Switzerland Food & Drink
Food
The cuisine of Switzerland tends to be made up of German, French and Italian influences. Meals tend to have an emphasis on bread, dairy and cheese with cheese being a massive part of the Swiss culture. There are more than 100 different varieties of cheese found in the country. Despite this large amount, cheese is not mass-produced; rather it is made by hundreds of dairies with very strict rules and regulations.
Popular dishes include:
Fondue: This dish consists of Emmentaler and natural Gruyère cheese (either mixed or separately) mixed with other local cheese, melted over a portable stove, and combined with white wine. Bread is then placed on long-stemmed forks and dipped into the cheese.
Raclette: This is both a cheese and a type of dish. It involves the raclette cheese being heated in front of a fire, and once it starts to soften, it is scraped onto a plate.
Pastetli: This is a Swiss meat pie that often has different fillings. A favourite is mushrooms and meat cooked in a creamy sauce. Pastetli is traditionally served with rice and peas.
Rippli: These are pork ribs that are popular in Bern. The ribs are usually served with bacon, beans, and potatoes.
Älpermagronen: This is a type of gratin made with potatoes, macaroni, cheese, cream and onions. It is usually served with apples as an accompaniment.
Drink
Beer is a popular alcoholic drink in Switzerland, both lager and dark beers are enjoyed. White wine is popular because it is traditionally served with fondue. Most of the wines produced in Switzerland tend to be white, however, there are other good varieties in the country.
Things to know:
Tips are usually included in hotel and restaurant bills, however, one can tip a little bit more if they received good service.
Drinking age:
The legal drinking age in Switzerland depends on the canton but ranges between 16/18 years old for beer and wine. The legal age for drinking spirits is 18.
Switzerland Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Switzerland.
Learn about the history and culture of Switzerland, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Switzerland's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Switzerland for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Switzerland tours today!
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