Fondue Ordering Etiquette In Swiss Restaurants

Fondue is a Swiss dish that consists of melted cheese and wine served in a communal pot. It is typically eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. While there are many types of fondue, the classic Swiss cheese fondue is made with a blend of cheeses, wine, and seasonings. When ordering fondue in a Swiss restaurant, it is important to consider the type of cheese, the wine, and any additional ingredients or sides.

How to ask for fondue in Swiss German

Ordering fondue in a Swiss restaurant is a delightful experience, especially after a day of skiing or exploring the snow-capped mountains. Fondue, a Swiss dish consisting of melted cheese and wine, is served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks. Here's how you can ask for fondue in Swiss German:

• Greet the Server: Begin by greeting the server with a friendly "Grüezi" or "Salü," which are common Swiss German greetings. You can also say "En Guete," which specifically wishes someone a good meal.
• Ask for a Recommendation: If you're unsure about the fondue options, you can ask the server for their recommendation. Say something like "Können Sie mir ein Fondue empfehlen?" ("Can you recommend a fondue to me?") or "Was ist Ihr beliebtestes Fondue?" ("What is your most popular fondue?").
• Place Your Order: To order fondue, you can simply say "Ich hätte gerne ein Fondue, bitte." ("I would like a fondue, please."). If you have a specific type of fondue in mind, such as cheese fondue ("Käsefondue"), you can specify it by saying "Ich nehme das Käsefondue." ("I'll have the cheese fondue.").
• Specify Your Choice of Dippers: Fondue is commonly served with a variety of dippers, such as bread ("Brot"), potatoes ("Kartoffeln"), or vegetables ("Gemüse"). You can make your choice known by saying, "Ich hätte gerne Brot zum Dippen." ("I would like bread for dipping.").
• Inquire About Add-ons: Fondue can be customized with various add-ons, such as garlic ("Knoblauch"), herbs ("Kräuter"), or spices ("Gewürze"). Feel free to inquire about these options by asking, "Welche Zusätze bieten Sie an?" ("What add-ons do you offer?").
• Confirm Your Order: Once you've made your choices, confirm your order by saying, "Das nehme ich." ("I'll take that."). You can also express your excitement by adding, "Ich freue mich darauf!" ("I'm looking forward to it!").

Remember that Swiss German varies across different regions of Switzerland, so the exact phrases may differ depending on your location. However, the above phrases will generally help you navigate ordering fondue in a Swiss restaurant. Enjoy your delicious fondue and the cozy atmosphere it brings!

Which drinks to order with fondue

When it comes to choosing a drink to accompany your fondue, the traditional choice is clear: wine. Specifically, white wine.

The rich, salty, strong flavour of fondue is best complemented by an acidic, refreshing, unctuous, and powerful wine. A dry white wine with high acidity, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay, will help to cut through the richness of the cheese.

If you're in Switzerland, you might opt for a wine from the Savoy region, such as Abymes, Apremont, Chapareillan, or Roussette. Wines from the Loire region, like Savennières or Cheverny, are also a good choice. For a stronger wine, try a white from the Rhone Valley, like Crozes-Hermitage or Saint-Peray.

While red wine is typically avoided with fondue, as cheese is the main ingredient, some sources suggest a light red wine like a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can also work.

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, or something in addition to wine, you might try a broth-based fondue, or a fortified wine or liqueur as an extra flavour boost. A brandy or cognac can add a nice touch, or even a cherry brandy for a subtle fruity note.

Fondue dipping etiquette

No Double Dipping

Double dipping is a big no-no. It is considered poor etiquette and can be unhygienic if someone is sick.

Use Your Own Fondue Fork

Each person should have their own fondue fork to dip their food into the cheese.

Don't Eat Straight from the Fork

Don't eat straight from the fondue fork. Instead, use your regular fork to remove the food from the fondue fork and place it on your plate before eating it.

No Lip-Smacking

It is considered rude to smack your lips around the fondue fork when pulling off the food.

