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Writer's picturePooja Tailor

Where to eat in Switzerland as a vegetarian (Jain/Swaminarayan diet with no onions/no garlic)?

As a vegetarian family following a Swaminarayan/Jain diet, which excludes onions and garlic, finding suitable dining options can be challenging. However, we discovered some wonderful spots in Switzerland that catered to our dietary needs. Here, I share only the places we truly enjoyed.


Geneva


Located in the heart of Geneva, Bio Fred is a simple eatery for those who appreciate organic and locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant focuses on ayurvedic principles, ensuring that no onion or garlic is used in their meals. Their menu is a delightful mix of soups, sandwiches, salads, bowls, desserts, fresh juices, and smoothies. We enjoyed their tofu sandwich and avocado sandwich while the kids indulged in their chocolate mousse after they had already eaten their lunch prior.


Interlaken



This was my absolute favorite discovery and I will vouch for this place also based on all the people I recommended this place to who also enjoyed the food here. Bhojan at Hotel The restaurant offers a 4-course vegetarian meal, which can be customized to exclude onion and garlic. We enjoyed a delicious spread of nachos with cheese sauce, enchiladas, paneer tikka, kadhi, pulao, and fruit custard. They also have a menu of Gujarati farsan (snacks) and we got their theplas and khaman dhokla to pack the next day for our long train ride. The snacks were so fulfilling.


Note: The restaurant is located within a hotel and is typically for the guests who stay at the hotel but if your reach out to the owner at least 1 day in advance, they can accomodate your request.


The owner's name is Chiragbhai and you can send him a message at +41 76 686 88 82


  • IL BUONGUSTAIO This cozy pizzeria offers a few vegetarian pizzas, loaded with fresh ingredients. The sauce is Jain/Swaminarayan friendly.


a vegetarian & vegan brunch spot where we savored fresh avocado toast and a mango smoothie bowl.


Lucerne


Tibits (franchise)

Tibits in Lucerne was a revelation. This self-service vegetarian and vegan restaurant offers a buffet-style spread with a wide variety of dishes. From salads and soups to hot mains and desserts, everything was fresh, flavorful, and creatively presented.



They list out all allergens, including alliums like onion and garlic, for every dish. We had a fulfilling lunch with bean chili, rice, roasted veggies, and their house dressing. It’s a family-friendly place with a special kids' corner with toys and activities.


For another Italian fix, we visited La Bestia Pizza in Lucerne. The vegetarian options were plentiful, and we enoyed the unique pizzas.


They offer the option of a Jain sambhar, but your options are limited to plain dosa, uttapams, idlis and wadas. There aren't many south indian restaurants we came across in Switzerland so we were happy to discover this one.


Indian Restaurant (yes, that's the name of the restaurant)


This place was so comfoting. The owner was super friendly, and the food tasted home-made, with no cream, butter, or extra masalas. It was a simple and comforting meal, exactly what we needed. We ordered baingan bharta, chana masala and paneer makhani for the kids.


Ice cream/gelato (eggless)



Interlaken - Sweet Shop: Don't miss their coconut ice cream.

Lucerne - Gelavena Glace: Their hazelnut ice cream is a must-try.

Geneva - Manu Gelato: Indulge in the delicious pistachio ice cream.

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