Verses from different Chesas in Switzerland adorn the walls creating an authentic experience, along with various other salvaged traditional Swiss treasures shipped to Hong Kong to be displayed in Chesa. These include a perpetual motion one-handed clock, a painted wedding chest presumed to be fashioned by a farmer in 1723 and several old pewter spoons and wooden wine casks discovered by chance in the basement of a Zurich restaurant.

Chesa celebrates various Swiss traditions throughout the year, including Swiss National Day on August 1, with special menus and decorations, and every Christmas, a huge wreath is showcased in the cosy restaurant throughout the Advent period.

The Peninsula Hong Kong was providing the catering service for all Swissair flights from Hong Kong to Zurich in the late 1950s to early 1960s and, following the unexpected runaway success of a Swiss food promotion held in conjunction with the airline in 1963, Chesa opened in 1965.

A tiny rustic pocket of Switzerland in the heart of Tsim sha Tsui, Chesa (which means “house” or “inn” in the Romansch dialect of Switzerland) opened in August 1965. The decor of knotted pine beams, wood panelling and textured plaster is typical in design of the houses found in the eastern part of Switzerland.