COCONUTS HOT SPOTS – Thailand and Switzerland have enjoyed an interesting relationship over the years. It was in this mountainous nation that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was educated, and it’s currently a popular vacation destination for wealthy Thai travellers.
Despite these strong ties, it takes a thorough search to locate a decent Swiss restaurant in the Kingdom. If you’re longing for some cheese and chocolate, we’ll spare you the hunt by pointing you toward the Swiss Choice on Shukhumvit Soi 43.
The unassuming storefront of this Swiss eatery doesn’t entirely hint at the delicacies served within. Inside, you’ll find a very in-your-face Swiss motif, complete with a giant roan cattle model to fully cement the Swiss identity. The restaurant doubles as a Swiss market as well. Downstairs, refrigerators house what might be the finest selection of Swiss cheeses in Krungthep. All cheeses sold are certified by the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) – a Swiss organization that verifies certain Swiss products as made within their purported country of origin and adhering to stringent purity standards. You won’t find any Thai products associated with Switzerland here. This is the real deal, straight from the land of alphorn-blowing and cheese eating.
For those who aren’t well acquainted with Swiss cuisine, it’s important to expect plenty of cheese. Cheese is everywhere on the menu from the sinful croûte au fromage (THB290), a Swiss staple consisting of toasted bread covered with melted cheese and a white wine sauce, all the way to the steak au Gruyère (THB280), a slab of cheese covered in breadcrumbs and served with a homemade mayonnaise.
A true Swiss tradition, fondue, is not to be missed. The fondue moitié-moitié (THB420) is half Vacherin Fribourgeois AOC cheese, half Gruyère AOC cheese and all delicious. Ample bread is served for communal dipping.
At THB90, the Swiss sandwich (Croque-Monsieur style) delivers incredible value. With a simple filling of Swiss cheese and mustard, the sandwich offers a bare bones delight. Along with the sandwich, the Hot-Swiss mousse (THB170) is a good option to take home.
The cheese shop and Swiss Market open at 11am. The restaurant portion of the operation is open from 11am to 2pm for lunch, and then again from 6 – 8pm for dinner. It’s just a short walk down Sukhumvit 43, and can be found on the left hand side of the street. Identifying the restaurant is easy, thanks to the banners of Swiss flags adorning its shop front.
FIND IT
The Swiss Choice
3/3 Sukhumvit Road Soi 43 Klongton-Nua
Wattana Bangkok 10110
+6622590590
Open Monday through Saturday
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