Fun fact: Did you know that the fondue was a creation by cheese-makers less than 100 years ago so that people would consume more cheese? I'm not sure if that is the greatest scheme to sell cheese or an absolute success business story but either way, the Swiss love the fondue. Every household must have a fondue kit and it's an essential event during the winter.
There are a few rules and traditions associated with eating fondue and I thought I'd share a few of them from what I learned from other Swiss. Just note that traditions change from house to house and region to region so don't take in everything I say!
1. Hold off on the bread
The fondue takes a little bit of heating up to do so the night starts off with some apero: a few pre-drinks and platters of munchies like pickles, salami, and bread. Don't overeat the bread. Fondue is definitely a filling meal so don't overeat and over indulge yourself before the big event. Even better, hold off on eating for that day.
2. With fondue, it's always white wine
It's often forgotten that fondue is made out of 3 ingridients: cheese, broth, and yes white wine. Did you know Switzerland also produces wine? Although, that's like a Swiss secret because it's rarely exported and it's mostly consumed 100% domestically. That doesn't mean Swiss are alcoholics, but we make just enough to enjoy for themselves and not really intended for worldwide marketing.
Of course, you're welcome to drink any alcohol while enjoying a nice pot of fondue but white wine actually helps to dissolve the heavy cheese so I would highly recommend that you stick to the wine ;)
* Also a note for those who are allergic or not big alcohol drinkers that fondue does contain alcohol and the wine is just warmed with the cheese, not to boil so there is a little bit of alcohol left albeit not very strong. But just something to note as one of my friends who is allergic to alcohol was not feeling well after feasting on fondue
3. Fondue is heavy
Fondue is like magic. It brings so much joy and excitement as the melted cheese starts to fill the room and starts to boil. But don't forget that you're eating big globs of cheese and especially for those who are not used to eating large quantities of them, it will get to your digestive system. Especialy the first time eating fondue. So don't gobble up the fondue, eat it slowly and take your time
4.Follow the rules
Swiss people are clean people. There are a few etiquette rules when it comes to fondue.
1) No double-dipping - once you dunk your break piece in, take it out and eat in one go. Don't re-dip it agai
2) Twirling - don't let the cheese stretch out to your plate. When you dip and take out the cheese from the pot, twist it a bit like you do with sphagetti
3) And most importantly, don't drop the bread in the pot! The consequences differ per region but most likely you will have to take off your clothes and run around the house (or neighborhood) naked. For girls, you have to kiss everyone at the table. In any case, you will get a round of shaming
5. What happens when you reach the end of the pot?
The end of the pot is what we call the "golden" part, literally! It's slightly burned and hardened. If you're at a restaurant, you can ask the server to have it "religieux" (literally means "religious", not sure where this name came from) and they'll scrape the bottom for your for a delicious post-fondue snack. Yum!
Can't beat this tradition
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