Lifestyle

What Makes Traditional Swiss Food So Special?

14.07.2020
Published by
Ultima Collection
Switzerland is known for its high standards and expert craftsmanship, and its cuisine is no expectation. Fondue, Raclette, Rösti, Chocolate - Switzerland knows how to create something simple yet delicious. 

With Ultima Hotel Gstaad being our first property, authentic Swiss cuisine has always been popular with Ultima Collection. Characterised by local, humble ingredients, traditional food in Switzerland has been heavily influenced by its strong dairy farming tradition. For centuries, the Swiss living in the mountains relied on fondue as a way to use bread and cheese during colder months, and it remains the national dish of Switzerland today. But creativity from chefs has allowed new flavours to be incorporated. At Ultima Collection, you can expect traditional swiss Fondue, elevated with Gruyère and Vacherin fribourgeois and infused with black truffle.  Andrea Franceschi, Executive Chef at Ultima Collection says “ Our menu  infuses fresh local produce with flavours from the sun-drenched Mediterranean, creating something truly unique for our guests.”

When it comes to national food in Switzerland, the dishes have taken influences from other countries to create regional specialities. For example, Röstis come from the German-speaking part of the country and lends its name to the Röstigraben - a term frequently used to describe the cultural boundary between German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. Each region now has its own Rösti recipes, but our favourite is Rosti Valaisanne, a traditional Swiss speciality from the canton of Valais. It is truly indulgent and can be enjoyed when staying at Ultima Crans-Montana, a private chalet in the Swiss alps.

We can’t speak of Switzerland's most famous food without mentioning its chocolate. Not only do Swiss people eat more chocolate per capita than anyone else, but Switzerland is also one of the world's biggest chocolate producers. In 1879, not only did Switzerland create the smoothest chocolate bar in the world, but they also invented milk chocolate. World-renowned, Swiss chocolate is hard to beat.

Taste is one of the greatest sensory experiences in modern culture. And authentic Swiss traditional food can be a delight for your tastebuds.  Especially when staying at Ultima Hotel Gstaad, our luxury hotel in Switzerland. Whether it’s a piece of alpine cheese made by our long-time partner and local farmer Willi Bach, or a multi-course dinner made by our expert chefs and paired with several leading Swiss wines, the taste never disappoints during your stay with Ultima Collection.

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