Are you planning a trip to Zurich, Switzerland, but worried about the high cost of food? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Zurich is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene, but it’s also known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to enjoy delicious food. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Zurich, highlighting the best places to eat cheaply and affordably. From traditional Swiss cuisine to international flavors, we’ll show you where to find the best value for your money.
Traditional Swiss Cuisine on a Budget
Swiss cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, often made with local ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables. While it may seem expensive, there are many affordable options to try traditional Swiss cuisine in Zurich.
Best Places for Traditional Swiss Cuisine
Here are some of the best places to try traditional Swiss cuisine on a budget:
- Wirtshaus Taube – This cozy restaurant in the heart of Zurich serves traditional Swiss dishes like Zürigeschnätzlets (veal in a creamy mushroom sauce) and Älplermagronen (alpine macaroni with cheese and onions) for around 20-30 CHF (18-28 USD) per main course.
- Restaurant zum Löwen – This historic restaurant in the old town of Zurich offers traditional Swiss cuisine like fondue and raclette for around 25-40 CHF (23-37 USD) per main course.
- Wirtshaus zum Rössli – This rustic restaurant in the heart of Zurich serves traditional Swiss dishes like Zürigeschnätzlets and Älplermagronen for around 20-30 CHF (18-28 USD) per main course.
Traditional Swiss Dishes to Try
Here are some traditional Swiss dishes to try on a budget:
- Zürigeschnätzlets – Veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically served with rösti (hash browns) or potatoes.
- Älplermagronen – Alpine macaroni with cheese and onions, often served with a side of vegetables or salad.
- Fondue – A traditional Swiss dish made from melted cheese and bread, often served with a side of meat or vegetables.
- Raclette – A Swiss dish made from melted cheese served with potatoes, bread, and cured meats.
International Cuisine on a Budget
Zurich is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse food scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines at affordable prices. From Asian to Mediterranean, here are some of the best places to try international cuisine on a budget.
Best Places for International Cuisine
Here are some of the best places to try international cuisine on a budget: (See Also: Where to Eat in Bali? Foodie Paradise Awaits)
- Restaurant Asia – This Asian restaurant in the heart of Zurich offers a wide range of dishes from China, Japan, and Thailand for around 15-25 CHF (14-23 USD) per main course.
- La Bodeguita del Medio – This Cuban restaurant in the old town of Zurich serves traditional dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef) and arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) for around 20-30 CHF (18-28 USD) per main course.
- Restaurant India – This Indian restaurant in the heart of Zurich offers a wide range of dishes like curries and tandoori chicken for around 15-25 CHF (14-23 USD) per main course.
International Dishes to Try
Here are some international dishes to try on a budget:
- Pad Thai – A Thai dish made from stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and shrimp or chicken.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – An Indian dish made from marinated chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, often served with basmati rice.
- Paella – A Spanish dish made from saffron-infused rice, seafood, and vegetables.
- Spring Rolls – A Chinese dish made from deep-fried or steamed rolls filled with vegetables and sometimes meat or shrimp.
Street Food and Markets
Zurich has a vibrant street food scene, with many markets and stalls offering affordable and delicious food. Here are some of the best places to try street food and markets:
Best Street Food Markets
Here are some of the best street food markets in Zurich:
- Markthalle 4 – This indoor market in the heart of Zurich offers a wide range of street food, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss cuisine.
- Markthalle 5 – This outdoor market in the old town of Zurich offers a variety of street food, including traditional Swiss dishes and international cuisine.
- Street Food Market – This outdoor market in the heart of Zurich offers a wide range of street food, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss cuisine.
Street Food to Try
Here are some street food to try:
- Bratwurst – A traditional Swiss sausage made from pork and beef, often served with a side of potatoes or salad.
- Würstchen – A traditional Swiss sausage made from pork and beef, often served with a side of potatoes or salad.
- Flammkuchen – A thin crust pizza topped with ingredients like ham, cheese, and vegetables.
- Churros – A Spanish dessert made from fried dough pastry coated in sugar, often served with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Food Courts and Cafeterias
Zurich has many food courts and cafeterias that offer affordable and delicious food. Here are some of the best places to try:
Best Food Courts and Cafeterias
Here are some of the best food courts and cafeterias in Zurich: (See Also: Where to Eat in La Union? Foodie Finds)
- Food Court at Bahnhofstrasse – This food court in the heart of Zurich offers a wide range of international cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss dishes.
- Cafeteria at ETH Zurich – This cafeteria at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology offers a variety of international cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss dishes.
- Food Court at Hauptbahnhof – This food court at Zurich’s main train station offers a wide range of international cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss dishes.
Food Court and Cafeteria Options
Here are some food court and cafeteria options:
- International cuisine – A variety of international dishes, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss cuisine.
- Swiss cuisine – Traditional Swiss dishes like Zürigeschnätzlets and Älplermagronen.
- Vegetarian and vegan options – A variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and soups.
- Snacks and desserts – A variety of snacks and desserts, including pastries, cakes, and chocolates.
Recap and Summary
In this article, we’ve taken you on a culinary journey through Zurich, highlighting the best places to eat cheaply and affordably. From traditional Swiss cuisine to international flavors, we’ve shown you where to find the best value for your money. Here are some key points to remember:
- Traditional Swiss cuisine – Try traditional Swiss dishes like Zürigeschnätzlets and Älplermagronen at affordable prices.
- International cuisine – Try international dishes like pad thai and chicken tikka masala at affordable prices.
- Street food and markets – Try street food and markets like Markthalle 4 and Markthalle 5 for a variety of international cuisine.
- Food courts and cafeterias – Try food courts and cafeterias like Food Court at Bahnhofstrasse and Cafeteria at ETH Zurich for a variety of international cuisine.
FAQs
Where can I find affordable food in Zurich?
You can find affordable food in Zurich at traditional Swiss restaurants, international restaurants, street food markets, and food courts and cafeterias. Some popular options include Wirtshaus Taube, Restaurant Asia, Markthalle 4, and Food Court at Bahnhofstrasse.
What are some traditional Swiss dishes to try?
Some traditional Swiss dishes to try include Zürigeschnätzlets, Älplermagronen, fondue, and raclette. These dishes are typically made with local ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables and are often served at traditional Swiss restaurants.
Can I find international cuisine in Zurich?
Yes, you can find international cuisine in Zurich at a variety of restaurants, street food markets, and food courts and cafeterias. Some popular international cuisines to try include Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss cuisine. (See Also: Where to Eat in Paternoster? Coastal Delights)
Are there any vegetarian and vegan options in Zurich?
Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan options in Zurich, including salads, sandwiches, and soups. Some popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants include Restaurant Asia and Markthalle 4.
Can I find snacks and desserts in Zurich?
Yes, you can find a variety of snacks and desserts in Zurich, including pastries, cakes, and chocolates. Some popular snack and dessert options include Flammkuchen and Churros.