Swiss Nights at Tavola36 | Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
When we think of Swiss cuisine, the first things that come to mind are delicate cheeses and sinful chocolates—but at Tavola36 at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, diners will be introduced to an exciting world of Switzerland’s gastronomic legacy, beyond fromage and chocolat. On Thursday evenings, the restaurant holds a mini Swiss festival in the form of a decadent buffet to pay tribute to the hotel’s origin.

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Be prepared to be immersed in a huge array of Swiss dishes especially prepared for those who would like to discover and explore this cuisine. Although Swiss food is greatly influenced by French, Italian, and German cooking, it is made distinct by its heavy use of potatoes and cheeses, produce that are widely used in a country blessed with vast farmlands and mountains. So aside from raclette and Lindt (which is not served at Tavola, by the way), traditional dishes like rösti (potato pancake); bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef); älplermagronen (macaroni, potatoes, and cheese, served with apple puree); and papet vaudois (sausage) await hungry diners—but then again, we won’t judge you if you go straight to the cheese and chocolate fountains.

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai

There’s a foie gras station, where the chef happily piles seared duck liver with caramelized apples atop the plates of excited diners. Make sure you come early and head straight to this station. On the other end of the spread, the raclette station sits—don’t be shy to ask multiple helpings. Other than potatoes, try your raclette with gherkins (a small type of cucumber, pickled) and onions.

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Drop by the cheese section and pick from the assortment of Swiss cheeses like gruyere and emmental, or fill your plate with fresh vegetables and breads dipped into the cheese fondue. Try also some of the cheese-based dips with the crusty breads—there’s one with pesto that I absolutely loved! Have a slice of the zopf, which is a traditional Swiss bread shaped like a braid. I like all of these paired with cold cuts, which, at Tavola, were simply exquisite. Other than the cured meats, my favorites were the asparagus wrapped in air-dried beef, and the salmon

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
For the mains, there’s delicious braised beef, crispy roast pork, crispy fried mushrooms, delicious roasted vegetables (I love the Brussels sprouts), and hackbraten, which is the Swiss meatloaf with eggs in the middle, served with a sauce that tastes like mustard.

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
What’s even more interesting about Tavola’s Swiss buffet is that there are certain dishes which are served tableside. Chefs go around lugging huge trays—no, carriages—of special items, like skewered chicken and a giant flammekueche, which is a flatbread topped with white cheese, sour cream, smoked bacon, onions, and arugula. Loved them both!

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
If you are one who harbors a sweet tooth, you will simply keel over at Tavola’s dessert selections. From nut tarts to cakes and pies, there’s simply EVERYTHING. Most important: the chocolate fountains—and not just one, but three (white, dark, strawberry)! Dip whatever you like, but I love the dark chocolate paired with Japan’s amazing strawberries—I can eat this combo for a year, highly recommended! Housemade Swiss chocolate bars are scattered about the dessert spread just because, and a macaron wall lures you even further to drop all attempts at counting calories. My favorite aside from the strawberries and chocolates? The luscious carrot cake!

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Oh, and did I mention that Tavola’s ambience is a winner? The interiors are luxurious and elegant, and the restaurant boasts of a 360-degree view of Osaka. Aside from the lavish center set-up, most tables are situated window-side, so guests can take in the amazing city vistas. How’s that for completing your Swiss epicurean journey?

Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
Swiss buffet at Tavola 36 Swissotel Nankai
If you find yourself craving for fine cheeses, luscious meats, and exquisite chocolates while in Osaka, drop by Tavola36 on a Thursday night and try their Swiss buffet. Experience the simplicity and homey comforts of traditional Swiss food, and indulge on the familiar ones—those that have become your favorites. Cap off with some Swiss wine and you’re ready to wind down after a busy day in Japan’s Kitchen.


~*~
Tavola36
36/F Swissôtel Nankai Osaka
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku , 542-0076 Osaka, Japan
06-6646-5125
tavola36.osaka@swissotel.com
Book Tavola36 here
Thursday nights, 6:00PM - 10:00PM
Buffet rates: ¥5,500 (adults), ¥2,500 (children)
Book your stay at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka here.

What do you know about Swiss cuisine? What do you think of Tavola36's Swiss Buffet?

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