Cheese Fondue: Best Places To Indulge

Cheese fondue is a Swiss delicacy, and a national icon throughout Switzerland. It is a combination of Swiss cheese, wine, and a communal atmosphere. While it can be enjoyed in an alpine restaurant, during après-ski, or at home, it is also available at restaurants worldwide, including in Bangkok, New York, Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, Toronto, Banff, and Singapore.

Fondue is a Swiss national dish that gained international prominence in the 1930s when the Swiss Cheese Union promoted it to push a glut of Gruyère and Emmenthal. The word 'fondue' comes from the French verb 'fondre', meaning 'to melt'. It is a dish with a long history, mentioned in Homer's The Iliad, where the cheese of choice was made from goat's milk.

When eating fondue, there are certain etiquette rules to follow. For example, it is customary to stir the fondue in a clockwise or figure-eight motion and to twirl the cheese-covered bread to avoid dripping. It is also important to use the correct utensils and to avoid double-dipping.

Where to Eat Cheese Fondue

Top spots to eat fondue in Switzerland

Fondue is a Swiss dish that consists of melted cheese and wine served in a communal pot. It is usually eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. While it may seem like a simple dish, fondue has become a symbol of Swiss unity and is often associated with mountains and winter sports. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy this delicious and indulgent meal in Switzerland:

Chäsalp, Zurich

Chäsalp is a local favourite for fondue and raclette, set in a former stable at a farm above Zurich. This atmospheric restaurant offers an authentic alpine-hut experience with more than 15 fondue options to choose from. It is the perfect spot to warm up on a chilly day with a glass of wine and a delicious fondue.

Baracca Zermatt, Various Locations

With several locations throughout the country, Baracca Zermatt offers a true mountain dining experience. The restaurants feature fireplaces and candle-lit tables, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The interior design reflects a winter wonderland, with chalet-style furnishings and cow motifs. It is the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or family.

The Fondue Train, Bulle

For a unique fondue experience, why not try the Fondue Train? This vintage train departs from Bulle and takes passengers on an indulgent journey through the Gruyere countryside. As you enjoy the stunning views, you can indulge in a fondue feast and even treat yourself to a traditional dessert at the end of the meal.

Swiss Chuchi, Zurich

Swiss Chuchi is a chalet-style restaurant in Zurich that is popular with both locals and travellers. The warm and comforting atmosphere, paired with their aged cheese fondue, makes for a truly traditional Swiss experience. If you're a fan of raclette, this is also the perfect spot to indulge in this delicious Swiss dish.

Pinte Besson, Lausanne

Pinte Besson, established in 1780, is a stunningly preserved restaurant that claims to be the oldest pub in Lausanne. The wooden bar and stained-glass windows set the perfect scene for a cosy fondue meal. Settle into one of the tables and transport yourself back in time as you enjoy this Swiss delicacy.

El Paradiso, St. Moritz

For a bucket-list fondue experience, head to El Paradiso in St. Moritz. This luxury resort restaurant can be reached by taking the mountain lift, and it offers incredible snowy mountain views. Dining outdoors with the warm, cheesy dish is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Restaurant Rosengarten, Bern

Located on a hillside rose garden overlooking the capital of Switzerland, Restaurant Rosengarten offers beautiful views of the city and the river below. Request a seat on the terrace for the best views and indulge in their wonderful fondue and raclette offerings. It is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a group gathering.

The history of Swiss fondue

Fondue, which comes from the French word "fondre", meaning "to melt", had its origins in 18th-century Switzerland. The earliest known recipe for the modern form of cheese fondue comes from a 1699 book published in Zurich under the name "Käss mit Wein zu kochen" or "to cook cheese with wine". The word "fondue" was first attested in French in 1735, in Vincent La Chapelle's "Cuisinier moderne". The first known recipe for modern cheese fondue under that name, with cheese and wine but no eggs, was published in 1875 and was already presented as a Swiss national dish.

The Swiss have certainly made fondue famous around the world, but its exact origins can be difficult to pin down. There was already a mention of cooking goat's cheese, wine, and flour together in Homer's epic "The Iliad" around 800 to 725 BC. The Swiss Cheese Union declared fondue the country's national dish in the interwar period as part of a campaign to boost cheese exports and domestic sales.

Fondue was popularized in North America in the 1960s when it was featured at the Swiss Pavilion's Alpine restaurant at the 1964 New York World's Fair. This ushered in a period when fondue restaurants, serving sets, and parties became commonplace throughout North America and Europe. Ad campaigns featured young people drinking and laughing while huddled around a fondue, matching the swinging spirit of the 1960s and 1970s.

The popular legend is that peasants braving the winter months in the Swiss Alps found that melting cheese and wine together made for a delicious way to stay warm and use up stale bread. However, the prices of fine cheese and wine made fondue more of a staple for wealthier urban Swiss families. Fondue is primarily served as the main dish, not an appetizer or part of a multicourse meal. It is a communal dish, usually enjoyed with family and friends.

There is no standard recipe for Swiss fondue, nor is there a single type of cheese that is universally favoured. One popular rendition is an equal blend of Gruyère and Vacherin Fribougeois, known as "moitiè-moitiè" or "half-half". But if you're in eastern Switzerland, you're likely to find Gruyère mixed with an aromatic Appenzeller. In Valais, you'll often enjoy a blend of Gruyère and Raclette, while in canton Bern, Emmentaler is the cheese of choice. All are great melting cheeses and exude a wonderful aroma as they melt.

