Cultured Palate: International Dishes from Switzerland

Sandwiched between France, Italy, and Germany, Switzerland has long been a country accustomed to living in multiple worlds. Many people speak more than one language, although having a diverse background and still referring to oneself as “Swiss” first is common.

It’s one of the most developed countries in the world, and there are tons of food options throughout the major cities, but the cuisine that most people end up going back to time and again are Swiss classics based on simple, hearty ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and meat. Each of the 26 different regions, or cantons, across Switzerland has their own culinary history, and regional dishes that have remained local favorites.

Today, we’ll introduce you to the most international dishes from Switzerland and tell you where you can go to get them.

Bircher Muesli

One of the world’s healthiest breakfast foods comes from Switzerland. Bircher muesli is named after its inventor, Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a pioneering nutritionist who tried to convince people that his proprietary mixture of grated apple, nuts, rolled oats, and seeds was healthier than the white bread and butter that they had been eating at the start of every meal.

While the Swiss embraced the doctor’s bircher muesli wholeheartedly, it never really caught on as an appetizer. It remains a Swiss breakfast staple to this day.

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