Discover the Flavors of Switzerland at Coucou Authentic Swiss Restaurant, Singapore
If you’re craving an authentic taste of Switzerland in Singapore, Coucou Authentic Swiss Restaurant and Bar is a hidden treasure that promises to deliver. Located along Craig Road in the lively Duxton/Tanjong Pagar neighborhood, this charming spot is run by the same talented team behind the now-closed Senso Ristorante & Bar, ensuring a wealth of experience behind every dish.
The restaurant’s interior is an immersive experience in itself, evoking the rustic warmth of a Swiss Alpine cabin. The cozy yet stylish atmosphere, complete with wood-panelled walls and mountain-inspired decor, instantly transports you to the heart of Switzerland. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal that feels both intimate and special.
What truly sets Coucou apart is its commitment to authenticity. The kitchen is helmed by a Swiss-born head chef, which guarantees a menu that stays true to the country’s rich culinary heritage. With a focus on quality over quantity, the dishes on offer are not only traditional but also thoughtfully crafted, giving diners a genuine taste of Swiss comfort food. Of course, no Swiss meal would be complete without fondue, and Coucou serves up this iconic dish in all its creamy, indulgent glory.
A standout feature of the menu is its celebration of Switzerland’s diverse cantons. Switzerland is made up of 26 cantons, each with its own distinct culinary traditions influenced by German, French, and Italian cultures. At Coucou, you’ll find a variety of dishes inspired by these regions, providing a unique way to explore the country’s regional flavors in one meal.
And for wine lovers, Coucou offers a carefully curated selection of Swiss wines, which are often hard to find outside of Switzerland. These wines perfectly complement the menu, elevating the dining experience and offering a deeper connection to Swiss culture.
Malakoff
Traditional Gruyère Cheese dome with Dijon mustard
The Malakoff is a beloved Swiss specialty that hails from the picturesque region of “La Côte” along the shores of Lake Léman, nestled between Geneva and Lausanne. This dish, which showcases the smooth, rich flavors of Gruyère cheese, has a fascinating backstory that ties it to both Swiss history and international conflict.
The name Malakoff might sound a bit Russian, and that’s because it is. In the mid-19th century, Swiss mercenaries participated in the Crimean War. During the harsh winter months at the Siege of Sevastopol, they allegedly invented this indulgent cheese dish while stationed at “Fort Malakoff”—a place named after the famous Russian fort. After the war, Swiss soldiers continued to meet over Malakoff, enjoying the comforting warmth of melted Gruyère cheese paired with local white wine. Over the years, this tradition passed down through generations, becoming a symbol of Swiss camaraderie and comfort.
If you’re in the mood for a dish that combines history, tradition, and pure indulgence, the Malakoff is the perfect choice. A true Swiss comfort food, it presents itself as a delicate dome of melted Gruyère cheese, with a velvety texture that coats the palate in warm, rich flavors. Served with a side of zesty Dijon mustard, the tangy kick of the mustard balances the cheese’s creamy smoothness, making each bite an absolute delight.
The story behind the Malakoff only adds to its charm. Originating from the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War, it’s fascinating to think that what began as a simple meal for soldiers during a brutal winter has evolved into a revered dish, passed down through generations. At its core, the Malakoff represents the Swiss spirit of tradition and togetherness.
What makes this dish stand out is not just the exceptional quality of the Gruyère cheese but the way it brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re enjoying it with a glass of crisp white wine or simply savoring the rich flavors on its own, the Malakoff is a culinary experience that transports you to the serene lakesides of Switzerland with every bite.
Suggested Wine Pairing: Chasselas Bertholier 2023, Domaine des Hutins, Satigny
This wine has a delicate aroma of mirabelle plum, with a fresh and crisp nose. On the palate, it’s light, refreshing, and vibrant—perfect as an aperitif. It pairs beautifully with Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette, thanks to its smooth and lively character.
When paired with the Malakoff, the Chasselas Bertholier 2023 complements the rich, creamy Gruyère cheese perfectly. The wine’s freshness and subtle fruit notes cut through the richness of the melted cheese, balancing the dish’s indulgent flavors while enhancing the overall experience. The lightness of the wine lifts the heaviness of the cheese, making each bite feel even more satisfying. It’s a harmonious pairing that brings out the best in both the food and the wine, offering a delightful contrast that enhances the traditional Swiss flavors of the Malakoff.
