First Glance: Swiss Taste, Central Park

Robynne Tindall, Contributing Editor | Apr 1, 2015 11:00 am | Add a comment | 2926 reads

Newly opened in Central Park, Swiss Taste is one of Beijing's only restaurants serving Swiss cuisine – in fact, apart from the Swissotel, I can think of few others. On the southwest corner of Central Park, the large space has a large outside terrace which will make for pleasant afterwork drinks. Expect a brunch and breakfast menu to come soon.

The menu features all the Swiss classics – fondue (RMB 138/258), raclette (RMB 88), flammkuchen (very thin bread pizzas topped with sour cream instead of cheese, RMB 88-258), and rosti (RMB 78-88). There is also a selection of dishes from Switzerland's neighboring France, Germany, and Austria, including Swiss-style riffs on macaroni and schnitzel.

Of the dishes we tried, the flammkuchen was definitely the standout, featuring an exceptionally thin crust and topped with a very generous helping of lardons. We also enjoyed an appetizer platter (RMB 188) featuring cured meats, cheeses, salad, marinated salmon, and a piquant beef tartare (both dishes pictured above).

Swiss Taste is also intended to function as a deli and this is where the concept really comes into its own, acting as a showcase for Swiss produce and Swiss culture in general. You can also pick up one of their more than 30 Swiss wines (some of which are available by the glass, starting from RMB 58) to take away, which will net you a 30 percent discount.

Some more pictures of our visit: