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The major culinary staples of Switzerland must be taken in context. A classic
cheese fondue, for example, is at its best when enjoyed after a day on the
slopes, with local white wine and good bread. It’s a social activity as much as
a gastronomic experience and is the perfect way to enjoy some chilled out
après-ski. Rösti is a Swiss German speciality, and comes with a variety of extra
ingredients depending on the area it is served in. It is an ideal, warming
winter dish to be savoured at home, preferably by a fire with a view of the
snow. The Swiss know how to make the most of their culinary attractions and as
such there are several possible fun day trips dedicated to discovering the
origins of some of Switzerland’s most famous products. The picturesque village
of Gruyere is best discovered when the weather is fine, when the countryside
views can be most splendidly appreciated. The cheese factory is an easy way to
keep a family amused to an hour or two and the castle at the top of the hill is
also worth a look. Not only is Gruyere celebrated for its wonderful cheese, it
is also famous in Switzerland for making delicious meringue and serving them
with sinfully thick Gruyere double cream – a treat not to be missed.
The chocolate train, leaving from various stations around Switzerland, will
take you on a tour of a Nestlé chocolate factory, supplying ample free samples
to try and explaining the cooking process. This is disappointingly very little
like Willy Wonka’s magical factory, but nonetheless a pleasant day trip.
Some of the country’s most prized chocolateries are to be found in Lausanne,
a lively student town around 40 minutes from Geneva. The smaller streets leading
away from the main bus depot at Place de Saint Francois boast a wealth of
delightful treats in tantalising displays which are a real treat to discover.
Wherever you stay in Switzerland, be sure to enquire at any hostel or hotel
reception for details of where best to enjoy the region’s most favoured
specialities, and don’t be fooled into paying over the odds, it is always
possible to find reasonably priced good food, even if it is just a little
further off the beaten track. If you have been inspired by this article and
fancy heading to Switzerland, then take a look at Travelzoo for
cheap flights. |
