SWISS Unveils Schaffhausen Culinary Journey with Exclusive Inflight Dining Experience

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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August 31, 2026 14:59 GMT+5:30

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SWISS International Air Lines has partnered with Schaffhausen to introduce a unique culinary experience to its long-haul flights departing Zurich and Geneva. Effective September 2, Swiss Air Lines’ First and Business Class cabin passengers will sample the finest Swiss cuisine as interpreted by Michelin-starred chefs. SWISS Taste of Switzerland is the new culinary creation inspired by Schaffhausen, Swiss ingredients and cuisine. SWISS offers innovative culinary creations with Vill Sommerlust chefs to its passengers. In each of the long-haul flights, passengers will enjoy Swiss cuisine.

For the next three months, travellers can experience specially created menus designed by the culinary trio from Villa Sommerlust, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the canton. Located beside the Rhine River and close to Schaffhausen’s historic Old Town, the restaurant is housed in a carefully restored 17th-century villa.

Chefs Alejandro Perez Polo, Dan Rodriguez Zaugg and Katiuska Villalba Paredes have developed a menu that blends Schaffhausen’s regional character with international influences. The exclusive onboard selection includes dishes such as prawn salad served with spicy corn soup, lobster and scallops paired with goat cheese beurre blanc, and caramel flan accompanied by espresso ice cream.

Through the “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” initiative, SWISS continues to showcase Switzerland’s diverse culinary heritage by highlighting a different canton every three months. The Schaffhausen edition offers passengers a taste of local traditions while presenting modern interpretations created by one of the region’s leading culinary destinations.

Heike Birlenbach, Chief Customer Officer at SWISS: “Just like travel, culinary creations tell stories of their own. The culinary trio at Villa Sommerlust combines classic craftsmanship with fresh ideas, taking our guests on a culinary journey that begins in Schaffhausen and extends far beyond Switzerland’s borders. I am delighted that our guests will be able to experience their distinctive culinary signature on board of SWISS over the next three months.”

Alejandro Perez Polo, Head Chef at Villa Sommerlust: “Our cuisine thrives on the interplay of different ideas, cultures, and experiences. For our menus on board of SWISS, we wanted to reinterpret regional ingredients and combine them with influences from around the world. It is a special honor for us to now serve these dishes to an international audience.”

First Class: Luxury Schaffhausen Inspired Menu Featuring Seafood, Beef and Signature Desserts

First Class passengers can begin their culinary experience with a prawn salad paired with spicy corn soup before moving on to a selection of refined main courses. One highlight is Catalan fish soup featuring clams, red snapper and mojo rojo, offering a Mediterranean-inspired touch. Guests can also choose beef short rib bourguignon served with mustard jus and fried bacon crumble, accompanied by truffled parsnip purée, or enjoy lobster and scallops complemented by goat cheese beurre blanc. The meal concludes with a dessert of caramel flan served with caramelised popcorn and espresso ice cream.

Business Class: International Flavours Meet Swiss Hospitality Above the Clouds

Business Class guests can start their meal with options such as smoked salmon tartare served with Andalusian gazpacho, kimchi mayonnaise and quail egg. The main course selection includes tender beef short rib with mustard jus and mojo verde, paired with Anna potatoes and sautéed baby zucchini, or hake served with green sauce, fried rice and furikake seasoning. For dessert, travellers can enjoy a pistachio tartlet featuring fresh berries and pistachio crumble, adding a delicate finish to the premium dining experience.

Premium Economy Class: Traditional Swiss Specialities Take Centre Stage

The Premium Economy menu celebrates Switzerland’s culinary heritage with a selection of regional favourites. Guests can enjoy “Fleischvogel”, a traditional beef roulade filled with vegetables and served with polenta bramata and glazed chestnuts. The menu also highlights local cheese specialities, including “Holzhofer” and “Tannhütte Chäsli”, paired with Swiss pear bread. The journey ends with a comforting dessert of chestnut cake served with vanilla whipped cream, offering passengers an authentic taste of Swiss culinary traditions.