Category: Switzerland

A Cozy Cup of Chocolate in Lucerne

Four Hundred (MG) Coffee is a Swiss-based electric specialty coffee roastery with a small window shop inside the Max Chocolatier Boutique in Lucerne. It was a rainy, slightly chilly day, and I was in the mood for some hot chocolate.

The barista, warm and friendly, welcomed me as I stepped up to the counter. I ordered a hot chocolate made with oat milk, topped with whipped cream. The result was light, creamy, and perfectly balanced — just the right amount of sweetness. I personally like my hot chocolate thick and creamy, but not overly dense like the French-style hot chocolate, which often has a fondue-like consistency and tends to be quite sweet. This one was just right — comforting, like a warm hug in a cup.

While you’re there, it’s also worth checking out the Max Chocolatier Boutique. I had previously picked up some of their artisanal chocolates from their store in Zurich — high-quality, beautifully crafted treats with unique and creative flavors.

Four Hundred (MG) Coffee Corner

Hertensteinstrasse 7, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Baristar Café: A Cozy Breakfast Spot

Baristar is a bright, cozy café that opens early at 8 AM on weekdays, making it an excellent spot for breakfast or a mid-morning coffee. Located behind the Manor department store on Rue de Cornavin, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and efficient service.

The menu at Baristar is a delightful mix of drinks and food, catering to a variety of tastes. From a good selection of drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh juices, to a variety of food options such as pancakes, toast, and fruit bowls, there’s something for everyone. The availability of gluten-free bread further adds to the excitement, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary preferences.

I ordered the juice of the day, a flat white with oat milk, and pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs. The juice was refreshing, a perfect start to the morning. The coffee had a bold flavor with slight acidity, delivering a satisfying kick. The pancakes were soft and fluffy, striking a delightful balance between savory and hearty when paired with the crispy bacon and creamy scrambled eggs.

Overall, Baristar is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed breakfast or brunch spot in a convenient location.

Drei Stuben: Where Rustic Charm Meets Comfort Food

Tucked away in a quiet part of Zurich, Drei Stuben welcomes guests with its rustic charm and cozy ambiance. The wooden interiors and intimate atmosphere make it the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease.

I started with an exceptionally good cappuccino—creamy, robust, and deeply satisfying. It had the perfect balance of rich espresso and velvety foam, a comforting prelude to the meal.

For the main course, I opted for the Cordon Bleu, which came with fries or salad. The meat itself was a little tough, and while the flavor wasn’t as bold as I’d hoped, the highlight was undoubtedly the gooey, creamy cheese oozing out with each bite. Paired with the tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, it provided a delightful contrast that cut through the heaviness of the dish.

While the execution of the Cordon Bleu could have been more refined, the overall experience at Drei Stuben was warm and enjoyable. It is a place that invites you to slow down and savor a comforting meal in a cozy setting.

Drei Stuben

Beckenhofstrasse 5, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

A Taste of Indonesia in Geneva: Bali Palace Indonesia

Bali Palace Indonesia serves authentic Indonesian cuisine, offering dishes such as Soto Betawi, Nasi Bali, and Ayam Penyet. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the Mandarin Oriental Geneva, the restaurant features a simple yet charming decor with Indonesian touches, including Batik tablecloths and rattan hats.

For my meal, I ordered the Nasi Padang, which came with rice, beef rendang, tofu, egg, and vegetables, along with a serving of cendol (a traditional Indonesian dessert made of tapioca jelly, coconut milk, brown sugar, and jackfruit) and Kue Lapis (layered cake).

Each dish tasted authentic, with a comforting homemade touch. The beef rendang was rich and tender, infused with deep, aromatic spices. The vegetables, tofu, and egg complemented the dish well, making for a well-balanced plate. The cendol was creamy with just the right amount of sweetness, and the tapioca jelly was soft yet slightly chewy, adding a delightful texture. As for the Kue Lapis, it was moist, buttery, and had a subtle hint of vanilla—an excellent way to end the meal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the food and would love to return to try other dishes if I find myself in Geneva again. Highly recommended for anyone craving an authentic Indonesian dining experience!

Bali Palace Indonesia

Rue des Corps-Saints 4, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

A Taste of Singapore in the Heart of Europe

After traveling through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland for almost two weeks, I found myself craving something different—a meal that wasn’t so meat-heavy. I also wanted a restaurant close to my hotel for a convenient and relaxing dining experience. Earlier that day, I had passed by a Singaporean restaurant called Jeck’s Place, and the thought of Southeast Asian flavors lingered in my mind. So, I decided to check it out.

Jeck’s Place has a cozy and authentic Southeast Asian feel, with décor that reflects the region’s culture. The restaurant features orchids, batik sarong-patterned tablecloths, wooden furniture, and ceiling fans, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional eatery in Singapore or Malaysia.

The restaurant is owned by a Singaporean couple, and on the day I visited, they were also serving the tables. The service was slow and somewhat lacking in warmth—a friendly demeanor would have made the experience more inviting.

The menu offers a mix of Thai, Singaporean, and Malaysian dishes, featuring a variety of familiar comfort foods. I decided to order:

  • Char Kuey Teow (stir-fried rice noodles)
  • Chicken and vegetable soup (which I appreciated because they offered individual portions)

The Char Kuey Teow was amazing—it had a deep, smoky wok hei (the distinctive charred aroma and umami flavor that comes from stir-frying over high heat). I honestly never expected to taste wok hei so authentic outside of Malaysia or Singapore, so I was impressed. The dish was packed with flavors that brought me straight back home.

However, the texture of the noodles was a bit too hard—they should have been soft and chewy.  I called over the male owner and mentioned the texture issue. His stern expression and blunt response—“This is rice noodles”—made me feel as if he was dismissing my concern, which was a little frustrating. Nonetheless, he returned the dish to the kitchen, and when he returned with a new plate, the noodles were softer and much better.

The chicken and vegetable soup was delicious and hearty. It reminded me of the comforting soups served at Malaysian Chinese wedding banquets. It had a deep, rich broth with well-balanced flavors.

Despite the mediocre service, the food made up for it. The authentic wok hei in the Char Kuey Teow was rare, and the soup was deeply satisfying. While the service could be friendlier, the quality of the food makes Jeck’s Place worth visiting—especially for those longing for a taste of Southeast Asia.

 

Jeck’s Place


Rue de Neuchâtel 14, 1201 Genève, Switzerland