Gastronomic Switzerland is not only cheese and chocolate in their most diverse understanding, but also many other pleasant moments that the mountain republic demonstrates to its admirers. Business and somewhat stingy with emotions during the day, in the evening the country proposes to change a formal suit for a cozy pullover and join hundreds of sufferers to spend a pleasant evening in Swiss restaurants. Moreover, here you can choose whatever your heart desires: from the shades of the interior to the variety of wine in which the famous Zurich-style calf kidneys are stewed.
What kind of beast is fondue?
The history of the most classic and frequently ordered dish in Switzerland dates back to the 18th century. The cheese harvested by the peasants for the winter became hard-stone over time, and the family, sitting in the evenings by the hearth, heated pieces of it with wine and dipped bread into the melted mixture. This is how fondue was born, which has become the hallmark of any institution in Zurich and Geneva, Bern and Lausanne.
An ideal way to communicate with friends, fondue is made from at least two types of cheese, and besides bread, pieces of ham and vegetables, shrimps and fish are pricked on skewers. If you replace cheese with chocolate, and bread with berries or fruits, you get an excellent dessert. A classic fondue will cost you about 50 euros, but considering that this dish is intended for a whole company, it turns out to be quite economical and very satisfying.
Useful piggy bank
- Almost every restaurant in Switzerland offers a full lunch during the day, including a couple of items from the "menu of the day". This meal will save you a few francs for other needs.
- Many establishments, especially away from tourist trails, are open for a rather limited time. They can open no earlier than 11 o'clock, and at 9 pm they can already throw out the "Close" sign.
- The average price of a hot meat dish in a high-profile restaurant in Switzerland is around 25-30 Swiss francs. For comparison, the purchase of an unlimited adult pass for three days will cost about the same. Half the price is meat or fish with a side dish at a food court in a supermarket or lunch at McDonalds. However, the latter institution will not add respect to an inquisitive traveler, even in his own eyes.
- In street cafes and restaurants in Switzerland, you can always buy a slice of pizza to go or a hamburger. The issue price is up to 10 francs.
