Wedged neatly between Germany, Austria, France and Italy, Switzerland impresses with its unparalleled landscape and excellent chocolates. While no one will doubt the country’s alluring beauty, the question on every Muslim traveller’s lips is “Can we find halal food in Switzerland, ever?”
Don’t petrify yourself into thinking that you would only have to live on Toblerones throughout your Swiss vacation. Keep calm and let us take you to some of Switzerland’s Muslim-friendly eateries!
Disclaimer: In Switzerland, the practice of ritual slaughter - without stunning the animal before it bleeds to death - has been outlawed since 1978. However, the import of halal and kosher meat to respond to the needs of the Muslim and Jewish communities is allowed. Halal Certification Services Switzerland (HCS) is the country’s halal certifying body for food establishments. The restaurants featured in this article are either halal certified, Muslim owned, using halal ingredients in their menu or fully vegetarian/vegan eateries. We advise readers to dine at their own discretion.
Zurich
1. My Kitchen
This is a lovely little restaurant owned by a Malaysian couple – quite possibly a one-of-a-kind eatery in Switzerland. It serves a delectable spread of Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine, which is commonly spicy and very flavourful, as well as Japanese sushi.
Credit: suissepicture
Hot favourites include Char Kway Teow (stir fried thick noodles with chicken meat and soya sauce), Chicken Rice, Murtabak (Indian pancake with minced meat filling), Rojak (Malay salad with spicy peanut dressing), Rendang, Satay and Chicken Curry, to name a few. You can also order a plate of rice topped with your choice of mouth watering Malay dishes ranging from Ayam Goreng (deep fried crispy chicken pieces) to the coconut milk-based vegetable stew, Lodeh. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. Takeaway and group bookings are also available ☺️
Credit: My Kitchen on Facebook
Address: Franklinstrasse 6, 8050 Zurich
Operating hours: Mon – Sat: 11am to 2.30pm & 6pm to 10pm, (Closed on Sundays & public holidays)
Contact: +41 43 810 06 78
Price: $$
2. Yalla Habibi
Yalla Habibi serves a good selection of authentic yet affordable Lebanese and Mediterranean food. Start with a cold or hot appetizer such as samosa and falafel. Savour the piping hot pita bread with a variety of flavourful dips like hummus, tabouleh and baba ganoush.
Credit: Yalla Habibi
If you prefer the traditional Lebanese dining style where sharing is the norm, go for the popular and scrumptious mezze (a platter of appetizers, kebabs, kafta, shawarma, etc). It comes in servings for two, three or four people! You can opt for either a vegetarian or meat platter. To top off a good meal, there are five dessert items to choose from including the much loved baklava.
Credit: Yalla Habibi on Facebook
The restaurant has an indoor seating area for 18 people. Extra outdoor seating is provided in summer. Its takeaway counter is often busy serving customers who are after a quick bite of its delicious kebabs and wraps. Private banquet can be arranged for a group of at least 20 people. The menu is in German but fret not because there are photos for every item.
Credit: Yalla Habibi on Facebook
Address: Meinrad lienert Strasse 27, 8003 Canton of Zurich
Operating hours: Tue-Fri: 11am - 12am, Sat: 1pm - 12am, Sun: 1pm - 10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +41 43 333 14 60
Price: $$
3. Sahar Restaurant
If you’re after spicy, authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting, head over to Sahar Restaurant. From Dum Biryani, Shish Kebab, Chicken Tandoori to Roasted Leg of Lamb, this restaurant has an impressive menu ?
Credit: Sahar Restaurant on Facebook
Besides dine-in options, it also offers delivery and takeaway service. A delectable North Indian buffet spread is available during lunch time on some days, so it’s a good idea to call the restaurant beforehand to check.
Credit: Sahar Restaurant on Facebook
In true Indian dining style, wash down the rich flavours with a good glass of lassi (yoghurt drink) after your meal. If there’s still room in your belly, relax with a warm beverage. Choose from their cafe selection of top quality and fair trade coffee or tea to accompany a sweet Indian dessert.
Address: Richtiplatz 3, 8304 Wallisellen Zurich
Operating hours: Mon-Fri: 10.30am - 2.30pm & 5pm - 11pm, Sat: 11am – 11pm, Sun: Closed
Contact: +41 76 347 25 59
Price: $$
4. Elle ‘n’ Belle
This is an award winning, rock ‘n roll themed and possibly the most inventive vegan restaurant you will come across in Switzerland. Think funky dining furniture, retro and chic decor, Elvis inspired artefacts and an eclectic mix of crowd – from trendy youngsters to cool oldies.