La Fameuse Salade Coucou
Curly salad and the famous Grand-Pere dressing
La Fameuse Salade Coucou is the perfect example of how simplicity can be transformed into something extraordinary. A salad that appears deceptively straightforward at first glance, it surprises and delights with every bite. The foundation of this dish is a bed of fresh, curly lettuce, which offers an irresistible crunch. Each leaf is vibrant and crisp, making the salad feel light and refreshing, yet satisfying enough to stand on its own as a starter or a side.
What truly sets this salad apart, however, is its signature Grand-Père dressing. A well-guarded secret at Coucou, this dressing is what elevates the salad from ordinary to exceptional. Rich and creamy, with just the right tangy kick, the Grand-Père dressing has a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and complex. Its creamy texture perfectly coats the curly leaves, while its subtle acidity cuts through the richness of the dressing, creating a well-balanced and harmonious combination.
The dressing is undoubtedly the star of the show, but it’s the way it complements the greens that makes this salad so special. The crispness of the lettuce combined with the velvety, flavorful dressing creates a perfect contrast of textures and tastes. The freshness of the salad is beautifully enhanced by the dressing’s slightly herby notes, making each bite feel like a refreshing burst of flavor.
What’s remarkable about La Fameuse Salade Coucou is its versatility. While it’s light and perfect as an appetizer, it’s also substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a side to any main course. It’s a salad that never feels too heavy, but always manages to satisfy, thanks to the balance of fresh ingredients and the rich, tangy dressing.
Le Tartare de Boeuf Préparé à Table
Beef tartare prepared with Sbrinz cheese and rucola salad
Le Tartare de Boeuf Préparé à Table is the kind of dish that turns a meal into an experience. Watching the server prepare this iconic dish right at your table adds an element of theatre to the dining experience, allowing you to witness the artistry behind crafting this delicacy. The beef used in the tartare is impeccably fresh, finely chopped to the perfect consistency, and perfectly seasoned, creating a harmonious base that is both tender and rich in flavor.
What makes this tartare truly stand out is the addition of Sbrinz cheese, a Swiss specialty that brings a unique twist to this classic dish. Sbrinz, with its firm texture and nutty, slightly sharp flavor, beautifully complements the richness of the beef, creating a balance of tastes that is both indulgent and satisfying
The way the beef tartare is prepared at the table adds a personal touch to the dish, as diners can adjust the seasoning to their liking, making it a truly customizable experience. Whether you prefer a little extra spice or a more delicate balance of flavors, the interactive nature of the dish ensures that you’re able to enjoy it exactly how you want.
Fondue Moitie-Moitie
Original Swiss Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, indulgent dining experience, look no further than the classic Fondue Moitie-Moitie. Hailing from the heart of Switzerland, this traditional cheese fondue is a comforting combination of Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses – a true masterpiece for your taste buds.
The balance between the two cheeses is exceptional. The Gruyère brings a slightly nutty, rich flavor, while the Vacherin adds a smooth, creamy texture that coats the bread beautifully. Together, they melt into the perfect, velvety mixture that’s both hearty and indulgent without being too overpowering.
The fondue is served piping hot, with freshly cubed bread perfect for dipping, but you can’t go wrong with vegetables or even roasted potatoes for a twist. Each bite feels like a warm embrace, and the slight tang from the wine and a touch of garlic make this dish irresistibly flavorful. The combination of the smooth cheese and crunchy bread creates an ideal contrast, offering a satisfying texture.
This fondue is the perfect centerpiece for any social occasion. It’s simple yet luxurious, rustic yet refined – everything you want in an authentic Swiss dish.
Pave De Bar Au Safran
Sea Bass Fillet, saffron sauce and green asparagus
The Pavé de Bar au Safran is a stunning dish that brings together delicate flavors and refined presentation. At the heart of this dish is a perfectly cooked sea bass fillet that’s tender, flaky, and full of fresh oceanic flavor. The fish is expertly pan-seared, achieving a beautifully crisp skin while maintaining its moist, soft texture inside. The balance between the delicate flesh and the subtle crispness is nothing short of perfect, showcasing the skill of the chef.
