German Food

therustic

Hello everybody

We have been living here in Ireland / Waterford for about 3 months and are planning to start our own business with a bistro in the next 2 - 3 months.

Since we come from Germany we want to offer exclusively German cuisine such as "Schnitzel in different variations", "Currywurst with chips / potato salad" and so on.

Of course, we will get our goods directly from Germany, so that everything is a faithful concept.

What do you think?

Do you think it feels good ???

AustinLostin

As a market stall, I think its a great idea. For a brick & mortar bistro, I'm not sure the demand is there for that kind of foodie experience at the moment.

That being said, no one else is offering something like it - so worth doing the market research on.
My feeling is it would do well going around Waterford and surrounding counties as a market stall. I could be totally wrong - best of luck with it!

Shenshen

I like the idea (though being vegetarian, the schnitzel and currywurst don't hold that much appeal), but I would advise some good research first. I live in county Cork, and a few years ago a Schnitzel restaurant did open here, only to close its doors again within a few months.
German cuisine doesn't have the greatest reputation in Ireland I find, and getting something off the ground may well be an uphill struggle.

Also, I would anticipate that people here may not take to the idea of potatoes and meat being imported from Germany - I'd advise setting up a local supply chain where possible. It'll just go down a bit better.

Schnitzel and spaetzl! Mmmmy

Suckler

therustic wrote: »

Hello everybody

We have been living here in Ireland / Waterford for about 3 months and are planning to start our own business with a bistro in the next 2 - 3 months.

Since we come from Germany we want to offer exclusively German cuisine such as "Schnitzel in different variations", "Currywurst with chips / potato salad" and so on.

Of course, we will get our goods directly from Germany, so that everything is a faithful concept.

What do you think?

Do you think it feels good ???

Schweinhaxe mit kartoffelknödel bitte!

I'd love to see it but like another poster said it may be difficult to generate sufficient demand. Market stall; certainly could see it do well. Perhaps a bistro with a German special that changes weekly?

LirW

As a stall it would work great. There is a German Bratwurst stall in Howth in Dublin, they are quite decent.
The sausage concept would probably work. Afaik the weekly foodfair in Dublin that's around the business parks have or had a Schnitzel stall.

I personally hate Irish sausages but love the german ones.
You'd probably be more successful in Dublin with the idea, some food businesses in Waterford struggle as it is. Definitely check out the demand first with pop up opportunities or catering.

And on a personal note: Let me tell you as an Austrian, there is no Schnitzel in different variations, there's only one, the Wiener. Don't you dare to dishonor this culinary sacred piece of meat with Tunke :pac:

Alun

LirW wrote: »

And on a personal note: Let me tell you as an Austrian, there is no Schnitzel in different variations, there's only one, the Wiener. Don't you dare to dishonor this culinary sacred piece of meat with Tunke :pac:

I could murder a Zigeunerschnitzel right now

LirW

I'm still pretty sure the 3rd world war will be because of this specific issue between Austrians and Germans

Alun

It's a difficult one. Personally having lived there for a good number of years I'd be up for a German restaurant/bistro myself, but I think I'd be in a minority. Maybe if you really camped it up a bit with the decor, oompah music, waitresses in Dirndl's etc., you might capture a bit more of the market, but even then I'm not sure if it would catch on.

Gen.Zhukov

I was in this place in Munich http://www.ratskeller.com/ and the food was excellent. I got a starter of some goulash/stew type dish and it was so good I got more for the main course. I'd cut off my right arm for a bowl of it now !

That was a good few years ago but looking at the menu now there's not much on it that I don't like the look of.

Not too sure Warterford is big enough to sustain your idea though.

humberklog

Whilst I'd love it myself I think, like previous posters, it'd work more as a stall.

Problems with a German quisine restaurant in Waterford would be lack of footfall from smallish population for a niche restaurant.

Fermented foods simply aren't generally popular with Irish and there's whiff of suspicion of non Irish meats and if you serve a Paddy a waxy potato dish be prepared to be tied to a donkey and driven out of town.

Would it be possible to piggy back on an existing business such as a Craft Beer pub that has kitchen space?

harr

While me personally would love it but I have traveled with a number of groups to Munich and Berlin and it surprises me how many Irish people are not willing to taste local food.

As someone mentioned a food stall selling Germany food might work in certain circumstances I can’t see a Germany restaurant taking off unfortunately..
With cuisine from other countries you can kind of mix it up a bit to suit the Irish but I think this might be difficult with German food.

