i.e. Swiss Christmas that I’ll never forget. The decorated Christmas tree, lighted candles, sharing gifts, playing carols, hearty Christmas Swiss eats filled with cheers – one of the best places to enjoy a white Christmas. I expected most hotel restaurants to be open, but its a quiet day and many restaurants were closed during this period and the Swiss spend with their family members at home.

Going wild about turkey – the traditional Christmas day roasted turkey lunch with broccoli, herbed rice, gravy was one of the best meals that I enjoyed with one of my Swiss colleague’s family on a humble invitation. A delightfully sweet end to the meal with a decadent Christmas cake and golden sweet wine was the epitome of luxury.

With its 50% of the dairy milk going into cheese production and cheese being one of the country’s largest exports, Switzerland is the home of over 450 varieties of cheese that is always unique to suit every palate from mild and creamy to strong and bold flavours.

Another epic Swiss dish is the epic Swiss Cheese Fondue – a treat from a dear Swiss friend before returning to my home country India. My first trial to dive into this traditional Swiss dish originating from the Alps was like a dream come true. Fondue (au fromage) is a Swiss melted cheese dish with a blend of signature cheese – Gruyere, Emmental and Appenzeller along with the most well known Swiss Wine – Fendant that brings a slight sourness. Gruyere and Emmental offer that classic, nutty flavour with the shiny, pale yellow texture. The rich savoury taste with a little chewiness due to its firmer texture and a dash of kirsch ( brandy distilled from the fermented juice of cherries) just gives that extra kick.

Though Switzerland is not internationally known as a wine-producing country, my next venture was to explore the intense and clean flavours of Swiss wine – the best-kept secrets in the midst of its picture perfect scenery and centuries old traditions. Among them the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most well known wine region in Switzerland.

The glorious food hall – GLOBUS at Swiss department store in Switzerland, for amazing cheese, liquors and Swiss bakes.

A mouthful of Swiss etiquette revolves around the best selection of cheeses, cold meats to elevate the next sandwich fillings or served as a side platter in the Alpine air.

Another best things that I enjoyed during the weekend was to take a break from the cityscape and visit Carouge that has a huge shopping centre – Centre Commercial de Carouge, in Geneva to indulge into some great grilled foods.

My love for food have always made me passionate about cooking. Some sweet memories of my house parties.

A must in the menu during our weekend meets – grilled Swiss pork sausages from the Swiss canton of Vaud, and I still miss the royal nutty, lemony taste.

And a party is not a party without raising cheers with a freshly brewed beer that enthrails diverse beer landscapes. My favourite – Kronenbourg 1664 is the most sold high-end premium golden pale French beer in Switzerland, named after the year it was first brewed in 1664 in the Alsace region of France by master brewer Geronimus Hatt. This modern, fruity and refreshing wheat beer leaves a warm taste of uniqueness to the palate.

Not to miss the Tiramisu filling – inspired by the taste of Italy. It’s the Tiramisu Swiss Cake. ‘Tiramisu’ means ‘pick me up’. This espresso flavoured sponge cake brushed with a coffee-liqueur syrup and layered with a light and airy mascarpone cream and a dreamy Swiss buttercream is absolute heaven.

Another amazing food hall is the high-end Swiss department store chain – Manor located right beside the Geneva railway station. Have been to Manor countless times during my stay in Geneva that serves wide choice of excellent deli for cold and hot food.

Cheers !!!