For the fond of fondue

Swiss Culture is tucked in a little food elbow of Suntec City, on the third floor next to the Sky Garden (which will be more well-known to amorous couples in search of some privacy). Its tiny storefront and simple signage bely the formidable fondues it serves up. For the uninitiated, "fondue" refers to the broad, shallow earthenware or cast-iron pot traditionally used to heat up cheese until it is runny, allowing you to dunk chunks of meat, bread and whatever else may suit your fancy in. It is a speciality of the Swiss and while I can hardly say how authentic Swiss Culture's recipes are, they sure hit the spot.

My four friends and I shared the Cheese Fondue, a mix of Gruyère and Emmental cheese, which was flavourful without being too overpowering. It came with large baskets of bread cubes and potato wedges, fried to crispy perfection, for dunking. The Mixed Grilled Combo also proved a great choice, with sirloin steak, roasted rack of lamb, and Veal Mushroom Sausage complimenting the cheese nicely. Finally, we rounded off our dinner with the Swiss Chocolate Fondue, which was so divine we ordered another plate of fruit and marshmallows to finish off the chocolate (we couldn't bear to leave it in the pot). It was a struggle not to lose our little cubes of food in the pot, but that was half the fun.

Swiss Culture also offers a great selection of grilled Swiss meats and wines, but the highlight is definitely the fondue. As it is a food meant to be shared, make sure you bring friends and a good appetite.

This is the only place I've dined at that provides little chairs for you to put your bags on. The waitresses are extremely attentive (without appearing too eager to sweep our plates away, a la some clearly underpatronised Chinese restaurants) and well-versed in the menu (all were able to rattle off the day's specials and prices). Tap water is free and regularly topped up (you'll need it after all that salty cheese). So thumbs up for customer service.

The only problem, I would say, is the rather high prices. Compared to other restaurants in the vicinity, the bill really stacked up - a dinner for the 5 of us came up to $150. Come when you need some good pampering, or just after payday!