Zürich: Swiss fondue at Fribourger Fondue Stübli

It’s fondue season in Switzerland, and even though fondue is primarily associated with the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Zürich also has its fair share of nice fondue places, but which one is the best? A Swiss friend recommended that the went to Fribourger Fondue Stübli, which is a local spot with great fondue. You can only reserve a table by calling in, and you have to do that a long time in advance, which might explain why this local gem has managed to stay so local.

We started out with a platter of air-dried ham and beef and a mixed salad. The staff also suggested that we ordered pickles on the side to counterbalance the heaviness of the cheese, which turned out to be a good idea.

At Fribourger, they serve Moitié-Moitié Fondue. Moitié-Moitié means half-half, and the cheese is a 50-50 mix of Gruyère and Vacherin. They also add wine and Kirsch (cherry brandy) and the result is divine. The fondue is served with bread cubes and potatoes, which you dip in the melted, hot cheese, and the staff showed us how to stir the cheese in circular motions while dipping.

Another friend had told me that it’s always a good idea to drink tea with the fondue, to help digest the cheese, but who wants tea on a Saturday night in Zurich? Not my Swedish friends. Not me. The staff said that white wine would also be a good choice, and we all agreed.

The fondue was delicious, and we ate up everything, which must have been 2lbs or more of melted cheese. It’s crazy how something so simple can taste so good!

Fribourger Fondue Stübli, Rotwandstrasse 38, 8004 Zürich