A Vegetarian's Guide To Switzerland

Today, it's easier than ever to find plant-based meals in the Alpine country

- Prachi Joshi

When a certain Ambrosius Hiltl took over the Vegetarierheim and Abstinence-Café in Zurich, and gave it his name, little did he know that he was creating history. As the Guinness-certified oldest, continuously operating vegetarian restaurant in the world, Haus Hiltl may have been an anomaly in Swiss gastronomy in the late 19th century. But, in today's health-conscious world, it is on point.

Across Switzerland, from casual bistros to fine dines and even Michelin-starred restaurants, Swiss chefs have stepped up to the plate and are pushing the envelope with vegetarian dining. According to a recent report by The Eco Experts, a London-based consultancy that advises consumers on the most cost-and energy-efficient ways of going green, Switzerland has the highest density of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Europe, with 165.94 places per 1,00,000 people. Here's our pick of 11 restaurants where vegetables are the stars of the show.

CHESA STÜVA COLANI, MADULAIN

For chef Paolo Casanova, foraging in the Engadin valley is a daily ritual. At this one-Michelinstarred restaurant, the day's pickings make an appearance on your plate, whether it's wild mushrooms or herbs. Housed in a 17th-century building, the restaurant's ambience is as rustic-chic as its eight-course vegan or nine-course vegetarian menu. The cuisine leans Italian but with unusual twists, so you might be served chestnut ravioli with walnut cheese and salted peanut foam; or chef Casanova's take on breakfast-a savoury croissant with green tomato jam, pumpkin cappuccino, and a fermented vegetable salad. Note that the restaurant opens in early June for the summer season. hotelchesacolani.com

MAGDALENA, SCHWYZ