MileHacker Logo
Food & Dining

Food & Dining

Switzerland

Culinary Overview

Cultural & Historical Context

Chur's cuisine roots in the Graubünden (Grisons) region. Alpine, agricultural, Italian, and Austrian influences shape it.

Historically, food sustained farmers and mountain dwellers through long winters, using local produce, cured meats, and dairy.

Regional Tastes

  • Meat: Bündnerfleisch, pork, seasonal game. Dairy: Local cheeses like Bergkäse, Salsiz, Ziegenkäse, butter, cream.
  • Grains: Flour for pasta, dumplings, pastries. Buckwheat appears in some dishes.
  • Vegetables: Potatoes, cabbage, chard, and various root vegetables.
  • Herbs: Wild herbs from the Alps add unique aromatic notes. Flavors are hearty, savory, often creamy.

Dining Customs

Punctuality

Punctuality for reservations is valued. Arrive on time for your booked table.

Reservations

Recommended for dinner, especially on weekends or at popular restaurants. This prevents disappointment.

Table Manners

Generally formal yet relaxed. Keep your hands visible on the table (not in your lap). Avoid resting elbows on the table.

Meal Times

  • Breakfast (Frühstück): Typically 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM. It often includes bread, cheese, cold cuts, muesli, coffee, and juice.
  • Lunch (Mittagessen): The main meal for many locals, typically 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Many restaurants give a "Mittagsmenü" or "Tagesteller."
  • Dinner (Abendessen): Typically starts 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM, lasting until 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
  • Afternoon Coffee/Cake: Common in cafes around 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, a pleasant break.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Capuns

Spätzle dough mixed with dried meat and herbs, rolled in chard leaves. Cooked in cream and stock sauce, often topped with grated cheese.

A quintessential Graubünden dish found in traditional restaurants.

Bündnerfleisch

Air-dried beef from Graubünden, thinly sliced. A lean, flavorful delicacy.

Often serves as an appetizer or part of a platter. Widely available.

Engadiner Nusstorte

A rich nut tart from the Engadin valley. It features a shortcrust pastry shell filled with caramelized walnuts.

A delightful treat available in bakeries and cafes.

More Culinary Gems

  • Pizokel: Hearty buckwheat flour dumplings, often with cabbage, bacon, and cheese.
  • Maluns: Boiled, grated potatoes mixed with flour, then fried in butter. Served with applesauce.
  • Gerstensuppe (Barley Soup): A thick, comforting barley soup, often with vegetables and cured meat.
  • Birnbrot: A sweet fruit bread filled with dried pears, nuts, and spices. Often enjoyed with cheese.

Beverages & Quick Bites

Local Beverages

Local Graubünden wines (Pinot Noir), Swiss beers, Valser mineral water, Rivella (milk whey soft drink), and Röteli liqueur.

Quick Bites

Local bakeries and butcher shops offer quick, ready-to-eat items like Bratwurst, Pretzels, and local cheese/meat sandwiches.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Refined dining experiences using fresh local ingredients.

  • Restaurant Bundnerstube (Hotel Stern): Traditional Graubünden cuisine with refinement.
  • Restaurant PUR (Amber Hotel Chur): Modern, gourmet cuisine, sophisticated atmosphere.
  • Expect elegant settings and creative dishes.

Mid-Range & Casual

A selection of popular and authentic dining spots.

  • Va Bene: A popular Italian restaurant, good for pasta and pizza.
  • Zunfthaus zur Rebleuten: Traditional Swiss restaurant focusing on local specialties.
  • Vegi Chuchi (Vegitat): Offers vegetarian and vegan options.

Budget & Market Food

Affordable and convenient dining choices.

  • Supermarkets (Coop, Migros): Ready-to-eat salads, sandwiches, hot food counters.
  • Bakeries: Excellent for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
  • Kebab/Pizza places: Often found near the train station for quick, inexpensive meals.