Now a German beer hall might be a different story and maybe you could work food into that type of situation.

Alun

harr wrote: »

Now a German beer hall might be a different story and maybe you could work food into that type of situation.

Yes, and don't forget the Dirndl's

dazed+confused

I hate to be negative on Boards as some days I feel there isn't a positive comment to be found anywhere.

However.... I really feel this idea needs a bit of market research before going into the full bricks and mortar restaurant.

As stated already, German food does not have a good reputation in Ireland.

mmg0305

A market stall to try out the concept sounds like a good idea to me. If it went well your customers would probably be delighted to see you transition to a bistro after a while. If it didn't work you wouldn't have spent anything like as much as the cost of setting up a restaurant from scratch.

I don't live in Waterford, so I wouldn't be eating there, but I do like German food :-)

silverharp

difficult one, my wife is german and i still couldnt tell you much about german food so you would have a brand recognition problem. also at the risk of being flamed , outside of a few trendy areas in Dublin Irish people tend not to be very adventurous when it comes to food , outside of the tourist season i'd imagine pickings would be slim

igCorcaigh

I love German food, would appreciate a place like that in Cork, now that the bierhaus has closed.

Reputable Rog

I would dispute that German food has a bad reputation in Ireland, the Alpenfest range in Lidl is very popular and Aldis bratwurst were very popular during the summer.
Sauerkraut is getting very popular as well.
I actually preferred Lidl and Aldi when they were less mainstream.

Saying that I think a German restaurant might struggle.

therustic

Hello,

Thank you for the many answers and for the different opinions.

It is by no means NOT a "star kitchen", but also no stall on a market or no Bavarian "Oktoberfest" with Dirndl.


Germany has more to offer than "Weißwurst" and "Schweinshax'n" :-)


A small bistro where all food (including takeaway) are offered.


Of course, regional products will be used as well, of course, potatoes, vegetables and so on.


Some things like the "Currywurst" or the "Bratwurst" simply have to be delivered because they are not available all year round.


Here in the city the feedback has actually been very good and I / we just wanted to hear the opinion of people from the rest of the island.


Of course, a good German beer will not be missing!


(P.S The Schnitzel will certainly be called "Zigeuner Schnitzel", but of course for the Austrians among you as a classic Wiener Schnitzel ;-)


We would be happy about further opinions !!!


Greetings from Waterford ...

harr

I think the biggest issue you will have is getting people in the door to give it a try ,once people give it a go and word gets out you might do well.
With a good selection of beers and a good fun atmosphere you might be in with a chance.
Location might be key as well.

Do you know of any other similar type restaurants in Ireland?

therustic

Of course, the location and the atmosphere is all that matters most.

Without it we do not need to start.

But also have some experience in the field of self-employment in the restaurant, otherwise we would not go this step.

Gastronomy with similar concepts as ours here in Ireland and certainly not in our area.

The "feature of the unique position" is indeed the most important thing that matters!

LirW

I find it positive that you're planning to do more than Bavarian food. When people talk about German Food they usually really mean Bavarian food and Currywurst.

That said, a mad Currywurst with chips is something I'd buy on a regular base if I'd live close. If you carry some take-away appropriate dishes like Currywurst that might do you a favour.
For example in Dublin I lived close to this new Greek place on the Northside which I grew to absolutely love. While they have plenty of dishes on the menu, they do their main business with their Souvlaki and Gyros as take-away/orders. And they do them really really well.
A small, solid take away selection will definitely work in your favour. Personally it turns me off a place though when they do a hundred things with no clear line. For example, they do Asia noodles, kebabs and burgers. I avoid places like that like a plague. So authenticity is pretty important.

The way I know the Irish a small menu with a clear line is probably a key thing. I doubt that a fusion of Eastern German ex-DDR meets Bavaria meets North Sea fish cuisine would work out.

6541

Hi there, Polish friends of mine opened a polish restaurant serving Polish food. They really struggled. They had to close and rebrand to offer Irish food. Value, quality and location are your friends.

Reputable Rog

therustic wrote: »

Hello,

Thank you for the many answers and for the different opinions.

It is by no means NOT a "star kitchen", but also no stall on a market or no Bavarian "Oktoberfest" with Dirndl.


Germany has more to offer than "Weißwurst" and "Schweinshax'n" :-)


A small bistro where all food (including takeaway) are offered.


Of course, regional products will be used as well, of course, potatoes, vegetables and so on.


Some things like the "Currywurst" or the "Bratwurst" simply have to be delivered because they are not available all year round.