Credit: @ellenbellevegan on Instagram
The dishes have amusing names like Red Godfather Burger, La Bamba (nachos), and Vampire Blues (baguette). The ingredients are a wild mix but creatively combined to form very tasty outcomes which will impress even the most diehard carnivore!
Credit: @ellenbellevegan on Instagram
The food is entirely vegan and vegetarian. They range from cheese platter, salad, lasagna with bolognaise of lentils to tofu with Thai glass noodles and pak choy (Asian greens). The menu is seasonal and changes every two months.
Credit: @ellenbellevegan on Instagram
It has a seating capacity for 100 people and a lovely alfresco garden area. This casual and hip eatery is understandably very popular and is almost always crowded. Head in there early or better still, make a reservation in advance.
Address: Limmatstrasse 118, 8005 Zurich
Operating hours: Mon-Thu: 11am – 11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am – 12am, Sun: Closed
Contact: +41 44 448 15 20
Price: $$
Lucerne
5. Tassnim Orient
As soon as you step into this Lebanese restaurant, you will feel that it is run by an owner who is very passionate about his business. You will be greeted with genuine hospitality, cosy ambience, melodious Arabic music and interesting knick-knacks. It is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from Lake Lucerne.
Credit: Tassnim Orient on Facebook
Expect the usual traditional Lebanese deliciousness such as grilled meat, hummus, fattoush, falafel, tabouleh and more. The food is reasonably priced, tasty and nicely presented ? If you’re short of time, the restaurant offers a takeaway menu. The dining capacity is small and it is popular with regulars. So, if you’re coming with a large group, it is best to make an advanced booking.
Credit: @tassnim3678 on Instagram
Address: Zurichstrasse 36, 6004 Lucerne
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Contact: +41 41 410 70 07
Price: $$
6. Tibits
Opened in 2000, Tibits is the brainchild of three Swiss brothers who wanted to provide vegans and vegetarians a delicious buffet spread in a cosy ambience with fast service.
Credit: Tibits on Facebook
This restaurant offers over 40 fresh and homemade dishes such as salads, West African Adobe Stew, stuffed Turkish Pide, lightly spiced Indian Dal and a creamy Italian Tomato Spelt Risotto. The menu changes seasonally.
Credit: @tibits_restaurants on Instagram
Every Tuesday from 11.30am onwards, the food boat (buffet counter) is completely vegan and free of any animal-related ingredients. On every other day, the restaurant serves at least 80% vegan but still fully vegetarian. Brunch is served every Sunday from 8am to 2.30pm.
Credit: Tibits on Facebook
With its strategic location on the first floor of the train station, this is one eatery you can’t miss! Tibits also has a number of outlets in other parts of Switzerland.
Address: Zentralstrasse 1 at the train station, 1st floor 6003 Lucerne
Operating hours: Mon – Thur: 6.30am – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 6.30am – 12am, Sun: 8am – 11pm (brunch on Sun from 8am – 2.30pm)
Contact: +41 41 226 18 88
Price: $$
Geneva
7. Pizza Presto
Besides serving primarily a la carte Moroccan and other Middle Eastern cuisine, Pizza Presto also offers a western meal selection such as salads, sandwiches, grilled meat, burgers and pizzas. Its delectable tagine dishes and couscous are a crowd favourite!
Credit: Pizza Presto on Facebook
It is a family friendly restaurant which caters to individual and group diners alike. If you desire a customised menu for a large group, notify them in advance and the chefs will be happy to discuss the available options with you. The restaurant is situated near the United Nations Office and the Gare Cornavan train station.
Credit: Pizza Presto on Facebook
Credit: Pizza Presto on Facebook
Address: Rue du Grand-Pré 45, 1202 Geneva
Operating hours: Mon-Sat: 11.30am – 2pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm, Sun: 4.30pm – 10.30pm
Contact: +41 22 786 33 33
Price: $ - $$
8. El Baraka Rotis Express
El Baraka offers scrumptious and inexpensive Syrian fast food and a la carte Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and western fare. It’s a rare gem in Switzerland which is famous for pricey meals.
Whether you prefer grilled vegetables, tasty salad, basmati rice dishes, lamb shank or a pasta meal, just to name a few, this nondescript eatery will satisfy your cravings. The service is friendly and commendable. The restaurant also caters to large groups with at least 24 hours advanced notice. Good news if you’re hit by hunger pangs in the middle of the night - the restaurant is open daily until 2am!
