Back for a second edition, the Mondial de fondue attracted over 5000 people in the tiny Swiss village of Tartegnin over the weekend.
It’s cheesemaker Benedikt Wüthrich from who won the competition, while André Bourqui was recognised in the amateur category.
"We don't know what's the secret of the winning fondue, but its texture, visual appeal, smoothness, and obviously, its taste, made all the differences," Mondial de fondue president Stéphane Jayet tells SBS. "And I remind you that all the fondues had to contain a minimum of 50% Gruyère cheese."
The other ingredients allowed were potato starch, flour, pepper, kirsch (or another similar type of alcohol), beer, wine, cider, mustard, garlic, baking soda and lemon juice.
The event was started by winemakers wanting to attract more people to the area. It celebrates the ultimate Swiss comfort food, pieces of bread dipped in a big caquelon of melted cheese.
André Bourqui (left) and Benedikt Wüthrich (right) Source: Mondial de la fondue
It’s grown considerably since its first edition in 2015. This year, 180 people entered the competition to have their dish rated by 400 judges. With over 5000 visitors, the village of Tartegnin, which counts only 240 inhabitants, was flooded by cheese lovers.
If you’re keen to volunteer as a taster, the next is happening on 16 November 2019.
