is a fantastic way to experience authentic Swiss culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Switzerland’s diverse regions—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—offer rich and varied culinary traditions. Here’s a guide to help you plan or explore this kind of experience:

🔍 What It’s About

Buffet mit Essen, Apero, Käseplatte, Gemüse Trauben

Cooking with locals typically involves joining a Swiss host in their home (or small cooking studio) to:
• Learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
• Share a meal together.
• Hear stories about local culture, family traditions, and regional ingredients.

🧀 Popular Swiss Dishes You Might Learn to Cook

German-Speaking Switzerland:
• Rösti – crispy shredded potatoes, often served with cheese, bacon, or eggs.
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – sliced veal in creamy mushroom sauce.
• Swiss sausages and potato salad.

French-Speaking Switzerland:
• Fondue – melted cheese with bread.
• Papet Vaudois – leek and potato mash with local sausage.
• Tarte aux pommes – apple tart.

Italian-Speaking Ticino:
• Risotto – often saffron or mushroom flavored.
• Polenta – slow-cooked cornmeal served with meat or cheese.
• Chestnut dishes – seasonal and local to Ticino.

Alpine/Romansh Regions:
• Capuns – chard-wrapped dumplings with meat and herbs.
• Maluns – grated potatoes sautéed in butter with cheese.
• Local mountain cheeses and cured meats.

🏡 How to Book a Cooking Experience

Online Platforms:

• EatWith – eatwith.com
• • – Hosts offer home-cooked meals and cooking classes across Switzerland.
• Airbnb Experiences – Look for “cooking with locals” or “Swiss cooking class.”
• Local tour operators – Many offer farm-to-table or village-based cooking tours.
• My Swiss Experience – Offers regional, curated experiences.
• Community Initiatives:
• Look for Slow Food Switzerland events.
• Local tourism boards (like Lucerne, Bernese Oberland, or Ticino) often partner with residents to offer cooking workshops.

📍 Best Places to Try This

Lucerne – Known for accessible cooking classes with traditional dishes.

• Zurich – Modern Swiss fusion and traditional options.
• Interlaken / Lauterbrunnen – Mountain cooking and Alpine ingredients.
• Ticino – Rustic, Italian-influenced experiences in stone houses.
• Lausanne / Geneva – More French-influenced, urban experiences.

🌿 Tips for a Great Experience

• Book early, especially during summer and ski seasons.
• Let hosts know about allergies or preferences.
• Ask questions! Most hosts love to share the history behind dishes.
• Bring a small gift if you’re invited into someone’s home—Swiss chocolate or wine is a nice touch.
• Top Swiss Cooking Experiences with Locals

1. Ticino Cooking with Locals

• Location: Ticino region
• Details: Shop for groceries with a local host, then cook a traditional Ticino meal together with a chef.
• Price: From CHF 89 per person
• Group Size: Minimum 10, maximum 12
• Availability: Year-round, by request

2. Hands‑On Swiss Cooking Class in Zurich

• Location: Zurich city center
• Experience: Engage in a 3‑hour cooking class guided by skilled chefs. Prepare classic Swiss dishes like Rösti and Fondue in a cozy, welcoming kitchen.
• What’s Included: Ingredients, equipment, tasting, and chef guidance
• Group Size: 4–12 participants
• Price: From €185

3. Private Home Dining Near Lucerne City of Lucerne, Switzerland

• Location: Near Lenzburg (~30 min train from Zurich)
• Experience: Enjoy a private, organic 3‑course lunch or dinner in a local family’s home. Watch—or help with—the meal prep, dine in their garden or modern kitchen, and optionally enjoy a classical concert.
• Includes: Drinks (water, wine, coffee), cooking demo, and transport guidance (train ticket ~CHF 25; car pickup optional)
• Price: Around $232 per person (cancellation up to 24 h in advance)

 4. Cooking Workshops in Lausanne

• Location: Lausanne (Vaud region)
• Experience: Seasonal cooking workshops starting with syrup tasting, followed by preparing a full menu including appetizer, main, dessert, and petits-fours using local produce.
• Duration: 2–4 hours (half‑day)
• Suitable for: Groups of adults
• Price & Availability: All year, contact Le Fraisier for booking

5. Withlocals – Home Dinners & Cooking in Major Cities

• Locations: Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Bern
• Examples:
◦ Swiss Fondue Dining Experience
◦ Learn to Cook with a Local: Italian & Swiss Recipes in Basel
◦ Private Pizza/Focaccia Cooking & Dining
• Prices: Around €140–€200 and up, depending on experience and location
• Duration: Typically around 3 hours
• These are intimate home-based experiences blending cooking and dining with local hosts.