Address: Rue des Deux-Ponts 18, 1205 Geneva
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 11am – 2am
Contact: +41 76 303 04 42
Price: $ - $$
9. Baroush
Lush decoration, friendly staff, groovy live music and tasty food make this exotic restaurant one of the city’s favourites. It serves a fusion of delicious Lebanese and Moroccan cuisines and uses only halal certified meat. The majority of the ingredients used in their food are from French and Swiss producers. There are special menus during Ramadan.
Credit: @christophe_baroush on Instagram
Credit: Baroush
Address: 1 Carrefour de Rive 1207 Genève
Operating hours: Tue: 6 pm – 12am, Wed: 6pm – 12am, Thu-Sat: 6pm - 2am, Sun: 6pm – 12am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +41 22 849 59 59
Price: $$ - $$$
Interlaken
10. Napoli Pizza
Napoli Pizza is a fuss-free Italian pizza restaurant which also serves a wonderful mix of Turkish and Arabic fast food. If doner kebab, pizza, fried chicken wings and French fries are your idea of a quick meal, this restaurant will surely delight! But if you feel like loading up on a proper rice meal, pasta, hummus, grilled meat and more, this place will not disappoint either.
Credit: Napoli Pizza on Facebook
The service is quick and friendly and the ingredients are so fresh. It is conveniently located next to the Interlaken West train station. If you read German, you can also order the pizzas online. Delivery is free!
Credit: Napoli Pizza on Facebook
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 22, Interlaken 3800
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10.30am – 11pm
Contact: +41 33 822 08 04
Price: $ - $$
Lausanne
11. Istanbul – Grill & More
In the heart of Lausanne, you will find a lovely retreat which will delight your senses and make your belly happy. That place is called Istanbul – Grill & More, a well established Turkish restaurant which marries East and West. The dishes are inspired by European traditions but with strong Eastern flavours.
Credit: @istanbul_lausanne on Instagram
Upon entering the restaurant, you will immediately notice the open kitchen concept. It offers an insight into the delicate food preparation while at the same time, teasing guests with the scent of the Orient.
Credit: Istanbul on Facebook
Start your meal with a lentil soup entree and then proceed to the wide selection of meat dishes like lamb shank, Iskender kebab or perhaps, share a platter with a friend.
Don’t leave the restaurant without trying their mouth-watering baklava and other sweet treats. The creamy Turkish coffee is icing on the cake!
Credit: Istanbul on Facebook
Address: Rue des Côtes-de-Montbenon 20, 1003 Lausanne
Operating hours: Sun-Thu: 9am – 1am, Fri-Sat: 9am – 2am
Contact: +41 21 533 00 16
Price: $$
12. Le Grand Atlas
Le Grand Atlas is a halal treasure trove located just 50 metres away from the railway station. It is a grocery store, butchery, eatery and pastry shop all in one. Specialising in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products and cuisine, the selection of fresh halal meat is mind boggling! If you’re game enough to cook in your holiday apartment, you can buy lamb, mutton, beef, veal, farm chicken and even rabbit meat from the shop. The beef and chicken salami make for great sandwich fillers for meals on-the-go. There are also pre-made kefta (spicy ground beef patties), lamb chops, marinated steak pieces and sausages to put on the grill.
Credit: Le Grand Atlas
If cooking while on holiday is not your cup of tea, head over to the restaurant section where there are ready-to-eat meals to choose from. Whether it’s chickpea soup, tagine meat dishes, fish salad or beef steak, the food is cooked using fresh ingredients from the shop ☺️
Credit: Le Grand Atlas
Le Grand Atlas also prides itself in baking its own pastry desserts such as Moroccan Baklava and Almond Mehchi, which go perfectly with its selection of flavoured mint tea. As if the convenience it offers are not impressive enough, it also provides a delivery service!
Credit: Le Grand Atlas
Address: Avenue Louis Ruchonnet 3, 1003 Lausanne
Operating hours: Mon-Thu: 9am – 8pm, Fri: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 8pm (closed in between for Friday prayers), Sat: 9am 8pm, Sun: 9am – 8pm
Contact: +41 21 312 04 13
Price: $$
Switzerland is a melting pot of flavours from many different cultures. This is by no means an exhaustive list of Muslim friendly eateries in the country; there are more to explore. With the availability of halal food all over Switzerland, you are set to embark on an enjoyable gastronomic journey!
