Rösti

Rösti, sometimes spelled rööschti, is a cherished Swiss dish primarily made from potatoes, cooked in a style reminiscent of fritters. Originally a breakfast favorite among farmers in the canton of Bern, it has since become a staple throughout Switzerland and even internationally. The French appellation "röstis bernois" honors its Bernese origins. Many Swiss people regard rösti as a national dish, often serving it with spinach and fried eggs (Spinat und Spiegelei) or cervelas (a type of sausage). In Swiss restaurants, it is a popular alternative to conventional side dishes.

Preparing rösti is quite simple. Start with coarsely grated potatoes, which can be either par-cooked or raw. These are then shaped into rounds or patties and fried in oil or butter. For a healthier option, you can omit the added fats. To enhance the dish, some people incorporate ingredients like bacon, onion, cheese, apple, or herbs. Rösti can be either pan-fried or baked in the oven, and it varies in size and thickness.

While rösti is particularly popular in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, it is enjoyed across the entire nation. It is often viewed as a symbol of Swiss-German culture, in contrast to the Latin culture of the French-speaking areas. The playful term "Röstigraben" or "rösti ditch" is used to describe the cultural and linguistic divide between these two regions.