Hope you find what you are looking for, your Blogging friend Ulrich Koepf

Hier sind die US-Städte mit den höchsten Preisen, und vergleichen Sie sie mit den Preisen in der Schweiz.

Wie Subways 5-Dollar-Footlong-Sandwich könnte günstiges Fast Food bald der Vergangenheit angehören.

Der Durchschnittspreis für Fast Food in größeren US-Städten liegt mittlerweile im zweistelligen Bereich. Eine typische Mahlzeit kostet laut einem neuen Bericht von LendingTree 11,56 Dollar. Am höchsten sind die Preise in San Francisco mit 13,88 Dollar, gefolgt von Seattle mit 13,48 Dollar. In Columbus, Ohio, gibt es das günstigste Fast Food, aber Mahlzeiten kosten dort im Durchschnitt immer noch 10,01 Dollar.

Fast Food galt lange als günstigere, wenn nicht sogar gesündere Ernährungsweise. Ob Wendy’s „Biggie Bag“ oder McDonald’s „McValue“-Menü – die meisten großen Fast-Food-Ketten bieten Menüs für unter 10 Dollar an. Doch angesichts steigender Kosten und der Inflation, die die Amerikaner finanziell belastet, könnten Burger, Pommes und Chicken Nuggets für viele Verbraucher unerschwinglich werden.

Eine Analyse von FinanceBuzz ergab im vergangenen Jahr, dass die durchschnittlichen Fast-Food-Preise in den letzten zehn Jahren um 39 bis 100 % gestiegen sind. Beispielsweise würde ein McDouble-Sandwich, das 2014 1,19 Dollar kostete, 2024 leicht mehr als 3 Dollar kosten, so die Website für persönliche Finanzen.

In Switzerland an average meal in a cheap Restaurant is CHF 25 – 30 minimum (0.83 Swiss cents for 1 $) 

The average cost in a fast food restaurnt for a sandwich, soda and fries is about CHF 18-23, in Switzerland, if you can afford to go to a  more upscale restaurant you will pay about CHF 50-65 per person, that includes an appetizer, main dish, and a glass of wine.

Durchschnittskosten eines Flagship-Fast-Food-Menüs

In den 50 größten Metropolen der USA beträgt der Durchschnittspreis eines Flagship-Menüs etwa 11,56 Dollar. Am höchsten ist er in San Francisco mit 13,88 Dollar und am niedrigsten in Columbus, Ohio, mit 10,01 Dollar. Klicken Sie auf ein Symbol unten oder bewegen Sie den Mauszeiger darüber, um weitere Informationen zu erhalten.

39 Prozent der Amerikaner gehen laut einer aktuellen Bankrate-Umfrage davon aus, angesichts der gestiegenen wirtschaftlichen Unsicherheit weniger für Restaurantbesuche auszugeben.

Laut dem jüngsten Ergebnisbericht von McDonald’s verzeichnete das Unternehmen im ersten Quartal einen Umsatzrückgang von 3,6 Prozent. Führungskräfte nannten Zölle als Grund für die geringere Kundenfrequenz.

Die „erhöhte Angst“ um die wirtschaftliche Lage belastet Amerikaner mit niedrigem und mittlerem Einkommen, sagte McDonald’s-CEO Chris Kempczinski in einer Telefonkonferenz am 1. Mai.

Zu den Verbrauchern, die möglicherweise mit den Kosten für Fast Food zu kämpfen haben, gehören die Geringverdiener, die es herstellen. Der durchschnittliche Stundenlohn für Fast-Food-Mitarbeiter beträgt laut LendingTree 15,07 Dollar. Das bedeutet, dass Arbeitnehmer mehr als doppelt so lange brauchen wie jemand mit einem durchschnittlichen Einkommen in den USA, um genug zu verdienen, um sich eine typische Fast-Food-Mahlzeit leisten zu können, wobei die Kosten für andere Lebenshaltungskosten berücksichtigt werden.

In Switzerland the average salary is between CHF 25- 45 per hour, the minimum monthly avergae is between CHF  6000 – 7000 gros, or CHF 3500 – 4000 net.

„Niemand hat jemals erwartet, mit Fast-Food-Löhnen reich zu werden, aber die Tatsache, dass diese Arbeiter nicht einmal einen existenzsichernden Lohn erwarten können, ist beunruhigend“, sagte Matt Schulz, Chefanalyst für Verbraucherfinanzierung bei LendingTree, in dem Bericht.

