Budget eating suggestions in Switzerland
 

Hi,
Can you suggest some budget eating options will be glad if you can give some indication on the cost. :
1. Geneva
2. Interlaken
3. Lauterbrunnen
4. Luzern
Howver, I defianately want to try the local cuisine so probably one meal can be a budget meal and I could spend a little more on my other meal.

While in Interlaken and Luzern, try the local supermarket (Co-Op & Migros). They've got great delis and/or self-service cafeterias. Or you can just pick a ready-made sandwich off the shelf. Or pick up supplies for your very own picnic. Then go find a bench by the lake or park!

Depending on your appetite, I'd plan on around 10 Chf p/p. Less if you don't order a drink or only eat, say, a small salad or bowl of soup.

You could also try the Manora cafeterias. There is one in Luzern and one in Geneva

We're going in the fall, and because the meals are so expensive there, we're eating out less at home. I figure for each 2-3 meals we don't eat out here, we can buy one nice dinner in Switzerland. I also plan to take high fiber bars or energy bars to eat while walking. I figure we can stuff a lot of those into the nooks and crannies of our carryon.I assume they can be brought in since they are wrapped.

Hi prepar,
My advice is to fill up before you get to Switzerland and then eat again when you leave the country! Just kidding, but only slightly. Food is quite expensive.

Even though we had an apt it was still expensive...two thin porkchops in the grocery store were $12. Yikes. There is a large grocery store in Interlaken and a smaller one in Lauterbrunnen where you can buy munchies and fruit to carry in your daypack. We would do this daily and then during our hike we would just sit and eat lunch and admire the view. It can't be beat. Some of our best memories from our trip to the BO were our picnic lunches.

You will love Switzerland,
Michele

My advice is go to every single Movenpick and live on the ice cream. There are definitely branches in Geneva and Lucerne. Ah, ice cream to die for!

In addition to grocery stores, bakeries are a relatively inexpensive option for good bread and ready made sandwiches.

Personally, I don't think the prepared food at the big chain grocery stores is very good, nor is it really that cheap. Ditto for their cafeterias. For good prepared food, you are better off going to Globus, though I think it is only in Lucerne and Geneva, and is relatively expensive. Otherwise, If trying to eat from Migros or Coop, I would suggest skipping the prepared food counters and getting bread, cold-cuts, etc.

As to other "cheap" options, the doner kebabs are usually a good choice, as are sausages. Sandwiches and the like from bakeries also work. Regardless, you will struggle to spend less than $10 for a meal. And I would be careful in choosing your "splurge" meal, as you can easily spend a fair amount of money on a bad or adequate meal in Switzerland.

Oh thanks for all the suggestion.
I will definately pick lots of fruits so as to take care of my in between munching and part of my breakfast as my hotel deals don't include breakfast. Can always pick cereals and milk for breakfast too. Yeah I am crazy about Ice-creams, so that is definately on my priority.Also will stick to the picnic meal for my lunch and I am sure will enjoy eating at near the lake.Dinner I could spurlge a little.
I have kept a total daily budget for 3 of us (1 child) of about 75 CHF and I think if I stick to the above this should be sufficient.

> my hotel deals don't include breakfast ...

Are you sure? I'm a bit surprised because in Switzerland, unless you are staying at 5* hotels where breakfast is CHF40 - 50 additional, almost always breakfast is included (unlike in France).

Fresh pasta at COOP was inexpensive meals for us. Water boils quicker at high altitudes and fresh pasta/ravioli/tortelini cooks in 2 minutes. Speeeedy!

I think you will do fine with 75 CHF a day for food. 10-15 for breakfast at most, 15-20 or so for a picnic lunch and then 45-50 for dinner. It's very doable. You will have a budget and need to stick to it. A little less here and there will afford you a bit more for your special dinner out.

Hi Kappa1, I have booked with IBIS in Geneva and Luzern and then I had the option of selecting if I wanted the breakfast or not, so at the moment I have not selected that option. In Interlaken my hotel rate includes my breakfast.

Hi prepar,

I am a bit concerned about your food budget, even with the hints here to cut costs. I usually allow myself 50 chf per day for meals, and I usually have breakfasts included with the hotel. I hope you do manage to make that budget limit!

Another way to cut costs will be to have your big, main meal at lunchtime, when restaurants offer a menu at a reduced rate. Then have a quick picnic at dinnertime and linger with some good wine at a nice outdoor spot.

Have fun!

s

I would look to increase the budget a bit. Food in Switzerland is ridiculously expensive and CHF 75 is hardly anything for 3 people. You will almost certainly not be able to really sit down anywhere for lunch or dinner. Even pizza, salad, and a drink for 3 can run you CHF 50 or more. Counting on CHF 100 might be more realistic.

Don't get me wrong, you can get by on CHF 75, but it will require most meals to be a picnic or fast-food/take-away.

Ok, Ibis, that's a 2-star hotel of ACCOR (French) chain. It's a rare case in Switzerland but true they don't include breakfast, just like their hotels in France.

You may not want to do this, but we bought a kettle, at a Tesco's and used it in our room to make tea and instant coffe, and had breakfast in our room. Bought rolls, etc. at the bakery the day before. Don't know if kettles are ok in all hotels, but we used one while in Switzerland, and France.
My friend likes to have tea in the evening, and the cheapest electric kettle paid for itself in about 2 days.

Hi Nlingenfel, Infact I was planning to ask if its ok if I carry a electric kettle as my husband is a big tea drinker. I will now surely do that. Should I bring it along with me or buy it when I am there.

If bringing from home, make sure it's dual voltage, usually with a little switch to change to European voltage of 220-230V. Also you'll need a plug adaptor. Buying one locally saves this hassle, but you'll probably pay more. You only need a travel kettle/jug. Regular kettle (1L capacity) costs from around 20 CHF ($19).
http://www.melectronics.ch/g3.cms/s_.../s_level/11300

I'm sorry but I don't think 75 CHF for 3 people is sufficient, in the cities mentioned. Even eating from the grocery store, bakeries, street food, and take-away that will be very tight. Food in Switzerland is expensive!