Be Mindful of Portion Sizes

It is considered polite to be mindful of your portion sizes and not take more than your fair share. If someone is taking too much, you can gently call them out in a light-hearted way, such as by cracking a joke.

Be Considerate of Others' Health

If you are feeling unwell, it is considerate to ask for your own separate bowl of fondue to avoid potentially infecting others. Similarly, if you notice someone else exhibiting signs of illness, you can politely ask them if they would prefer not to share food.

How to avoid double-dipping

Ordering fondue in a Swiss restaurant is a delightful way to experience the country's culture and warm up after a day of skiing or exploring the snow-capped mountains. While fondue is a social and interactive meal, it's important to be mindful of hygiene, especially when it comes to double-dipping. Here are some tips to avoid double-dipping and ensure a pleasant dining experience:

• Choose the Right Dipping Items: Traditionally, Swiss cheese fondue is enjoyed with chunks of bread, specifically rustic sourdough or crusty French bread. Little chunks of toasted Tuscan bread cubes are also a popular choice. It's best to stick to these bread options as they are sturdy and less likely to break apart when dipped multiple times. Avoid softer items like cooked potatoes, apples, or other fruits, as they are more prone to breaking and falling into the fondue pot.
• Provide Enough Dipping Items: Ensure there are plenty of bread cubes or chunks for everyone at the table. Having an ample supply reduces the temptation to double-dip and encourages guests to use a fresh piece for each dip.
• Use Individual Fondue Pots: If possible, opt for individual fondue pots for each diner. This eliminates the risk of double-dipping altogether. Individual pots also allow guests to customize their fondue experience by choosing their preferred type of cheese or adding additional ingredients.
• Use Fondue Forks: Traditional fondue sets come with special fondue forks, which are longer than regular forks. These forks make it easier to dip and retrieve the food without accidentally touching the pot or losing your food in the cheese. They also help identify each person's fork, reducing the chances of accidental double-dipping.
• Be Mindful of Hygiene: Before starting the fondue experience, remind everyone at the table to be mindful of hygiene. Encourage guests to use utensils instead of their fingers for dipping, and if someone does double-dip, politely ask them to refrain from doing so again. It's also a good idea to place the fondue pot in a central location where everyone can easily reach it without leaning over the pot or double-dipping.
• Provide Napkins: Make sure there are plenty of napkins available for guests to wipe their hands and mouths. This promotes a cleaner dining experience and reduces the transfer of bacteria.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid double-dipping and fully enjoy the deliciousness of Swiss fondue with your friends and family. Remember, fondue is meant to be a fun and interactive dining experience, so create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and don't forget to pair your fondue with a nice glass of wine!

What to do if you drop your bread in the fondue

Fondue is a popular dish in Switzerland, especially after a day of skiing or playing in the snow. It is a social meal, often shared between two people or a group of four. It is also a romantic meal for two, with its intimate experience of sharing a pot of delicious melted cheese. However, there is fondue etiquette to be aware of, and one of the most important rules is to not drop your bread into the fondue!

If you do happen to drop your bread into the fondue, there are several consequences that may be enforced upon you, depending on the company you are in and the restaurant you are dining in.

Firstly, it is said that if you drop your bread, you must pay for the whole meal for everyone. This is a quirky ritual that is often mentioned at the beginning of the meal in a light-hearted way, but be aware that this can, and will, be enforced if you are too clumsy!

Secondly, if you are dining with a partner, it is said that if a woman drops a cube of bread into the fondue, she must kiss all the men at the table. Conversely, if a man drops his bread, he must buy a bottle of wine for the table.

Finally, if you are dining with a group of Swiss friends, they may tell you that it is bad luck to drop your bread and that you must perform a forfeit, such as doing an impression or singing a song.

So, if you are enjoying a fondue, keep a steady hand and a keen eye, and do not let your bread fall into the cheese!

Frequently asked questions