LendingTree fand heraus, dass ein Fast-Food-Mitarbeiter, der sieben Tage die Woche drei Mahlzeiten bei seinem Arbeitgeber kauft, durchschnittlich 40 % seines Gehalts ausgibt – ihm bleiben nur 60 % seines Gehalts zum Leben!!?

By Mary Cunningham

Edited By Alain Sherter,  and  translated and elaborated by Ulrich Koepf

May 21, 2025 / 7:52 AM EDT / CBS News

that combines ancient history, vibrant culture, and a food scene that’ll leave your taste buds singing. As the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur is a must-visit for anyone who loves cobblestone streets, panoramic mountain views, and hearty Swiss cuisine. Let’s take a journey through this charming destination and uncover its cultural and culinary treasures.

A Walk Through History

Chur’s history stretches back over 5,000 years, dating back to 1215 when the Kelts, Romans, and Franks occupied the site, making it a dream destination for history buffs. The Old Town, free of cars and full of character, feels like stepping into a living museum. Wandering through its narrow alleys, you’ll stumble upon:

• St. Martin’s Church: With its striking stained-glass windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti, this 8th-century marvel is a testament to Chur’s rich heritage.
  
• The Rätisches Museum: Housed in a 16th-century patrician house, this museum showcases the region’s fascinating history, from ancient relics to Alpine traditions.
  
• The Bishop’s Palace: A nod to Chur’s ecclesiastical significance, this impressive structure is one of Switzerland’s oldest episcopal buildings.
  

Art lovers will appreciate the city’s galleries and street art, while culture enthusiasts can dive into local festivals like the Churer Fest or the Quaderwiese open-air concerts.

The Food Lover’s Paradise

Chur’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Swiss fare and modern gastronomy. Here are some must-try experiences for foodies:

• Capuns: A signature dish of the Graubünden region, these Swiss chard-wrapped dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of spätzli dough and dried meat, then baked in cream.
  
• Bündner Nusstorte: A rich and nutty caramel-filled tart that’s as addictive as it sounds. Perfect with a cup of coffee.
  
• Maluns: A rustic dish made from grated potatoes, fried in butter, and served with applesauce or cheese. Comfort food at its best.
  
• Visit the Marisöll Restaurant, where a talented SriLankan Chef creates great fare

For an authentic experience, head to local favorites like Marsöl for traditional fare or explore trendy spots like Werkstatt Chur for innovative twists on Swiss classics. Don’t miss the farmer’s market on Alexanderplatz for fresh produce, regional specialties, and the chance to mingle with locals.

Travel Tips for Your Chur Adventure

• Getting There: Chur is easily accessible by train, with scenic routes like the Glacier Express passing through. It’s also a gateway to the Alps, making it a perfect base for exploring nearby ski resorts or hiking trails. The Train Ride from St.Moritz to Zermatt takes 7 1/2 hours
  
• When to Visit: Summer offers lush landscapes and vibrant cultural events, while winter transforms Chur into a snowy wonderland.
  
• What to Do:
  • Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town to uncover hidden gems and local legends.
    
  • Ride the nearby Arosa Line, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque train journeys.
    
  • Visit local wineries in the nearby Bündner Herrschaft region for a taste of Swiss wine.

Chur isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. From its ancient streets to its modern dining scene, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie on the hunt for your next culinary adventure, Chur delivers in spades. So pack your bags, grab your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Switzerland’s oldest—and arguably, most charming—city.

Your Swiss adventure awaits in Chur!

How did the avocado get its bad reputation?

If you compare the avocado to other fruits and vegetables it doesn’t look that drastic.

What’s good in this fruit?

The qualities of the avocado are undisputed: high nutritional value, lots of protein, fiber, and vitamins, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Aztecs, who cultivated the fruit more than 10,000 years ago in the Guatemalan-Mexican border area, called it “ahuacatl”, in English: testicles, because of its shape.

How much do we eat?

The avocado is considered a trend fruit that has become popular in Europe and worldwide with the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle. The numbers are impressive: After 2000, 3700 tons were imported into Switzerland alone, in 2010 6000 and in 2021 more than 19000 tons. Last year, Migros, a Swiss supermarket chaine, imported 7,461 tons or 24,698,532 pieces.

How much water does she swallow?

It takes around 600 liters of water to produce one kilogram of avocados. Is that much? Basically yes. At least if fruit comes from a dry country. But in a liter-per-kilogram comparison, it no longer looks so drastic. Some examples: 790 liters of water for a kilo of bananas, 800 for apples; 15,000 liters for beef, and 17,000 liters for chocolate.

What is the impact of transport on the climate?

