High in the Swiss Alps, where mountain landscapes shape both life and cuisine, Chef Heinz Rufibach spent more than four decades mastering the art of Alpine cooking. From the grand hotels of St. Moritz and Gstaad to the peaks of Zermatt, his career has been defined by a deep respect for tradition, local flavours and the quiet precision of Swiss craftsmanship. 

Now, the chef affectionately known as Le Cuisinier de Zermatt brings that remarkable culinary heritage to Colombo for an exclusive Swiss dining experience at Bistro des Marées, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. 

From 23 to 26 July, guests will have the opportunity to experience a specially curated menu by Chef Rufibach, celebrating the authentic flavours of Switzerland’s Alpine regions and the dishes that have shaped his lifelong connection with the mountains. 

A former Executive Chef of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Chef Rufibach has built a reputation as one of Switzerland’s celebrated culinary figures. Named Swiss Chef of the Year and a holder of a Michelin star for six consecutive years, his cooking reflects the balance between fine dining precision and the warmth of the traditional Alpine table. 

For Chef Rufibach, Swiss cuisine is more than a collection of recipes. It is a reflection of place, people and generations of culinary heritage. 

“Swiss cuisine is built on tradition, seasonality and a deep connection to the land. Through this menu, I hope to share the flavours and stories of the Alps with guests in Colombo and offer them a true taste of Switzerland,” he said. 

The menu at Bistro des Marées takes guests on a journey through Switzerland’s diverse culinary regions, beginning with elegant starters such as dried meat tartare with green asparagus and Parmesan, marinated salmon with mustard sauce and herbs, and the traditional Gommer Cholera, a Valais speciality of apple, leek and cheese baked in puff pastry. 

The experience continues with comforting Swiss classics including Valais white wine soup with dried apricots and Bündner barley soup, before moving into signature dishes such as Swiss cheese fondue with bread cubes and potatoes, raclette with traditional accompaniments, and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with rösti. Other highlights include Basel-style salmon with papet vaudois and fried onions, saffron-infused lamb ragout with mashed potato, and Ghackets mit Hörnli, a beloved Swiss comfort dish of braised beef mince, pasta and apple sauce. 

To complete the Alpine journey, guests can indulge in classic Swiss desserts including Toblerone mousse with white Toblerone sauce and raspberries, Grandmother’s crème brûlée with meringues and vanilla ice cream, apricot flan with cream, and the renowned Engadiner nut tart from the Grisons region. 

Set against the sweeping views of Colombo’s skyline, Bistro des Marées offers the perfect setting for this limited-time experience, bringing together Swiss culinary heritage, Chef Rufibach’s lifelong passion and the signature hospitality of Cinnamon Life.