Christmas Treats: Cheese Fondue @ Cafe Swiss

What better place to get an authentic (well, as authentic as possible without the alps and a full day of skiing) cheese fondue in Shanghai than at Swissotel Grand, Shanghai’s Café Swiss restaurant? With Swiss origins, the country has named cheese fondue as their national dish, and we think this is the perfect meal for a cold winter’s night and an excellent antidote to the holiday chill. The single portions of cheese fondue (RMB 168 +15% service charge) were brought to our table on trays containing a white ceramic fondue pot heated by a tea light. Toasted cubes of baguette were laid out alongside cold cuts of meat and pickled mini gherkins and onions. Upon tabbing our bread with the long fondue forks provided, and eagerly dipping them into the thick, cheesy concoction, we were able to detect a hint of alcohol, as we had hoped and expected from a genuine dish, in the rich, creamy sauce. The chef confirmed to us that Swissotel’s fondue is made using wine as well as a mixture of imported Gruyere and Emmental cheese. It was such a pleasure to be warmed from the inside out on a cold evening, and made even more agreeable by a selection of red and white wine to the hotel. The gourmet feast was cooked to perfection allowing the stringy cheese to wind effortlessly around the lumps of bread when removed from the bubbling mixture. The warm and heavy comfort of the cheese was punctuated by the acidity and tang of the pickles, whereas the meats added extra richness and a saltiness. The fondue mixture was kept at a perfect temperature throughout the meal, with a thin crust of browned, crisp (but not burnt) cheese at the bottom which we greedily devoured at the end; a testament to the fine-looking fondue set in which it was presented. What is fantastic about Swissotel’s cheese fondue offering, is that if you don't want to venture out into the freezing temperatures to get your warming cheese fix, Swissotel have created a hamper, complete with all the ingredients you could possibly need for your own DIY gourmet dinner. The set comes in a beautiful wicker basket and includes the cheese fondue mixture, cold cuts, pickles and baguette (RMB 250).

Or, if you are feeling fancy, RMB 300 will also buy you your very own fondue pot!

So, whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself by indulging in your deepest cheese fantasies, this hamper is perfect for the festive season. Just remember to pre-order your basket one day in advance. Cheese fondue is available at Café Swiss until 30 December and a reservation in advance is recommended.

Café Swiss, Swissotel Grand, Shanghai. 1 Yuyuan Lu, near Changde Lu. Tel: 5355 9898

(ext. 6360). Web: www.shanghai.swissotel.com