Riz Casimir

Riz Casimir is a Swiss dish created in 1952 by the Mövenpick Group, a Swiss hospitality business. It combines elements of Swiss and Asian cuisine. The dish consists of rice served with chicken curry and a variety of tropical fruits like pineapple, banana, and peach. It sometimes includes other ingredients such as raisins, almonds, or coconut flakes.

Riz Casimir was introduced as part of the Mövenpick restaurants' offerings and quickly became popular in Switzerland. It was considered innovative for its time due to its combination of savory and sweet flavors, as well as the use of exotic fruits, which were not commonly found in Swiss cuisine at the time. The dish reflects the post-World War II trend of incorporating international influences into European dishes.

Mövenpick's version of Riz Casimir typically features a mild curry sauce made with cream and curry powder, catered to the Swiss palate. The sauce is poured over pieces of chicken and served alongside boiled rice. The tropical fruits are usually served either mixed into the sauce or arranged on the side of the plate.

Riz Casimir had a significant impact on Swiss gastronomy, representing a shift towards more adventurous and globally inspired dining experiences. It remains a nostalgic and beloved dish in Switzerland, often associated with mid-20th-century dining trends. Though its popularity has waned with the advent of more authentic international cuisines becoming widely available, Riz Casimir is still found on the menu in some traditional Swiss restaurants and remains a part of Swiss culinary heritage.