Amidst the humdrum of Tsim Sha Tsui, a slice of Switzerland nestles waiting to be discovered. The cottage-like exterior of Swiss Chalet gives you a taste of what is to come and upon entering you are immediately transported away from the madness of the surrounding neighbourhood into a quaint and homely den where proud owner, Max, sits cheerfully at the bar to welcome you. Bare wooden beams and white-washed walls, decorated with traditional knick-knacks with the low din of Swiss folk music in the background make this a slightly surreal but thoroughly pleasant and authentic experience.

Swiss fare is simple and hearty with an emphasis on meat, cheese and potatoes, and this menu stays true to its roots. To begin, we had all three of these components, with raclette, a plate of melted cheese served with the perfect trinity of new potatoes, pickled onions and cornichons (HK$98) and one of the restaurant’s specialities Bundnertaller, Swiss air-dried meat (HK$110). With slices of ham, beef, salami and pickles it is plentiful and tasty. For mains, we decide to skip the popular selection of fondues and try the thinly sliced veal meat with mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It comes with a hash brown and is salty, tender and delicious (HK$190). The portions are huge so we really did not need another main course but the roasted rack of lamb with herb crust and spinach flavoured dumplings are cooked just right (HK$248). For dessert, we tackle the Toblerone chocolate fondue (HK$85 per person). Flavoured with a generous free-pour of Grand Marnier and served with fresh fruits and sponge, it is a fun way to end a great meal.

There is a good selection of Swiss and other European wines and about half a dozen of red and white offered by the glass. Many are also available by carafe if you do not feel like going for the whole bottle.

There was some confusion as to who was doing what. We were asked if we wanted more wine when we had already ordered it but all in all friendly and authentically rustic manner.

Dinner for two comes to about HK$1,000 without wine.