Ep 10. Switzerland
- TV-PG
- December 29, 2013
- 26 min
The Taste Hunters is a culinary television series that follows the adventurous and passionate food explorers from around the world as they embark on a journey to discover the basic and unusual flavors that different cultures have to offer. In season 1, episode 10, titled "Switzerland," host Nyesha Arrington takes viewers on a food adventure to Switzerland, where they explore the traditional Swiss cuisine that has been influenced by various cultures from neighboring countries.
The episode begins with Nyesha visiting local farms and markets to source fresh ingredients that are core to Swiss cuisine. She then meets with prominent chefs and food experts in the region to gain insights into the diverse dishes that have played a significant role in Swiss culture. The show features the iconic Swiss cheese, which is a favorite worldwide and plays an essential role in Swiss cuisine. Nyesha visits Gruyere, a small town famous for making Swiss cheese with a traditional recipe dating back to the 12th century. She learns about the production process and how the Alpine milk is used to make different varieties of cheese including the Gruyere, which is aged for two to six months, and has a sharp nutty flavor that's perfect for making fondue.
Next, Nyesha visits Geneva, the most vibrant city in Switzerland, and learns about the city's multicultural influence that is manifested in the Swiss cuisine. She meets with chef and food writer, Jonell Galloway, who takes her to a local eatery serving traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist. Nyesha tries out a classic dish of Raclette, a melty cheese slab served with cooked potatoes and pickled vegetables. This dish is particularly famous during the winter months and is enjoyed with family and friends, making it as much a social event as a meal.
Moving beyond the traditional Swiss cuisine, the show also explores the Turkish and Italian influences in Swiss food culture. Zurich, another vibrant city in Switzerland, has a booming food scene with countless restaurants offering different cuisines. Nyesha visits one such Italian restaurant that blends the traditional Swiss cuisine with Italian flavors. She tries out Cordon-bleu, which is a chicken breast dish stuffed with ham and herbs and covered in breadcrumbs before being fried.
Further, Nyesha visits Basel, located on the border of Switzerland and Germany, to explore the Turkish influence on Swiss cuisine. In the Turkish market in Basel, she tries out a popular dish of Doner Kebab, which is widely available all over Switzerland. Nyesha gets to see and understand how the kebab is prepared and put together to create a balanced mix of flavors.
The show wraps up with Nyesha visiting a farm in the Swiss Alps, where she tries out a traditional Swiss dish of Rosti, a hearty skillet of browned and crispy potatoes with bacon, cheese, and onions. The dish is considered as a popular Swiss comfort food and is famous across the country.
Overall, this episode of the Taste Hunters offers a perfect blend of traditional, modern, and multicultural Swiss cuisine. It showcases the diverse food culture and traditions that are unique to Switzerland, offering a delightful experience for food enthusiasts across the globe. The show is a must-watch for anyone who loves to explore new and unique food cultures from around the world and aims to explore the food habits and culture of different regions.