Continuing the post about cheap travel in Switzerland, in this post, I detail everything you need to know to taste food culture in Switzerland at affordable prices. Since eating out is one of the most expensive things to do in the country, travelers who want to save money need to pay attention to the cheapest options, and where to buy at the best prices; because the cost of living in Switzerland is expensive even for those who receive euros and US dollars.
Actually, it all depends on what we are comparing to. What is expensive and cheap for someone who lives in New York, London, and Tel Aviv is quite different from what is considered expensive for those receiving in Argentine Peso, in Russian Rubles, or South African Rand. Swiss prices are close to the prices you pay in the most expensive cities in the USA, in the United Kingdom, Israel, Australia, and Japan. However, there are cheap and affordable options for those who are going on a tight budget, and throughout this post, I will be highlighting the approximate prices in the Swiss franc (CHF) of each item mentioned to facilitate the planning of your trip. Another point to note is that inflation in Switzerland is minimal and stable, so prices vary little from year to year, and coins are widely used to pay for prices broken into cents.
Nor do the Swiss themselves go out to eat every day, except during working hours. Searching for cheaper options, discounts, and opportunities to save some francs are often used by locals on a daily basis, and this research requires taking time out and planning everything in advance, which is a very Swiss habit, by the way.
To give a price base when it comes to eating out in Switzerland, a lunch box at the cheap restaurant usually costs between CHF 25 and CHF 30, depending on the city, and the same price range applies for a large pizza in a place that is not expensive in the Swiss cost of living. A kebab, which is a cheap food option, usually costs between CHF 11 and CHF 15, depending on the city and where you buy it. A cup of coffee will not be less than CHF 5 and a beer at the bar is between CHF 7 and CHF 14. A dinner is CHF 80, CHF 100, or more, depending on the restaurant.
If you are arriving in Switzerland from neighboring countries, it is worth buying everything you need for your trip before crossing the border; as prices in Italy, Germany, Austria, and France are up to three or four times cheaper than Swiss prices. The Swiss themselves who live near the border areas take the opportunity to buy large amounts of items that cost much less on the other side of the border. Below, I detail what you need to know to eat cheap in Switzerland during your trip.
Which supermarkets to buy cheaper food in Switzerland?
The supermarket chain Aldi is usually the cheapest in Switzerland, with prices close to those of Germany, and other markets to buy at cheaper prices are Radikal, Lidl, and Denner. In a cheaper market like Aldi, you can go out with a couple of full bags, spending between CHF 30 and CHF 50, depending on what you buy. Meat is a very expensive item in Switzerland due to the subsidies paid to producers, a piece of steak can cost CHF 12, CHF 20, or more. Migros and Coop chains have stores all over the country, but at higher prices, however, there are usually baskets with items at discount prices and promotions (Aktion in German).
It is important to note that supermarkets and shops in Switzerland open from 8:00 am or 8:30 am until 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm, depending on the shop. On Saturdays, they open until 5:00 pm, and nothing opens on Sundays except convenience stores at gas stations, some immigrant shops (Indian shops, for example), supermarkets located at train stations, however, at more expensive prices. In the last 30 minutes before closing, perishable items such as bread are sold at a discount, so here a tip to save some bucks.
What food can you buy cheap in Switzerland?
The quality standards of products and services in Switzerland are up to the prices and in supermarkets, as well as in stores, Swiss products tend to be more expensive than imported ones. While buying souvenirs and dining at a restaurant can be expensive, there are local products that are sold at affordable prices, including in supermarkets and bakeries.
In Swiss bakeries (backerei in German), sweets, snacks, and sandwiches usually cost around CHF 5 to CHF 10. A bread costs around CHF 3.50 – CHF 5, whereas in a cheaper market costs CHF 1.20 – CHF 1.50. In the main Swiss cities – Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, among others, – search for the bakery chain Äss Bar, which sells plenty of savory snacks and sweets at prices around CHF 2, great for those who want to travel cheap.
There is no real trip to Switzerland without tasting the Rivella drink, some local cheeses and chocolates, at least. In this section, I list food and drink options in Switzerland at affordable prices. Other items that can be purchased at good prices are yogurt, cereals, dried fruits, and seasonal fruits with options around CHF 3.
Rivella
Rivella is a drink made from a combination of water, whey, and carbonic acid; with a flavor that resembles a soda. One of those products that you will find only in Switzerland – sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines, and train stations. A 2L bottle in a market like Aldi costs around CHF 2, while in most establishments, a 1L bottle costs around CHF 1.50.
Rösti
The rösti is a kind of fried potato pancake, which is usually served with meat, sausage, cheese, or even salad. It is a popular dish in Switzerland, common for breakfast or dinner. Rösti packages are sold at supermarkets, they are one of the best options for cheap eating in Switzerland, as well as being easy to cook, so I used to buy some packages. A packet of rösti in the supermarket ranges from CHF 1.50 to CHF 4, depending on the brand and size of the pack, from 500g to 1kg.
Cheese
There is a huge variety of cheeses in Switzerland, including cheeses with unique flavors. And in local supermarkets, you will find options for varying prices and sizes. A small slice of cheese can cost from CHF 4 – CHF 5 to CHF 20, depending on the type, quality, and weight. A slice of Raclette cheese, costs between CHF 10 and CHF 20. To make the fondue, it is usually with Gruyère or Vacherin cheese, or Emmentaler.
Fondue
Fondue is, perhaps, the national dish of Switzerland, and it is not difficult to cook it, also accessible for those traveling on a budget. You will only need cheese – Gruyère (sometimes combined with Raclette), Vacherin or Emmentaler – and bread, which is usually mi-blanc, a bread crunchy enough to dip into the melted cheese. Bread is usually dipped in cheese in the pan with a long fork but without much etiquette. Along with fondue, the drink is usually white wine or tea. For many Swiss, fondue is winter food, but for travelers, it doesn’t make a difference.
Swiss chocolates
Switzerland is also famous for its excellent chocolates, which really deserve this fame. In addition to Toblerone, Lindt, Cailler, and Munz are among the most popular brands in supermarkets and stores, in addition to many local chocolate shops. In supermarkets, chocolates are sold at affordable prices – in the case of CHF 2.80 and CHF 4 – and even the cheapest ones with the supermarket logo, around CHF 0.50 – CHF 0.60, are not that bad, maybe better than many chocolates sold around the world. Some manufacturers also have excursions and workshops to learn the basics of chocolate, tasting, among other options.
Vermicelli
Vermicelli is a dessert that is usually sold in bakeries and supermarkets, it is like spaghetti with a chestnut flavor. It is a popular delicacy in Switzerland, especially in autumn and winter, and that is not seen in any other country as far as I know. It is usually made from milk, sugar, nuts, vanilla, among other ingredients. On the market, a package of vermicelli can cost around CHF 2.70 and CHF 3. In bakeries, around CHF 5 or more, with more coverage options, etc.
Swiss beers
Switzerland is not known for beers, but the beers produced in the country aren’t behind the Germans and Czechs. And in supermarkets, it is possible to buy some Swiss beers at affordable prices. At Aldi, I used to see Portuguese, German, Austrian brands more. In the Migros and Denner supermarkets, there are options for Swiss brands such as Feldsclösschen, Quöllfrisch, Erdinger, Rugenbräu, which are worth trying.
You don’t need to get bankrupt tasting some of the Swiss food. If eating a fondue outside doesn’t fit the budget, it’s an interesting experience buying some cheese and cooking it at home. The same goes for tasting a plate of rösti with items you can buy at supermarkets, such as chocolate and Rivella.
Originally posted 2020-11-11 23:55:24.
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