Here in the city the feedback has actually been very good and I / we just wanted to hear the opinion of people from the rest of the island.


Of course, a good German beer will not be missing!


(P.S The Schnitzel will certainly be called "Zigeuner Schnitzel", but of course for the Austrians among you as a classic Wiener Schnitzel ;-)


We would be happy about further opinions !!!


Greetings from Waterford ...

You should talk to the German butcher near Killarney.

The Hill Billy

Reputable Rog wrote: »

You should talk to the German butcher near Killarney.

If you're on about the one in Fossa I think it has been closed for a few years now afaik.

Reputable Rog

I just saw that, was always intending to visit it. Such a pity.

longshanks

I think this could work. People do like trying new food and if you were open when pubs were closing you'd be onto a winner with take-aways. The Polish shops are hopping down here, the Polish butchers the same. Go for it chief.

riffmongous

I don't know about German food but Austrian would be great (kidding :P) Gröstl, Schnitzel, Käsekrainer in particular, Backhendl(salat), Käsespätzle, Gulasch, Frittatensuppe, whenever I have people visiting me here they love the stuff,but the problem is getting Irish people to try them in the first place.

One thing I'd say watch out for is the Irish palate, I never considered myself a picky eater in Ireland but over here it often feels like I am when we go out to restaurants, Kren in particular is something that really stands out as being very common here but would be not so common in Ireland.

Ted Plain

I have to say that I'd love to see a German restaurant here, but I'm in Dublin.

There is a German restaurant in London that we went to when we were there:

http://www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk/london/

I guess that would be a good template. They have a couple of veggie options, too.

Rambling a bit here, but the last time we were in Germany we visited a place called "Karl's", which I would describe as Strawberry Heaven. One of the things we bought there was a jar of strawberry jam made with Lübeck marzipan. It is just indecently delicious!

therustic

Hi Guys,

of course I can not and will not reveal everything we will offer :-)

But we thank you for your honest opinions !!! (and of course, you'd like to hear more about it)

As I said, as soon as we open it we will inform you and gladly also set the link to our website, so you can take a picture of us and our delicious food and who knows, maybe one of you will come by ;-)

ellejay

riffmongous wrote: »

I don't know about German food but Austrian would be great (kidding :P) Gröstl, Schnitzel, Käsekrainer in particular, Backhendl(salat), Käsespätzle, Gulasch, Frittatensuppe, whenever I have people visiting me here they love the stuff,but the problem is getting Irish people to try them in the first place.

One thing I'd say watch out for is the Irish palate, I never considered myself a picky eater in Ireland but over here it often feels like I am when we go out to restaurants, Kren in particular is something that really stands out as being very common here but would be not so common in Ireland.

I haven't a clue what any of those dishes are.
But I'd definitely give it a try if a nice restaurant opened near me.
OP, don't forget to describe the dishes well on the menu.

ellejay

6541 wrote: »

Hi there, Polish friends of mine opened a polish restaurant serving Polish food. They really struggled. They had to close and rebrand to offer Irish food. Value, quality and location are your friends.

Where was that do you mind me asking?
I was in a fabulous Polish restaurant in Lanzarote, I'd definitely have tried a Polish Restaurant in Dublin had I known there was one!

dr.fuzzenstein

LirW wrote: »

As a stall it would work great. There is a German Bratwurst stall in Howth in Dublin, they are quite decent.
The sausage concept would probably work. Afaik the weekly foodfair in Dublin that's around the business parks have or had a Schnitzel stall.

I personally hate Irish sausages but love the german ones.
You'd probably be more successful in Dublin with the idea, some food businesses in Waterford struggle as it is. Definitely check out the demand first with pop up opportunities or catering.

And on a personal note: Let me tell you as an Austrian, there is no Schnitzel in different variations, there's only one, the Wiener. Don't you dare to dishonor this culinary sacred piece of meat with Tunke :pac:

There's Schnitzel Wiener Art. :D

riffmongous

ellejay wrote: »

I haven't a clue what any of those dishes are.
But I'd definitely give it a try if a nice restaurant opened near me.
OP, don't forget to describe the dishes well on the menu.

