Trends in gastronomy: The Duc Ngo explains his vision for the future

A look into the future of gastronomy with The Duc Ngo

Ready for an exciting insight into the future of gastronomy? 🍽️ Berlin-based gastronomy expert The Duc Ngo recently participated in a panel discussion at Lightspeed and shared his visions and predictions for the industry. A key topic was digitalization, which he sees as essential for the success of restaurants. But despite all the technological advances, he emphasized: No robot chefs! 🤖 What exactly can we expect in the dynamic world of gastronomy?

Local pubs vs. chains: The battle for food culture

Let's face it: The traditional neighborhood pub is facing major challenges. 🏘️ The Duc Ngo warns that cheaper restaurant chains could endanger the diverse food culture in the long term. These chains often offer standardized menus and less room for creativity, which undermines the uniqueness of local businesses. But what can be done to counter this trend?

Ngo hopes for a revival of local restaurants and a return to German classics like roasts, meatballs, and herring! 🍖 These dishes not only represent regional identity but also offer the quality and authenticity that many guests seek today. Supporting local businesses through conscious consumption and appreciating traditional cuisine could be crucial to maintaining the diversity and quality of the restaurant industry.

Passion vs. Franchise: A Restaurateur’s Tightrope Walk

The Duc Ngo is known for impressive concepts like Kuchi and 893 Ryōtei, which stand out for their originality and quality. But now he's considering whether to pursue franchising. The decision between individual restaurant operations and the franchise model is complex and fraught with challenges.

Ngo sees franchising as a potential solution to rising operating costs and increasing competition. "Franchising could be a way to scale our brand while maintaining quality standards," he explains. However, he isn't entirely convinced and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal commitment in the restaurant industry. This is an important consideration for aspiring entrepreneurs: How can you achieve growth without losing your passion and identity?

Back to the kitchen: The balance between tradition and technology

Despite the intense pressure of business, Ngo yearns for his roots – cooking. Why? Because cooking offers him not only relief but also ecstasy. This return to basics counterbalances the daily challenges of running a restaurant. At the same time, he recognizes the immense importance of digital tools for modern restaurant operations.

From reservation systems to detailed metrics analysis, digital tools can make life much easier for restaurateurs. 🚀 They enable more efficient processes, better customer loyalty, and informed decisions based on data analysis. Ngo emphasizes that integrating these tools is essential to staying competitive and running operations smoothly.

Digital innovation without robot chefs

While digital tools are welcome, The Duc Ngo sets clear limits when it comes to the use of robots in the kitchen. "Robots that cook? No, not at all!" 🚫 He firmly believes that the craft of cooking and the creative design of dishes must remain the preserve of humans. The personal touch and artistic freedom that chefs bring to their dishes are essential and cannot be replaced by machines.

Ngo warns that over-automation could destroy the essence of hospitality. Creativity and individuality are essential components that offer guests a unique experience. Therefore, he advocates using digital technologies to support, not replace, the industry.

Growing canteen concepts: An alternative perspective

Another exciting topic in the panel discussion was canteen concepts. Corporate catering is facing enormous price pressure, which is jeopardizing the profitability of many businesses. Despite these challenges, canteen concepts also offer opportunities as an attractive alternative to traditional individual catering. 🤔

These concepts can often be operated more cost-effectively through standardized processes and greater economies of scale without compromising on quality. They also offer company employees a convenient and varied dining option, which can increase employee satisfaction and retention. Ngo sees this as an opportunity to increase profitability while offering high-quality food.

Gastronomy tips from the pros: Quality and consistency as the key to success

For anyone looking to build a successful restaurant concept, The Duc Ngo offers valuable advice. Instead of focusing on short-term trends and the number of social media likes, the emphasis should be on consistency and quality. This is his advice for aspiring founders and existing restaurateurs alike.

"Bringing people back to the store is only possible with good products and character," he emphasizes. A unique ambiance, outstanding service, and, above all, high-quality food are crucial for consistently delighting and retaining guests. Ngo emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand that stands for quality and trust.

The future of gastronomy: Trends and technologies in focus

The world of gastronomy remains an exciting and constantly evolving field, characterized by rapid trends and innovative technologies. From the use of big data to optimize menu offerings to the increasing importance of sustainable practices, the industry is undergoing change.

But despite all these changes, The Duc Ngo emphasizes that genuine quality and personality are the true recipe for success. Technology can and should support this, but the human element remains indispensable. Creativity, passion, and the ability to adapt to guests' needs are the cornerstones that make the difference.

Stay tuned for more exciting insights into future food and gastronomy trends! 🍜 The future of gastronomy promises exciting developments, and with experts like The Duc Ngo at the helm, we can be sure that innovative and sustainable paths will be explored to continue enriching the industry.

Conclusion: The balance between tradition and innovation

In summary, the hospitality industry is facing exciting change. Digitalization offers enormous opportunities for optimization and increased efficiency, while preserving traditional values and the personal touch remain essential. The Duc Ngo demonstrates how important it is to find this balance for long-term success.

Local restaurants and authentic cuisine should be promoted to preserve cultural diversity. At the same time, modern technologies must be used to facilitate operations and offer guests a contemporary experience. The future of gastronomy lies in the harmonious combination of tradition and innovation—a path that The Duc Ngo and many other experts are pursuing with passion and vision.

Stay informed and follow the latest developments and trends to always be one step ahead in the exciting world of gastronomy!