What truly elevates this dish is the luxurious saffron sauce that accompanies the sea bass. The sauce is rich yet light, infused with the golden warmth of saffron, which imparts a delicate floral and slightly earthy note. This creamy sauce perfectly complements the mild taste of the sea bass, adding depth and a hint of elegance without overpowering the fish. The saffron’s complex flavor lingers gently on the palate, giving the dish a sophisticated edge that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Adding a touch of freshness and crunch to the dish is the green asparagus, which provides a crisp contrast to the silky texture of the sea bass and the richness of the saffron sauce. The asparagus is cooked just right—tender yet still vibrant—preserving its natural sweetness and earthiness. The vegetables add not only a textural element but also a pop of color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Every element of the Pavé de Bar au Safran works in perfect harmony, from the perfectly cooked fish to the sumptuous saffron sauce and the fresh asparagus. The combination of flavors is balanced and refined, offering a light yet satisfying experience that is both comforting and elegant.
This dish is ideal for those who appreciate seafood with a touch of luxury and complexity.
Rosti et Saucisse de Veau
Rosti with Veal Sausage
If you’re in the mood for a satisfying, comforting dish, look no further than the Rosti with Veal Sausage. This Swiss-inspired classic offers a perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown grated potatoes and the rich, savory flavor of veal sausage.
The rosti itself is perfectly crisp on the outside, with a soft and tender interior that melts in your mouth. The potatoes are expertly cooked, with just the right amount of seasoning to highlight their natural flavor. It’s a perfect textural contrast to the succulent veal sausage that accompanies it.
The veal sausage is the true star of this dish – it’s juicy, with a mild but flavorful seasoning that complements the rosti without overpowering it. The sausage’s tenderness pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the rosti, creating an ideal combination of textures and flavors in every bite.
Served warm and hearty, this dish is a great comfort food choice, ideal for breakfast or brunch, but also substantial enough for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Whether you’re craving something familiar or trying it for the first time, Rosti with Veal Sausage is sure to leave you full and content.
Tartelette Au Citron De Mrs Chin
Caramelised Lemon Tart with raspberry
The Tartelette Au Citron De Mrs Chin is a brilliant masterpiece of flavors, perfectly balancing tanginess and sweetness in each bite. This caramelized lemon tart is a delightful treat for anyone who enjoys a zesty dessert with a touch of elegance.
The tart’s crust is wonderfully crisp, buttery, and flaky, providing a perfect base for the creamy lemon filling. The filling itself strikes the ideal balance – it’s tart enough to excite the taste buds, yet smooth and rich enough to keep you coming back for more. The caramelization on top adds a subtle, almost toasty sweetness that elevates the lemon’s natural tartness.
Paired with fresh raspberries, the tart has an added burst of fruitiness that complements the citrus notes beautifully. The slight acidity from the raspberries works harmoniously with the caramelized lemon, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tart. It’s a beautiful interplay of textures – the crispness of the crust, the creamy filling, and the burst of fresh fruit – making each bite a joyful experience.
This dessert is a perfect choice for anyone who loves a vibrant, citrus-forward sweet, and the addition of raspberries makes it feel like a luxurious treat.
Cappuccino
A good cappuccino is more than just a coffee – it’s an experience. When done right, it strikes the perfect balance between bold espresso, creamy milk foam, and a touch of warmth that feels like a hug in a cup. The first sip is a comforting blend of flavors: the rich, robust espresso grounds its flavor with a slightly bitter depth, while the velvety, frothy milk creates a smooth, sweet contrast that softens the overall taste.
The heart of a cappuccino is its espresso – dark, intense, and rich, with layers of complexity that form the base of the drink. That first sip offers a burst of boldness, with the roasted coffee flavors hitting your palate right away. The milk softens the espresso’s intensity, creating a creamy, smooth contrast that rounds out the flavors without overwhelming the coffee itself. The gentle sweetness of the milk doesn’t overpower the coffee’s strong flavor, allowing each element to shine.
The foam is key to a great cappuccino. It’s the milk foam that truly elevates the drink. It should be perfectly textured – light, airy, and silky – almost like a cloud floating on top of the coffee. It gives the drink a luxurious, airy texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re a Swiss food enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, Coucou Authentic Swiss Restaurant and Bar delivers an unforgettable dining experience that brings the flavors of Switzerland to Singapore.
Coucou Authentic Swiss Restaurant and Bar
9 Craig Rd, Singapore 089669
Tel: 6226 0060
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