Swiss Chocolate and Cheese: A Culinary Tour

Switzerland is a tiny country that is famous for its scenic mountain view and thriving financial industry. But, those things are accessible through the internet and they are certainly not edible! In case you are a food enthusiast looking for a unique and authentic thing to do while you are in the country, tasting Swiss chocolate and cheese is your best bet!

The Long History of Swiss Chocolate and Cheese

It is believed that chocolate production in Swiss dates back to the 1600s. However, the presence of modern Swiss chocolate we eat today can be traced back to a chocolatier with the name of Mr. Cailler. He spent a few years in Turin to master the art of chocolate making and returned to the country to open a chocolate production factory in the early 1800s.

Following the path of his father-in-law, Daniel Peter bought a chocolate production factory a few years later. With his inventiveness, he introduced condensed milk to his chocolate recipe, creating the first-ever version of milk chocolate bars. The combination of great-tasting condensed milk and high-quality cocoa beans resulted in great success for Mr. Peter.

Just like with chocolate, Switzerland also has a long history with cheese. The hole-filled version of Swiss cheese we see and eat today comes from the Emmental region. This kind of cheese belongs to the alpine-style cheese family and it was born out of the necessity to make use of milk leftover that is produced during the summer months.

Aside from its holes, Swiss cheese is characterized by its mild yellow color and nutty aroma. As you put it in your mouth, the cheese will provide you with a moderately sweet flavor and a buttery texture. The smooth texture is the result of a low acidity level and the sweet tasting note is caused by a low salt level.

Speaking of its cheese, the Swiss also have the fondue tradition. This is the practice of heating several kinds of cheese and mixing it with various kinds of herbs. This combination results in a warm and comforting concoction that is continually kept warm over a small fire source. Typically, the Swiss will use gruyere cheese in their fondue.

The Best Places to Taste Swiss Chocolate and Cheese

The Swiss are certainly proud certainly proud about their chocolate and cheese, and it seems that they want you to think that they are the best makers of these products. Whenever you are in the country, it will not be hard for you to find factory tours and tasting sessions that will tell you many interesting things about Swiss chocolate and cheese.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

This brand new visitor center has just opened its doors in 2020. The first time you walk pass the main entrance, you will be greeted by a tall (if not gigantic) freestanding chocolate fountain that towers over 30 feet tall. After storing your jacket and bag in a locker, you can join the museum walk tour. During the tasting session, you can eat as many Lindor balls as you want.

Maison Cailler

Located in the small town of Vevey, this is the place to go if you want to learn about Cailler. As mentioned earlier, Cailler is the oldest Swiss chocolate brand and it has been around for more than two centuries. The interactive facility tour will teach you some surprising facts about the chocolate-making process and you will also have a lot of tasting opportunities.

Maestrani’s Chocolarium

Maestrani is also a big name in the Swiss chocolate-making industry. It does not only make chocolate bars but also a wide array of other sweet delights like sticky caramel candies. In 2007, the company moved to Flawil and launched this facility. Since then, thousands of visitors have learned about the processes through the 100-meter manufacturing machine.

Chez Camille Bloch

If you ever have a Ragusa or Torino chocolate bar, then chances are it comes from this facility! The interesting thing about this place is that its exhibition section does not only tell you the ups of the chocolate industry but also the downs as well. In addition, you can also taste a freshly made chocolate bar made by the facility’s chocolatier in front of your eyes.

Appenzeller Cheese Factory

This cheese factory is known for its strong-smelling cheese, and if you want to learn how to make that cheese, this facility provides you with the right opportunity. A visit to this factory will allow you to learn about the herbs and spices used in the cheese-making process. Also, you can catch a glimpse of how these people store more than 12,000 cheese wheels.

La Maison du Gruyère

Located not far from Maison Cailler, this is the best place to go if you want to learn about chocolate and cheese all in one day. Booking a tour here is not complicated at all. You simply pay the admission fee and you will then be given an audio guide and samples of gruyere cheese. The good news is you can take a free tour if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.

Tête de Moine Factory

The company that owns this factory has a long cheese-making history. Its name translates to monk’s head, which is quite strange when it comes to the cheese-naming tradition. Legend says that this cheese was originally made by monks. Today, you can find out how these cheese wheels are made at this facility.

National Dairy Museum

If you want to learn more than just about cheese, then this is the place where you should be. In the National Dairy Museum, you can learn about the long history between the Swiss and their dairy products, and you can learn about it for free. To reach this place, you can take a short train ride from Bern or Thun. 

The Takeaway

You should never doubt the taste and quality of the chocolate and cheese in Switzerland. The Swiss are famous for their high standards and level of craftsmanship, and they make no exception when it comes to these products. If you have the chance to visit this country, don’t miss out on any opportunity to savor its chocolate and cheese!