Zurich Food Tours: Cheese Fondue and Swiss Chocolate

As one of the top tourist destinations in Switzerland, Zurich is a relaxing place to visit with many things to do and activities for visitors.

In this guide, I recommend the best Zurich food tours where you can experience cheese fondue, world-renowned chocolate and other Swiss specialties.

Zurich Food Tours

Zurich is an incredibly scenic destination as you’ll discover from the moment you arrive. The city hugs the serene Lake Zurich, where beautiful historic buildings and homes clamour for the best vantage points.

This historic city centre (Altstadt) is wonderfully walkable and ideal for indulging in the city’s culinary delights.

Unfortunately, Zurich doesn’t offer a typical food tour with multiple stops and tastings like you might be hoping to experience.

However, there are a number of popular food-related tours that you might find interesting.

Next Best Food Tour

Swiss Cheese Fondue and Wine Tuk-Tuk Tour
Duration: 1.5 hours.
The Cheese Fondue-Tuk is a 90-minute food tour that offers a scenic view of Zurich while enjoying a delicious cheese fondue. It starts at the central station and takes you through the Old Town and other beautiful parts of the city. The tour also includes a stop at a local partner who values regional products and offers Swiss wine as an alcoholic beverage. Overall, it’s a unique way to experience Zurich’s food and culture.

Best Fondue in Zurich

Good fondue is all about the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavours. Here are some key elements that make a good fondue:

• Cheese: The cheese is the star of the show, so it’s important to choose a high-quality cheese that melts well and has a strong, distinct flavour. Traditional Swiss cheeses like Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller are commonly used in fondue.
• Wine: Wine is often used to thin out the cheese and add flavour. Dry white wine like Chasselas or Fendant is traditionally used in Swiss fondue.
• Seasonings: Garlic, nutmeg, and white pepper are commonly used to season the fondue and add depth of flavour.
• Accompaniments: Bread cubes are the classic accompaniment to fondue, but potatoes, apples, and other fruits and vegetables can also be used to dip into the cheese.

There are many great options when it comes to finding the best fondue in Zurich. Here are a few of the top places to try:

• Chäsalp: This cozy restaurant in the heart of Zurich is famous for its fondue. They use a blend of Gruyere and Vacherin cheeses and offer a variety of accompaniments like boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions.
• Swiss Chuchi: Located in the historic Hotel Adler, Swiss Chuchi offers a traditional Swiss dining experience, complete with fondue and raclette. Their fondue is made with a blend of Emmental and Gruyere cheeses and served with homemade bread.
• Restaurant Zeughauskeller: This historic restaurant is located in a 15th-century building and offers a range of Swiss specialties, including fondue. Their fondue is made with a blend of Swiss cheeses and served with boiled potatoes and pickles.
• Raclette Factory: Although it’s not strictly a fondue restaurant, Raclette Factory offers a range of melted cheese dishes, including fondue and raclette. Their fondue is made with a blend of Vacherin and Gruyere cheeses and served with bread and potatoes.

These are just a few of the top places to try fondue in Zurich. Be sure to do your research and ask locals for recommendations to find the best fondue experience in the city!

Chocolate Fondue in Zurich

Chocolate fondue is a delicious dessert variation of the traditional savoury cheese fondue.

Instead of cheese and wine, it typically consists of melted chocolate and cream, with various dipping options such as fruit, marshmallows, and cake.

Just like with cheese fondue, the quality of the ingredients is key to making a good chocolate fondue.

High-quality chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids and a rich, smooth texture will make for the best fondue.

When it comes to finding the best chocolate fondue in Zurich, there are many great options to choose from. Here are a few:

• Confiserie Sprüngli: This renowned Swiss chocolate shop offers a chocolate fondue made with high-quality Swiss chocolate and served with various dipping options, including fresh fruit and cake.
• Café & Conditorei 1842: This elegant tea room and restaurant in Zurich’s Old Town offers a decadent chocolate fondue made with dark chocolate and served with fruit and marshmallows.
• Max Chocolatier: This boutique chocolate shop offers a chocolate fondue made with single-origin cocoa beans from various regions around the world. It’s served with a variety of dipping options, including homemade marshmallows and shortbread.
• Cafe Felix: This cozy cafe in the trendy Kreis 4 neighbourhood offers a chocolate fondue made with Swiss chocolate and served with fresh fruit and cake.

Whether you’re in the mood for savoury cheese fondue or sweet chocolate fondue, Zurich has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Be sure to try both during your visit to experience the full range of Swiss fondue traditions!

Lindt Chocolate Tour & Museum

Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
Skip the line ticket: valid for one day.
This is not a regular food tour but a ticket allowing you to skip the line at the famous Lindt Chocolate Museum entrance. The factory tour includes unlimited tastings of Lindt chocolate as well as learning about the history of chocolate in Europe.