Swiss fondue etiquette

If you're planning on enjoying a cheese fondue in Switzerland, it's worth knowing a bit about the etiquette to avoid being labelled "uncouth".

Drinking

The Swiss insist that you should only drink three beverages with your fondue: dry and acidic white wine, kirsch (a morello-cherry brandy), or a tisane of herbal tea. According to Swiss lore, any other drink—including water, juice, or beer—will cause the melted cheese to coagulate and give you indigestion. However, recent studies have debunked this myth, so you can probably get away with ordering something else, although you may get some dirty looks from your Swiss dining companions.

Stirring

Traditionalists insist that you must stir the fondue clockwise or in a figure-eight pattern to keep the cheese homogenised until you reach the bottom of the pot.

Twirling

Keep the table tidy by twirling any drips, drabs, and flyaway strands of melted cheese around your cube of bread. No tapping, scraping, or double-dipping!

The Crust

Don't forget about the crust of browned cheese at the bottom of the pot, known as "la religieuse" or "the nun". It's considered a delicacy, so make sure you scrape it off and share it with your fellow diners.

Dessert

It's considered bad form to follow a cheese fondue with a chocolate fondue. Instead, opt for something acidic like fresh pineapple to help you digest all that cheese.

Bread

Bread is the main accompaniment to fondue, although boiled potatoes, charcuterie, and cornichons or other pickles can also be served. Take a piece of bread and spear it onto your fondue fork so that the crust is on the outside. Pull the bread off the fork with your teeth, trying not to touch the fork with your mouth. Be careful not to drop your bread into the pot, as you may have to buy a round of drinks, sing a song, or kiss your fellow diners!

How to make great Swiss fondue

Swiss fondue is a national icon and a delicious combination of the finest Swiss cheese, wine, and a communal atmosphere. It is a great way to warm up during the colder months and can be enjoyed in an alpine restaurant, during après-ski, or in the comfort of your own home. Here is a guide on how to make great Swiss fondue:

Ingredients and Equipment

To make Swiss fondue, you will need the following ingredients:

• Good-quality melting cheese, such as Gruyère, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Emmentaler, Appenzeller, Raclette, or a mix of traditional firm mountain-style cheeses.
• Cornstarch
• Dry white wine (e.g. Fendant, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio)
• Lemon juice
• Kirsch or other brandy
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Garlic
• Bread or other dippers (boiled potatoes, apples, pears, cornichons, pickled pearl onions, salami, etc.)

In terms of equipment, you will need:

• A fondue pot or medium enameled cast-iron casserole
• A portable stand with a burner
• Fondue forks or skewers

Step-by-Step Guide

• Rub the inside of your fondue pot with a garlic clove, then discard the garlic.
• Grate your chosen cheese(s) and combine with cornstarch and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
• Add the cheese mixture to the pot and cook over moderate heat for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
• Add the white wine and continue stirring.
• Reduce the heat and add the kirsch, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the mixture is creamy and smooth (about 3 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the fondue, as it may become stringy.
• Serve immediately, making sure to stir the fondue as you dip your chosen accompaniments.

Tips for a Great Swiss Fondue

• For a classic Swiss fondue, use a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller.
• Grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue.
• Toss the cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.
• Use a dry, high-acid white wine to help keep the cheese smooth and give it an even texture.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to ensure a rich, smooth fondue.
• Serve with a variety of dippers, such as bread cubes, apples, potatoes, or pickles.
• Remember to stir the fondue in a clockwise or figure-eight motion to keep the cheese homogenized.
• Enjoy your fondue with a glass of dry white wine, kirsch, or warm herbal tea, as per Swiss tradition.

Where to eat fondue outside of Switzerland

While Switzerland is famous for its cheese fondue, there are plenty of places outside of the country where you can enjoy this delicious dish. Here are some suggestions for where to indulge in fondue beyond Switzerland's borders:

France

The French have their own take on fondue, known as "fondue savoyarde," which is made with a combination of Beaufort, Abondance, or French Gruyère and Emmental cheeses. You can find this mouth-watering variation in many restaurants throughout the French Alps, particularly in the Savoy region.

United States

Fondue became popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, and it has since become a beloved comfort food for many Americans. You can find fondue restaurants in most major US cities, with some well-known franchises specialising in this dish, like The Melting Pot. These restaurants often offer a variety of fondue options, including cheese, chocolate, and meat fondues.

Canada

Canada has also embraced the fondue trend, with several restaurants across the country offering this social and interactive dining experience. Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are just a few of the cities where you can find fondue restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale establishments.

United Kingdom

The UK has its fair share of fondue lovers, and you can find fondue restaurants and pop-up events in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. These venues often offer unique twists on the classic fondue, incorporating local cheeses and ingredients.

Australia

Even in the land down under, you can satisfy your fondue cravings. Australia has embraced the fondue trend, with restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities offering their own takes on this comforting dish. From cosy Alpine-themed venues to modern eateries, there's something for every taste.

So, whether you're craving a traditional Swiss cheese fondue or want to explore creative variations, these destinations outside of Switzerland are sure to satisfy your fondue desires.

Frequently asked questions