Last month, I received a lovely invitation from Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu to experience Savour Switzerland—a limited-time culinary celebration that brings the heart of Swiss cuisine straight to Cebu.
As someone who believes food is one of the best ways to understand a culture, I was excited to rediscover Mövenpick’s Swiss roots through the comforting flavors of the Alps, classic recipes, and well-loved dishes reimagined with exceptional craftsmanship.
A TASTE OF SWISS HERITAGE
We began our meal with the cutest little Mini Mountain Rösti—a bite-sized amuse bouche that was crisp on the outside, buttery-soft on the inside. Simple, elegant, and so Swiss.
Next came a traditional favorite: the Cervelat Potato Salad. Think smoked sausage, tender potatoes, herbs, and comforting flavors that strike a perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. I can absolutely see why it’s a beloved Swiss staple.
The Country-Style Vegetable Soup with Beef brought pure warmth to the table. Chunky vegetables, tender beef, and a savory broth—like a hug in a bowl, especially on a rainy day.
One of my favorites was the Braised Fish Fillet Genevese, a refined French-Swiss dish highlighting delicately cooked fish in an aromatic, silky sauce. It was light, elegant, and beautifully executed.
LIVE STATION DELIGHTS
We also had a bit of culinary entertainment as chefs prepared dishes live outside our private dining room.
The star? Pork Zurich Style—juicy, perfectly grilled pork served with a creamy mushroom sauce inspired by the flavors of Zurich.
Then came the Raclette (oh, cheese lovers—this one’s for you!) paired with cold cuts and boiled potatoes.
And of course, the Swiss Herb Buttered Spaetzle stole my heart. Soft egg noodles tossed in fragrant herb butter—simple, comforting, and irresistible.
A SWEET SWISS FINALE
Dessert was a showstopper:
A beautiful trio featuring Toasted Brioche with Dark Chocolate Mousse and Vanilla Ice Cream, Bread Cake, and Swiss Meringue.
The dark chocolate mousse was my absolute favorite—silky, rich, and indulgently smooth. The kind of dessert that lingers lovingly on the palate.
CONVERSATIONS OVER A SWISS FEAST
Throughout the lunch, I had the privilege of sitting beside Mr. Simon Chew, the General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.
We talked about the hospitality industry, the resilience of their team through the pandemic, and the recent earthquake. Despite these challenges, their commitment to excellent service remains unwavering.
He shared that Savour Switzerland is Mövenpick’s heartfelt tribute to their Swiss roots—a culinary nod to where the brand began, shared with guests here in Cebu. “Through Savour Switzerland, we bring our heritage to the forefront—combining authentic Swiss flavours with the island’s laid-back elegance,” adds Mr. Chew.
WHAT I TOOK HOME FROM THIS EXPERIENCE
As someone who loves exploring cultures through food, I walked away from this Swiss feast with three meaningful realizations:
1. Cultures blend beautifully—especially through food.
Swiss cuisine is influenced by German, French, and Italian traditions. That’s why dishes like fondue and rösti feel familiar yet uniquely Swiss.
2. Good food starts with simple, local ingredients.
Potatoes, herbs, cheese, sausages—Swiss cooking honors what grows around them. It’s a reminder that local ingredients truly elevate a dish.
3. Food is community. Food is connection.
From fondue to raclette, Swiss dishes are made for sharing. And around that table at Mövenpick, I felt that same warmth and connection.
A PERSONAL NOTE TO END THIS JOURNEY
This Swiss-inspired lunch wasn’t just a meal—it felt like a cultural postcard from across the world. Every dish had a story, every flavor carried tradition, and the experience reminded me why I love writing about food in the first place.
Food teaches us. It connects us. It gives us a taste of places we’ve never been and memories we’ll carry long after the last bite.
Savour Switzerland reminded me that sometimes, we don’t need a plane ticket to travel—you can explore the world one plate at a time.
For reservations or inquiries, call +63 32 252 7777 or email hotel.cebu@movenpick.com
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