There is so much that Switzerland has to offer visitors and new residents. From skiing along the Swiss Alps to swimming in its beautiful lakes, to immersing yourself in the country's rich history through its cities, those traveling to one of the most fascinating places in Europe have so many options to choose a few from. So where to start? With the kitchen, of course! The culture of a country is reflected in its food. Traditional recipes and dishes have histories that date back generations across Europe. Switzerland is no exception. The goodness of their chocolate, for example, is known throughout the world and has been part of the country's history since the 17th century. That's over four hundred years of fantastic cocoa desserts! Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay However, it is not with the desserts that the reputation of Swiss food ends. When it comes to dipping bread in melted cheese, it all starts in Switzerland. The fondue is Swiss through and through. Known since at least the late 17th century, this Swiss national dish is a delicacy of community and interactivity. Family and friends sitting around a pot full of piping hot cheese, long-stemmed forks in hand, is a common scene both in Switzerland and other parts of the world. Its popularity grew in North America in the late 1960s with no sign of returning to obscurity. Fondue pots are featured in many wedding registries, and if you don't have one, you have a friend who does. But where to go to eat fondue in the land where it was born? The simple truth is that you will be able to find a place to eat fondue in Switzerland, wherever you go. A fancy restaurant, a small cafe, or the home of a tourist-loving resident will be able to satisfy your craving for melted cheese. If you're looking for the best the country has to offer, however, the following seven places are where you need to start. Friborger FonduestübliAnyone looking for a truly magnificent and traditional fondue should head to Friborger Fonduestübli in the canton of Fribourg. Specializing in two blends of Firbourger cheeses - moitié-moitié, a double blend of vacherin fribourgeois and groyère and vacherin fribourgeois - this Zurich restaurant is as authentic as you can imagine. Here you'll find a healthy mix of tourists and locals, a great wine list and reasonable prices for a fantastic fondue. The aroma of the cheese is quite intense, so be careful about the clothes you dine in if you don't want them to smell delicious by the end of the night. Be sure to finish your meal with a shot of kirsch, a Swiss fruit brandy that aids digestion. Le Gruyérien Chäsalp As Switzerland's largest city, Zurich is full of large and small fondue options. If you don't mind traveling a little east of the city, though, you can find yourself in the quaint local restaurant in Chäsalp. Offering a wide range of cheeses for your dining pleasure, Chäsalp is not afraid to stray from tradition. You can enjoy a multitude of fondue flavors including mushroom, apple, chili and even tomato sauce. If you're looking for a champagne dinner and a little extra romance, try the "sparkling" option. Tourists tend not to enter this small, intimate restaurant, so there's no better choice if you're looking for an authentic fondue dining experience.