Michelle Chung, Healthcare Delivery in Switzerland Summer 2023
Part of what makes up my identity is my background as a Korean American, and my identity is a part of my soul. Some ways I try to introduce friends to my culture are through Korea’s delicious foods, whether it be by cooking kimchi jjigae for my friends at a potluck or by introducing new Korean barbecue restaurants in town. I bond with people over food and express my love through my cooking. Thus, food is the window to my soul.
When I was in Switzerland for my Study Abroad Program titled “Healthcare Delivery in Switzerland,” I was able to try new and unique foods over my two-week stay. I did not have a kitchen, so I had to eat at restaurants and supermarkets. Due to Switzerland’s expensive nature, I found myself eating at supermarkets and convenience stores more often. Eating at restaurants in Switzerland cost around 30–40 francs ($33–44) for an entree, but convenience stores usually sell items for 12 francs ($13.22).
I have tried foods I’ve never had before, such as schnitzel, rosti, veal, fondue, and raclette. Veal schnitzel was my favorite, as it was very tender and flavorful. It reminded me of a Korean dish called donkatsu, which consists of a fried pork cutlet with a tangy sauce. The fondue and raclette were very rich in flavor, but I had a hard time eating too much dairy as I am lactose intolerant. However, if you are a big fan of savory, cheesy flavors, I would recommend eating rosti with fondue.
The food reflected the city I was in. As I got closer to the countryside in Grindelwald, I was able to find fresh fruits, vegetables, and jams made by farmers in the area. These fruits tasted even better than the ones in cities such as Bern and Zurich. Near the cities, there were many vegan-inclusive restaurants with many options and a variety of protein choices.
When traveling to Europe, I knew that switching from the Asian foods I was used to that did not consist of dairy products to a culture with cuisines revolving around dairy was going to be difficult. I tried not to eat as much dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk as I knew I would get a stomach ache. I ate them in moderation, which worked out to be fine for me. Overall, adapting my diet was not too hard, as there were many different options for food in Switzerland.
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