Swiss cuisine is varied. The great speciality is fondue, a delicious concoction of Gruyère and Vacherin cheese, melted and mixed with white wine, flour, Kirsch and a little garlic. Other cheese specialities are Emmental and Tête de Moine. Pork sausages or salami come in a variety of local recipes including Beinwurst, Engadinerwurst, Kalbsleberwurst (calf’s liver pâté), Knackerli, Landjäger and Leberwurst (pâté). A great variety of Swiss wines are available throughout the country. Swiss beer of a lager type is also available. Bottled mineral water is an accepted beverage, with local brands including Henniez.
Things to know: Bars/cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Although there are many self-service snack bars, table service is normal.
National specialities:
• Viande sèchée (dried beef or pork) from Valais and the Grisons where it is called Bündnerfleisch, served with spring or pickled onions.
• Papet vaudoir (leeks and potatoes).
• Pieds de porc (pigs' feet).
• Rösti (shredded fried potatoes).
• Fondue Bourguignonne (cubed meat with various sauces).
• Leckerli (spiced honey cakes topped with icing sugar, decorated in Bern with a white sugar bear).
• Fasnachtküchli (sugar-dusted pastries eaten during Carnival).
• Gugelhopf (a type of sponge cake with a hollow centre).
• Schaffhausen (cream-filled cakes).
National drinks:
• Beer, Kirsch, Marc, Pflümli and Williams (spirits).
Tipping: A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law; further gratuities are not usually required.

Most major towns and resorts have nightclubs or discos with music and dancing, sometimes serving food. There are also cinemas and theatres, and some bars and restaurants have local folk entertainment.

Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1400-1830, Sat 0800-1200 and 1330-1600. Most shops are closed on Monday mornings.