Location of the Lindt Chocolate Museum

This guide is part of our series on Swiss food and what to eat while in Switzerland.

Traditional Food in Zurich

Zurich is a hub of Swiss cuisine, with a wide variety of dishes that reflect the region’s unique history and cultural influences. Here are some traditional Zurich dishes or dishes from the region that you can explore during your food tour:

• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: This classic Zurich dish consists of thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce served with rösti (a crispy potato pancake) or spätzli (soft egg noodles).
• Rösti: This dish is a Swiss staple made from grated potatoes fried until crispy. It is often served as a side dish or with toppings like bacon, cheese, or eggs.
• Fondue: Fondue is a must-try Swiss dish consisting of melted cheese served in a communal pot heated over a burner. Diners dip bread into the cheese and enjoy the dish with a glass of white wine.
• Raclette: Another Swiss cheese dish, raclette, is made by melting cheese and scraping it onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and other accompaniments.
• Älplermagronen: This hearty dish is a type of macaroni and cheese that is made with cream, potatoes, onions, and grated cheese. It is often served with applesauce or a side of roasted vegetables.
• Zurcher Chäschüechli: These are small, savoury cheese tarts that are made with a buttery pastry crust and a filling of local cheese, cream, and eggs.
• Zuger Kirschtorte: A dessert specialty from the neighbouring canton of Zug, this cake is made with layers of almond meringue, sponge cake, and cherry filling and is flavoured with kirsch (cherry brandy).
• Luxemburgerli: These are small, delicate macarons that were created in Zurich by the confectionery Sprüngli. They come in a variety of flavours, including raspberry, chocolate, and pistachio.

These are just a few of the traditional Zurich dishes or dishes from the region that you can enjoy during your food tour.

Be sure to also try some local Swiss wines or beers to complement your meal.

Street Food in Zurich

Street food is a great way to experience the local cuisine of Zurich. Here are some typical street foods that you can find in Zurich:

• Bratwurst: This is a traditional Swiss sausage that is grilled and served on a bun. It’s often served with mustard or ketchup and is a popular street food in Zurich.
• Langos: This Hungarian street food has become popular in Zurich. It’s a deep-fried flatbread that is topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.
• Falafel: Zurich has a vibrant Middle Eastern community, and falafel is a popular street food. It’s typically made with ground chickpeas and spices and served in a pita with salad and hummus.
• Raclette: Although it is more commonly served in restaurants, raclette can also be found as street food in Zurich.
• Swiss chocolate: Zurich is known for its high-quality chocolate, and you can find chocolate shops and street vendors selling chocolate in a variety of forms, such as truffles, bars, and hot chocolate.

These are just a few typical street foods you can find in Zurich. There are many other options, so be sure to explore the city and try new things!

Sustainable Food Tour Tips

If you’re looking for a sustainable food tour in Zurich, there are several things you should look for to ensure that your experience is environmentally and socially responsible.

• Reducing meat and dairy: Look for a food tour that focuses on plant-based and vegetarian options. Switzerland has a rich tradition of vegetarian dishes like Älplermagronen, and there are many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Zurich that offer delicious and sustainable meals.
• Minimising waste: Choose a food tour that uses reusable or compostable plates, cups, and utensils. Zurich has a robust recycling program, so look for tours that make an effort to recycle and compost as much as possible. Additionally, consider ways to avoid overconsumption of food while still enjoying trying different things.
• Supporting local businesses: Look for tours that support local farmers, producers, and restaurants. Zurich has many farmers’ markets and food cooperatives that offer locally-sourced produce and products.
• Educating about sustainability: Choose a tour that educates guests about sustainable food practices and the local food system. Zurich has many educational resources, such as the Zurich Food Council, which aims to promote sustainable food practices in the city.

By looking for these elements in a food tour, you can ensure that you are having a sustainable and responsible experience in Zurich.

Remember to ask questions and do your research to find a tour that aligns with your values and promotes sustainable practices.

Final Thoughts

Taking a food tour in Zurich can be a great way to explore the city’s rich culinary traditions and experience its vibrant food culture.

Whether you’re interested in traditional Swiss dishes or international cuisine, there is something for everyone in Zurich.

When planning your food tour, consider your dietary preferences and any sustainability goals you may have.

Zurich has a diverse food scene, with plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions.

In addition to enjoying delicious food, a food tour in Zurich can also be a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Many tours offer insights into the local food system and food production and consumption’s social and environmental impacts.

Overall, a food tour in Zurich is a unique and memorable experience that can offer a deeper understanding of the city’s food traditions and sustainable practices.

Be sure to bring your appetite and an open mind, and enjoy all Zurich offers!

The Swiss national tourism board is an excellent resource for information on visiting Zurich and the surrounding region. Their website, My Switzerland, is a great place to begin planning your trip.

If you have questions or want to leave a tour review, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Zurich, Switzerland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.