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Chesa Swiss

Jul 16 2014.

The best of Swiss delights at Chesa Swiss

The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at Chesa Swiss is the cosy feel represented by the architecture of the building. The restaurant has been around for ages – 23 years to be exact, and this quaint white restaurant situated on Duplication Road, is one that cannot be missed. The same management has run Chesa Swiss from its inception in 1991 and the warmth offered by the architecture and setting aside, the friendly staff will pave the way for a fabulous evening.

Upon having a small chat with your server and deciding on what you would like to indulge in. If you have been to the restaurant before, they will ask you if you will go with your usual – yes, they pay that much attention to detail!

The loveliest part of the evening for me, was when we were surprised with a Fish Salad, which came compliments of the chef. It included salmon with a salad that included a hint of lemongrass, fresh onions and crunchy potato sticks.

While you wait for your starter, they will present you with their homemade breads of which their cheese bread with butter is delightful. As much as you can have more than one, I’d recommend you stop at one and leave room for your soup. If it is your first time there, go for the French Onion Soup with a Gruyère Cheese Toast. I personally love French Onion soup and this did not disappoint. In fact, it was way better than I had expected it to be. It is refreshing with that perfect marriage of savoury and subtly sweet, while the Gruyère Cheese Toast added that wow factor to such a simple soup.

Sip on a beverage of your choice and if you like to order a salad as well, their Asparagus, Avocado and Herb Prawn Salad is so light and delicious. I loved how a small piece each of asparagus, avocado and prawn just adds a subtle burst of fresh flavours and creates a waltz in your mouth!

If you like Beef Carpaccio, then Chesa Swiss is the restaurant for it! Their Beef Carpaccio with Sundried Tomato and an Olive Dressing with shavings of Parmesan is oozing with dreamy flavours from sour to sweet and that of peppery rocket leaves, while the beef is so tender it almost melts in your mouth. The sun dried tomatoes used in this dish and others at the restaurant, are made in-house, and taste amazing.

Chef Michael Goeggerle who has been with Chesa Swiss for 14 years is the main man behind the delicious dishes you savour at the restaurant. He is German, and came to Sri Lanka after answering an advertisement in a local Swiss newspaper, for the position of chef at Chesa Swiss. Chef Michael says that he didn't expect to stay as long as he has but he has made Sri Lanka and Colombo in particular, his home. “I enjoy working in Colombo and I like the team at the restaurant.” He also adds that Sri Lankan curries are among his favourite go to foods outside the restaurant!

Chef Michael pays a lot of attention to detail when preparing his stunning looking as well as delicious dishes. The Chesa Swiss menu features authentic Swiss cuisine, which draws influences from French, German and Italian culinary cultures.

My main course that of – Gammon Steak with Onion Sauce and Sauerkraut was mind blowing. When they open up the dish in front of you the aromas that come rushing towards your nostrils make your mouth water. Served with onion sauce, sauerkraut and Röesti (the latter which was the side of my preference), the whole combination is subtle but delightful especially in terms of textures and flavours. I loved the crunch of the Röesti, which worked so well with the soft pork.

The other main I nibbled on was the Sliced Veal fillet in mushroom sauce which came with a side of Spätzle. This too is a Swiss speciality dish. This was the first time I had tried Spätzle, which is a lightly fried soft egg dumpling. The lightly sautéed vegetables and the soft and crunchy dumplings was a very interesting combination of flavours. The creamy mushroom sauce was what really gave this dish that wow factor.

In true Swiss style, I ended my meal with Apple Strudel. It was served with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, vanilla custard sauce and fruit. I can guarantee that you won’t delve into a better Apple Strudel than this, anywhere else in Colombo.