Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein

This famous veal sausage from St. Gallen is the clear favourite at barbecues, fêtes and other festivals throughout Switzerland: Swiss National Day (1 August) would not be complete without it. In 2007 it was awarded IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée, Protected Geographical Indication) status, of which the St. Gallen butchers are proud. Only the finest veal, a little bacon and fresh milk may be used as ingredients. The Swiss prefer their favourite sausage served crisp and brown from the grill, accompanied by a crunchy Bürli roll.

Anyone asking for Hüppen in Switzerland means only one thing: the crispy wafer rolls from Gottlieben on Lake Constance. The Gottlieber company has been making them here since 1928, and now produces eleven million of the little delicacies every year. Each Hüppe is baked by hand, rolled like a cigar, and then given a chocolate or amaretto filling.

Schlorziflade, Haselbeizonne, Fenz: quirkily named dishes and foodstuffs are one of the hallmarks of Eastern Switzerland. Another such is Bloderchäs: a low-fat cheese made in the regions of Toggenburg, Werdenberg and Liechtenstein from curdled milk ("Blodermilch" in the local dialect) without the addition of rennet. It goes well with local Rhine valley corn, Knöpfli (cheese dumplings) or potatoes.

Mostbröckli from Appenzell are one of the finest creations of the butcher's art. Tender pieces of beef loin are placed in a spicy marinade, and then smoked using selected varieties of wood and herbs. How, exactly? Butchers refuse to say. Each has a slightly different Mostbröckli recipe: a family secret, passed from parent to child.

Traditional Käsknöpfle – tiny golden cheese dumplings – are almost the national dish of neighbouring Liechtenstein. Freshly made, they are typically served accompanied by spicy grated cheese, crisp fried onions and fresh apple sauce. The dish invariably goes down well – whether enjoyed on a sunny terrace in summer, or in front of an open fire in winter.

Generations of residents of the Rhine valley have grown up with this ancient variety of corn, which is soaked and roasted until lightly crisp. Traditional Rheintaler Ribelmais might have disappeared but for the initiative of local people, and in summer 2000 it became only the second product in the country to be awarded an AOC label (protected designation of origin).

"Riesling soup" from Schaffhausen is no ordinary starter. This king among soups is made with bouillon, leeks, potatoes, butter and cream – and the finest Riesling-Sylvaner wine from the vineyards of the Schaffhausen region. It tastes best with a dollop of cream on top: sublime!