Cholera (food)

In the Valais region of Switzerland, a cholera is a savoury pastry filled with potatoes, vegetables, fruits and cheese.

Cholera on a plate

The unusual name is linked to the history of the dish. During an epidemic of the disease cholera in 1836, people in the region improvised a dish involving pastry and whatever food they had at hand, as normal trade was disrupted. After the epidemic subsided, chefs returned to the concept of putting regional ingredients in a savoury tart, and the "cholera" dish has lasted since.[1]

Originally, the local ingredients for such a dish were apples, pears, potatoes, onions, leeks, raclette cheese (usually Gomser) and bacon. The dish is mostly known in the region of Wallis in Switzerland.