Cuisine: the unmissable culinary specialities in Switzerland

Just 3 hours from home, hop on the TGV from Paris to Geneva and discover the best of Switzerland! Its mountains, fresh air, cows, and charming flower-filled chalets… But most of all, its gastronomy. You probably know the classic fondue, but do you know how it’s actually made? What about rösti – does that ring a bell? Here are 5 Swiss specialties that will make your mouth water, and we can’t wait for you to try them

Indulge in the half-and-half fondue

Ah, fondue – a glorious flood of cheese at every meal. Enjoy it in its region of origin, the canton of Fribourg: half Gruyère, half Vacherin Fribourgeois! Of course, add a nice splash of white wine, and perhaps a touch of kirsch.

Are you used to making it at home with ready-made packets? We promise, after tasting the real thing, it will be hard to go back. Dip your fondue fork and bread into the luscious mixture and savor every bite! No other fondue comes close. Pair it with a local white wine, like a Fendant from Valais.

📍 Dash over to the delicious fondue at Bains des Pâquis in Geneva. Treat yourself to a cheesy feast for 27 CHF, with a stunning lake view.

Taste the delicious Rösti

This is a typical culinary specialty of German-speaking Switzerland. Rösti are grated potatoes, pan-fried until crispy on the outside, with a soft, comforting interior. Enjoy them simply, Swiss-style, with cheese, onions, bacon, or eggs – perfect for satisfying your appetite.

💡 Fun and surprising fact: this dish gave its name to the “Röstigraben,” the cultural boundary between German-speaking Switzerland and French-speaking Switzerland, often used to highlight regional differences. Now imagine a barrier of (real) rösti on your plate… tempting, isn’t it?

📍 Our local favorite spot: Café de l’Evêché. It is located in Lausanne, accessible by train from Paris, Dijon, and even Marseille (as well as other cities in the southeast) during the summer. Wander around the cathedral area to find this traditional restaurant. Order the house rösti and savor every bite!

Viande des Grisons

It’s hard to talk about Switzerland without mentioning its charcuterie. One of the highlights: Viande de Grisons. Never heard of it? That’s normal – it’s not widely found in France. This specialty from the canton of the Grisons is air-dried beef rubbed with salt and spices for several months.

Enjoy it in very thin slices, perfect on its own for a tasty picnic, or as a complement to a raclette. Often imitated, never equaled: look for the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) to taste the real Bündnerfleisch!

📍 Dreaming of it? You can find viande de Grisons all over Switzerland, even in supermarkets, where it often has its own dedicated section.

Milk chocolate

White, dark, or Swiss favourite: milk chocolate? When it comes to milk chocolate, Switzerland has been showing off its craftsmanship since the 19th century.

📍 Wherever you are in Switzerland, here’s a tip: slip into a local chocolate shop or a department store. The shelves are filled with bars just waiting to be snapped and savoured.

It’s no coincidence that Switzerland is still one of the world’s leading milk chocolate producers!
So, what will it be — almonds, hazelnuts, berries, puffed rice, caramel… or the timeless classic: a pure milk chocolate bar?

Birchermüesli

Wake up in the morning in your charming bed and breakfast – a unique breakfast is waiting for you. On the table: birchermüesli, the locals’ favourite way to start the day.
As its name suggests, it was created by Swiss doctor and nutritionist Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner. What the name doesn’t tell you, however, is all the goodness it contains. Ready? Rolled oats, condensed milk, lemon juice, grated apple, hazelnuts or almonds. That’s the original recipe!

💡 If you prefer to avoid sugar, simply replace the condensed milk with yoghurt. For those with a sweet tooth, add some extra fruit of your choice – you’ll have all the energy you need to explore every corner of Switzerland!

The Lake Perch Fillets

You probably eat fish all year round… but this one might be new to you! The perch fillets at Les Armures restaurant are caught fresh from Lake Geneva on the very same day, fried, and served with a tangy lemon sauce and a generous portion of fries.
These little fish will surely put a smile on your face and satisfy even the biggest appetite.

💡 Still hungry? Try Gruyère double cream with red berries – or a bit of chocolate to finish your meal perfectly.

Escape to Switzerland in just three hours by train
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