If you measure the influence on climate and the environment, the focus is primarily on production. Any transportation is negligible as long as it is not by plane – which is hardly the case with avocados. Interesting: Ship transport is 20 to 30 times more efficient than road transport. Avocados from overseas are no worse for the climate than those from Spain or Portugal, on the contrary.

So, spread butter or avocado on your bread?

Smearing avocado on toast is 3x better than butter in terms of environmental and climate issues. In order to cover a third of the daily requirement of a person, 1384 grams of CO2 are produced with butter and only 457 grams with an avocado.

was invited to dinner with friends and took along a few pictures to show the hostess. “These are very good!” she commented.

“You must have a good camera.”At the end of the evening, the photographer thanked the hostess on the way out and said, “That was really a delicious meal! You must have very good pots.”😁

He started as a traveling salesman at 13, selling soap for his father’s company. He had a series of sales jobs, one of which gave chewing gum as a premium. Customers liked the gum better than the product he was trying to sell, so he soon marketed his gum. Juicy Fruit in 1893, and later that year Wrigley’s Spearmint. An advertising genius, his company became the largest chewing gum manufacturer in the world. Mars, the chocolate bar company, owns Wrigley 100% after Warren Buffet sold his interest in Mars, for Mars to have full control over Wrigley

In Deutsch

im Januar 1932 starb William Wrigley Jr.

Mit 13 Jahren begann er als reisender Verkäufer und verkaufte Seife für die Firma seines Vaters. Er hatte eine Reihe von Verkaufsjobs, von denen einer Kaugummi als Prämie gab. Die Kunden mochten den Kaugummi besser als das Produkt, das er verkaufen wollte, und so vermarktete er bald seinen eigenen Kaugummi. Jucy Fruit im Jahr 1893 und später im selben Jahr Wrigley’s Spearmint. Als Werbegenie wurde sein Unternehmen zum größten Kaugummihersteller der Welt. Mars, die Schokoriegelfirma, besitzt jetzt Wrigley zu 100%, nachdem Warren Buffet sein Interesse an Mars verkauft hat, damit Mars die volle Kontrolle über Wrigley hat.

Researchers at the Scripps Clinic of San Diego found that people who at half of a grapefruit or drank a glass of grapefruit juice before every meal lost an average of 3.5 pounds over a three-month period, even though they did not diet or increase their exercise rout

Researchers attribute the loss to enzymes in grapefruit that help reduce insulin levels and encourage weight loss.

But watch out:

grapefruit can interact harmfully with certain medications!

Tanja Grandits ’delightful contribution to International Women’s Day:“ A power bar, feminine, pink and powerful! ”.

Tanja Grandits, 19-point chef at «Stucki» Basel, also makes her own power bar. For your customers in the small “Lädeli”. And for her daughter Emma. “Honey, butter, or oat flakes are always included,” says the boss, “and nuts, dried fruits, and spices are added depending on your mood. Ideal for hiking, at school, or at work. “

THE LATCH FOR WORLD WOMEN’S DAY.

Ringier has successfully launched an initiative: “EqualVoice”. The Goal: More visibility for women in media coverage. Tanja Grandits sits on the Advisory Board and says, “I’m more of a doer than a speaker. So I’m drawing attention to the topic with a new power bar. ” Ingredients: cranberry, amaranth, and hibiscus!

«TABLE SET YOURSELF». From March 8th, there will be a «Frauenpower» bar in her shop, in the webshop, and at www.paketidee.ch. One Swiss franc per bar goes to the “Tischlein deck dich” organization. Baking bars yourself is also a possibility. Tanja reveals her recipe to us below:

ingredients:

70 g almonds

40 g sunflower seeds

150 g honey

120 g butter

125 g oat flakes, coarse

125 g oat flakes, fine

60 g cranberries

40 g amaranth, puffed

1 tbsp hibiscus, ground (9 g)

1/2 teaspoon salt (2 g)

Stucki / Tanja Grandits, Bruderholzallee 42, 4059 Basel – +41 61 361 82 22

Restaurant Stucky, Basel, Switzerland

Preparation

1. Roast the almonds in the oven at 160 degrees for 9 minutes and the sunflower seeds for 7 minutes. Roughly chop the roasted almonds. Reduce the oven temperature to 130 degrees.

2. Briefly heat the honey and butter in a saucepan. Mix all dry ingredients. Stir in the liquid honey-butter mixture and knead everything together well. Spread the mixture 1.5 cm high on a rectangular baking sheet lined with baking paper and press firmly until it is really compact. Bake in the oven at 130 degrees with convection for 35-40 minutes. Press the whole thing again firmly, let it cool down, and cut into bars. They are kept tightly closed for a few weeks.

as quoted by Gault-Millau of Switzerland, March 7th, 2021