How to balance authenticity and local taste in Chinese restaurants - Insights with René Bachmann
Interview by Susan Wang
Interview with René Bachmann about Chinese cuisine in Switzerland
Q: How familiar are the Swiss with Chinese cuisine?
A: When I first came into contact with the diversity of Chinese cuisine, I was really overwhelmed. As a Swiss person, I had no idea how rich and varied Chinese cuisine is. I think many Swiss people feel the same way. In my experience, this lack of knowledge sometimes leads restaurant owners to adapt the flavors to Western palates or even offer Western dishes to appeal to local diners.
Q: How does Chinese cuisine differ from other Asian cuisines?
A: That's a good question. I wouldn't say I'm an expert on all these cuisines, but as far as I know, Japanese cuisine, for example, is known for its focus on fresh fish and detailed presentation, with sushi being an iconic dish. Thai cuisine is often characterized by the use of aromatic herbs and spices, especially in dishes such as green curry and pad thai. Chinese cuisine, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of regional styles and flavors that vary greatly from country to country.
Q: Where can you find authentic Chinese food in Switzerland?
A: The easiest way to experience authentic Chinese cuisine is to visit a Chinese restaurant. There are plenty of them in Switzerland, each with their own specialties and stories. But there are also other ways to get involved with authentic Chinese food. Attending a Chinese New Year festival, taking a cooking class or visiting an Asian grocery store are good ways to discover authentic ingredients and prepared foods.
Q: What challenges do Chinese restaurant owners face in Switzerland?
A: One of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance of flavors to appeal to local diners. Authentic Chinese flavors don't always match Swiss taste preferences, so some restaurants adapt their recipes to local expectations. Others even include Swiss dishes in their menus to expand their offerings. It takes patience, creativity and a good understanding of local tastes to delight Swiss diners with authentic Chinese dishes.
Q: What do Swiss guests expect from a visit to a restaurant?
A: Swiss diners attach great importance to hygiene, healthy ingredients and local sourcing. There is a growing interest in understanding where ingredients come from and how they are produced. Chinese restaurants need to meet these expectations in terms of transparency and freshness in order to build trust with local diners.
Q: How do restaurant owners source the ingredients for authentic Chinese dishes?
A: Sourcing authentic ingredients can be a challenge. Some key ingredients are not readily available and it takes time and effort to build a local supplier network. Cultural differences and the lack of established local partnerships can also be an obstacle. However, many restaurants already have good connections with local sources. We encourage others to turn to local producers for fresh vegetables and meat, which builds confidence among Swiss consumers.
Q: How can the China Foods Alliance support these restaurants?
René Bachmann: The China Foods Alliance is aware of these challenges and offers support to raise awareness of Chinese food culture in Switzerland. We help restaurant owners to maintain quality and get in touch with local producers.
Tips to enhance the dining experience:
- Work with suppliers who specialize in authentic Chinese ingredients.
- Use local produce where possible to promote freshness and support Swiss farmers.
- Include information on the menu about the history and health benefits of the dishes to promote guest understanding.
- Communicate with guests in a local, personable tone.
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