Cultural Dining

Chur Wochenmarkt Weekly Market

Held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings in the Old Town. Offers fresh local produce, cheese, bread, meat, and prepared foods.

A good place to experience local life and pick up picnic supplies.

International Cuisine Options

Chur has Italian, Asian (Chinese, Thai, Indian, Japanese), and some Mediterranean options.

These deliver choices if you seek a break from traditional Swiss fare.

Special Dietary Needs

Vegetarian/Vegan

Increasingly available. Dedicated restaurants exist. Supermarkets have plant-based products.

Gluten-Free/Allergen

Swiss restaurants accommodate. Carry a dietary card in German. Supermarkets offer gluten-free.

Communication

Use translation apps or phrasebooks to communicate clearly with staff.

Advance Contact

Contact restaurants in advance for severe allergies.

Culinary Experiences

Hands-On & Immersive

  • Cooking Classes: Some culinary schools or hotels may arrange classes on traditional Graubünden cuisine. Learn to prepare Capuns or Nusstorte.
  • Food Tours: Guided walking tours of the Old Town sometimes incorporate food tastings at local shops and bakeries. Sample specialties and learn origins.
  • Farm Visits: In surrounding agricultural areas, visit cheese producers, vineyards (Bündner Herrschaft), or local farms. Connect with food origins.

Unique Dining Concepts

Raclette/Fondue

Experiencing a traditional Swiss fondue or raclette evening in a local restaurant is a must-do, especially in winter.

These communal meals are fun and delicious.

Dining on Brambrüesch

Restaurants on the local mountain give traditional alpine fare with panoramic views.

Enjoy a meal with a stunning backdrop.

Festivals & Events

Seasonal Celebrations
Seasonal food markets.
Festivals, especially in autumn.
Harvest season celebrations.
Opportunity to try regional products.
Check Chur tourism events calendar.
Röteli: A traditional Graubünden cherry liqueur, often served after a meal.
Planning Your Culinary Journey

The Chur tourist office can give information for cooking classes and food tours.

  • Check local listings for specific offerings.
  • Online resources assist in finding restaurants.
  • Contact restaurants in advance for any severe allergies.
Affiliate Resources

Explore and book experiences:

Additional Resources

Local Information
  • Chur tourist office for specific culinary event dates.
  • Local bakeries and butcher shops for quick bites.
Dietary Information
  • Online resources like HappyCow for vegetarian/vegan.
  • Phrasebooks for clear communication.

Tipping & Customs

Service Etiquette

Tipping Practice

Swiss prices generally include service charges. Tipping is not obligatory.

Rounding up is common. | No expectation for extra.
Punctuality

Punctuality for reservations is valued in Switzerland.

Arrive on time for booked tables.
Reservations

Recommended for dinner, especially on weekends or at popular restaurants.

This avoids disappointment.

Local Insights

  • Table Manners: Keep your hands visible on the table (not in your lap). Avoid resting elbows on the table.
  • Portions: Generous portions are common, reflecting the hearty nature of the cuisine.
  • Bread Service: Often served with meals, sometimes for a small charge.
  • Market Exploration: Weekly markets in the Old Town offer fresh local produce and prepared foods.

Cultural distinctions

Service Efficiency

Expect efficient and professional service in restaurants and cafes.

Staff focus on providing good service.

No Service Charge

Service charges are included in the price. There is no expectation for additional tipping.

Rounding up for good service is common, not obligatory.

Affiliate Resources for Dining

Local Markets

Visit Chur Wochenmarkt for fresh local produce and regional specialties. It offers an authentic experience.

Learn More

Explore additional details on Swiss dining customs and etiquette through local tourist office materials.

Restaurant Locator

Use online maps or local directories to find restaurants matching your culinary preferences.

Additional Tips for Dining

Swiss prices generally include service charges. Tipping is not obligatory, though rounding up for good service is common.

  • No service charge expectation.
  • Round up for good service.
  • Restaurants appreciate punctual arrival.
  • Book ahead for popular spots, especially dinner.
  • Explore local markets for fresh produce.