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When it comes to Swiss comfort food, few dishes rival the satisfaction of a classic cordon bleu.

This iconic meal—a breaded cutlet stuffed with ham and gooey melted cheese—has become a favorite across Switzerland, and Basel is no exception.

I had the chance to try the famous cordon bleu at Gifthüttli, hands down the best place to enjoy it in Basel!

Cordon Bleu in Switzerland

While cordon bleu has French origins, it has been wholeheartedly embraced by Switzerland, where it has become a staple in many local restaurants.

The dish is said to have gained popularity in the mid-20th century, thanks to its indulgent layers of meat and cheese wrapped in crispy breading.

Switzerland’s culinary reputation for high-quality ingredients, like locally produced cheese, has helped elevate cordon bleu to new heights.

Spending the weekend in Basel? Read Basel, Switzerland: What to Do, See, and Eat!

The Best Place to Try Cordon Bleu in Basel

If you’re in Basel and craving the perfect cordon bleu, look no further than Gifthüttli.

The restaurant sits in the heart of the city, and I had an amazing time walking the cobblestone streets until we reached the door.

I also tried Fondue when visiting Switzerland! Read about The Best Fondue In Switzerland At Restaurant Taverne!

Gifthüttli

Gifthüttli is one of Basel’s most famous and historic restaurants. The cozy, wooden interior gives it a classic “Beize” feel, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.

The name “Gifthüttli” has an interesting backstory that dates back over 100 years. Originally, pubs in Basel only served wine, and beer was only available at nearby breweries.

Innocenz Weiss, the owner of the “zum Ritter St. Georg” pub, became the first to serve both beer and wine.

This caused quite a stir in the town, and a local paper even called it “poison” to drink beer outside the brewery.

Embracing the humor, Weiss renamed his pub “Gifthüttli,” which translates to “Little Poison Hut.”

The name stuck, and today, Gifthüttli remains a beloved spot in Basel. Since 1990, it’s been known for its delicious cordon bleu, a Swiss dish you absolutely have to try.

The Cordon Bleu At Gifthüttli

They have a variety of takes on Cordon Bleu, each one highlighting a different country’s culinary flavors.

Swiss Cordon Bleu

First, I tried the Swiss cordon bleu since we were in Switzerland! It was filled with Bündner ham and raclette cheese.

This one was breaded as well, and the raclette cheese gave it a wonderful creamy, smoky taste.

French Cordon Bleu

We also tried the Truffle, which is French-inspired. Truffle is a luxurious ingredient often associated with French cuisine, and since we would be visiting France too, we had to try it.

The combination of truffle, ham, and cheese in this version is a nod to the sophisticated flavors often found in French cooking.

It was delicious and we left the restaurant full and ready for a few cocktails at Hinz & Kunz: The Best Cocktail Bar In Basel, Switzerland!

Where Is Gifthüttli?

You can find this lively restaurant in Basel’s Old Town.

Explore More Of Switzerland

Basel was our first stop during our adventure around Switzerland.

From here, we visited Interlaken. We visited Harder Kulm: Meet The Dog On The Top Of Interlaken.

We also took a Bike Lauterbrunnen Valley: Everything You Need To Know!

My favorite hike in Switzerland is the Aare Gorge. Here is Your Ultimate Guide To The Gorgeous Aare Gorge In Switzerland

Want more foodie spots? Try The Best Fondue In Switzerland is At Restaurant Taverne.

You can also pay a visit to the underrated The Ultimate Guide To Switzerland’s Wine Country!

Read all of our Switzerland Travel Guides.

Heading to Paris after? Check out all of my France Travel Guides.