You haven't lived so

LirW

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

There's Schnitzel Wiener Art. :D

Technically the Wiener Schnitzel can only be called that way if it's made with veal. Veal is pretty expensive over there though so a lot of restaurants are using pork or either chicken or turkey for it. If you substitute the veal, then it would be a Schnitzel Wiener Art.
There was a massive dispute in the 60s over that, so a famous TV chef back then brought clarity to that topic

therustic

If you want to have a "real" Wiener Schnitzel, you have to be able to pay for it ... ;-)

silverharp

I have a hankering for knodels right now, excellent soakage. Do the german stores here ever stock them?

therustic

Because there are no"Knoedel" and Co. anywhere, there will soon be our bistro ;-)

Dizzyblonde

Mod note:

Welcome to Boards therustic. I'm afraid I must remind you that the Boards.ie Terms Of Use forbid advertising without first contacting reps@boards.ie

Reputable Rog

Came across this place in my youth on a road trip in California and Nevada. They don't sell Wienerschnitzel.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wienerschnitzel

goalscoringhero

Interesting thread.

Since I can't be making Spaetzle every time my kids ask me to, I'm wondering whether folks here have been able to source 'Fertigspaetzle' in some shops. I know it's against humanity, I'm just being pragmatic.

Same for Knoedel - even if it was the powder packages only.
And Maultaschen..

I'm happy enough with the range of German Bratwurst that pops up every now and then in Aldi & Lidl, usually I'll hoard this stuff in the freezer for the bad days..

Space Dog

LIDL have dried Spätzle and fresh Knödel as part of their Alpenfest range a few times a year. Sometimes fresh Maultaschen as well. Haven't seen them in any other shops over here.
You can make Maultaschen yourself and freeze them. Or maybe get Pierogi from a Polish shop, they're kind of similar to Maultaschen I think?

The Hill Billy

I thought the Lidl spätzel was awful. It was like rubbery fettucini. I prefer the heavier, bullet-shaped spätzli common in Der Schweiz.

And on the subject of Pierogi - the goose ones in Lidl at the moment are very nice.

goat2

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwizi-_Q0p3gAhUnRxUIHXBPD3wQFjABegQIABAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dw.com%2Fen%2Fpoland-says-it-exported-suspect-beef-to-eu%2Fa-47307893&usg=AOvVaw01WjBgu5gmFi9YSrxIPFQm

I wonder did this enter our food chain, frightning

The Hill Billy

goat2 wrote: »

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwizi-_Q0p3gAhUnRxUIHXBPD3wQFjABegQIABAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dw.com%2Fen%2Fpoland-says-it-exported-suspect-beef-to-eu%2Fa-47307893&usg=AOvVaw01WjBgu5gmFi9YSrxIPFQm

I wonder did this enter our food chain, frightning

I don't think it was the OP's intention to introduce food of that quality to the Irish market.

CalamariFritti

German living in Ireland here.

Personally I think the idea is great. But I have to repeat some sentiments that others mentioned already.

German food is not very well know in Ireland or in most parts of the world to be honest. All people know or ever heard of is Schnitzel and Sauerkraut (foodies don't be offended, I'm exaggerating to speak on behalf of the wider market here). When they think of German foods they think of stuff beyond rustic. Sausage and meat platters, lots of beer, Bavarian atmosphere, that kind of stuff. The finer stuff or even regular German home cooking is pretty much unknown here. Some poster was even speaking of 'fermented foods'. I spent my first 30 years of life Germany and I can't think of a single fermented food right now. And like I said the Irish are not alone in that. German food has not developed any kind of reputation in most parts of the world.

Having said that I cook (Schweine) Schnitzel with Asparagus and Sauce Hollandaise and new potatoes for my Irish family fro.m time to time and they're addicted to it. As anybody would. Same for Bratkartoffeln with anything. Or Roast duck with proper red cabbage and Gruenkohl for Christmas. Or Zuercher G'schnetzteltes is popular. I'm sure RIndsroulade would be a treat but impossible to get a suitable cut.

Reason my stuff goes down well is that Irish food is pretty close to German food at the bottom of it As in meat potatoes veg. Difference is traditionally Irish food is presented a bit plainer, as in straight up. The Irish cuisine and tastes aren't much into spices and sauces and elaborate preparation. Anything beyond butter pepper salt is deemed a bit exotic. Meat is basically beef pork chicken. Game is being viewed with suspicion and even fish is very underrepresented for an island nation. Only mushrooms you will get are Champignons.

But that has started to come around bit in the last 10 years or so. For example coffee has taken off big time now. 15 years ago all you could get was instant.

Give it a go. But bear in mind that gastronomy is a tough business anyways. I read somewhere that 8 or 9 out of 10 new restaurants go under here. Probably the same back home. But it can be very rewarding if you get it right. A restaurant that takes off can be a goldmine, too.

Good luck, keep us posted!

