Switzerland

Holidays by Destination Europe Switzerland Eating 

Swiss Food shouldn't present too many problems for children as it is undemandingly European, and children's menus are reported available in most resort restaurants. Increasingly food may also be organic as this is a growing movement in Switzerland.

Cheese is a big deal, eaten at all meals and processed in around 1,200 village dairies daily in a variety of local styles (the milk is almost always unpasteurised). Fondue is one of the better known dishes from the French-speaking area. Raclette of melted cheese plus generally potatoes and possibly pickles or onion, comes originally from the Valais.

Popular in German-speaking parts of the country are rosti potatoes - crisply cooked and often served with ham, a fried egg, bacon or melted cheese. In areas like Zurich veal in cream sauce is considered a local dish, around Berne generous servings of hot and cold meats, plus sauerkraut. The Italian speaking part offers the kind of dishes you will also find south of the border, including polenta and risotto. Probably influenced by Italy but rather heavier is Alpler Magrone, a kind of macaroni cheese with onion, bacon, potatoes and cream, or Spatlzli and Knopfli, sort of gnocchi served with butter.

In the east sausages are popular (notably in the Vaud) but may be offered as fast food throughout the country, alongside the international staples of burgers, pizza and kebabs.

Meringues were invented around Meiringen but more popular will probably be chocolate, widely available with Lindt considered the best quality of the big brands. However, in the Gruyeres region look out also for the afternoon servings of forest fruits with local double cream.

The cheapest way to eat - apart from picnics - is in one of the self-service restaurants such as those operated by supermarket chains like Migros or Coop. Failing that you can find smaller local eating places where meals are cheaper at lunch-time especially if you go for the dish of the day and a number of cafes also offer meals.

If self-catering, it is well worth looking out for town and village markets many of which include organic produce. If you need to shop in a hurry or late at night railway stations have late opening shops, including the Aperto deli outlets.