Edit:
Let me add to that you absolutely need to do your homework business wise. Ireland is different in terms of cost structure and legal and a few other things. Irish restaurants seem very heavy on the staff side. There is such a thing as local 'rates'. Insurance is apparently crazy high and there are other cost factors. Liability is a big thing. Someone who slips on your premises might sue you for all you have and get it too, rightly or wrongly :eek:. A bit like those crazy stories you read from America. You absolutely need professional advice and do your homework.

Reputable Rog

CalamariFritti wrote: »

German living in Waterford here.

Personally I think the idea is great. But I have to repeat some sentiments that others mentioned already.

German food is not very well know in Ireland or in most parts of the world to be honest. All people know or ever heard of is Schnitzel and Sauerkraut (foodies don't be offended, I'm exaggerating to speak on behalf of the wider market here). When they think of German foods they think of stuff beyond rustic. Sausage and meat platters, lots of beer, Bavarian atmosphere, that kind of stuff. The finer stuff or even regular German home cooking is pretty much unknown here. Some poster was even speaking of 'fermented foods'. I spent my first 30 years of life Germany and I can't think of a single fermented food right now. And like I said the Irish are not alone in that. German food has not developed any kind of reputation in most parts of the world.

The Irish cuisine and tastes aren't much into spices and sauces and elaborate preparation. Anything beyond butter pepper salt is deemed a bit exotic. Meat is basically beef pork chicken. Game is being viewed with suspicion and even fish is very underrepresented for an island nation. Only mushrooms you will get are Champignons.

But that has started to come around bit in the last 10 years or so. For example coffee has taken off big time now. 15 years ago all you get was insane

I appreciate Germans aren't renowned for their humour but surely your winding people up.

'The Irish aren't in to spices or sauces'? Plainly not true.
"The only mushrooms you can get are champignons"- there are loads of variety of mushrooms available in Ireland.
"15 years ago the only coffee you could get was instant"- All types of coffee are and were available for a number of decades.
Probably the most condescending post I have read in a long time, a bit rich considering the only flavour crisps in Germany until recently was paprika.

CalamariFritti

Reputable Rog wrote: »

Probably the most condescending post I have read in a long time, a bit rich considering the only flavour crisps in Germany until recently was paprika.

Oops.

It wasn't intended to be condescending, sorry if it riled you up somehow. Was certainly not my intention. German food isn't exactly the height of the cuisine so I certainly wasn't starting a pissing contest. I re-read my post especially the points you highlighted and I can honestly stand by them.

I'm not getting it, maybe you were looking to be offended a little, just a tad on the defensive for whatever reason somehow? And if you are that offended at least quote me correctly please.

I dont know, whatever, in any case I can only repeat myself. This was not my intention. Sorry.

Edit: I didn't realise I had to be sensitive, so maybe I should have listed the things that are 'better' for want of a better word because I never intended to start a better or worse discussion. Better are nearly all ingredients for starters. Irish meat is superior to German meat, especially beef. Veg is the same especially when locally sourced. Dairy too. Generally speaking I'd probably trust the whole Irish food production chain more than I'd trust the German one. German stuff does have a whiff of mass production. Happier now?

EditEdit: Sorry again. I had the OH reading my post and she agrees with you. So apologies again, I didn't mean to but maybe it came across like that.

Irishmale0399

If your going to open a German place (bricks and mortar) you will have to go away from the main stream. Forget 20 schnitzel, Currywürst, Schweinebraten....

Take a look at regional foods that Irish people dont know...locally sourced fresh seasonal produce, homemade and add an Irish twist and/or ingredients.
Himmel un Ääd...irish spuds, blackpudding and apples...German style.
Erbesensuppe...irish bacon...smoked sausage
Königsberger Klopse...
Grünkohl und pinkel
Birne, Bohnen und Speck
Thüringer Klöße mit ente....free range local duck
Käsespätzle.....locally sourced cheese
Maultaschen...
Sauerbraten...Irish beef
Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten....Irish beef and good local grain mustard
Hamburger Labskaus....locally sourced fische etc.
Elsässer Flammkuchen
Dampnudeln

Add good German wines and lesser known (to the Irish market) good German beers and you should have a solid based to work off. However do not expect it to be a walk in the park.....you will need fully trained chefs, good service staff, a good location and marketing. Do your homework on the costs, taxes, insurance and costs of import for products you cannot source locally.

Reputable Rog

CalamariFritti wrote: »

Oops.

It wasn't intended to be condescending, sorry if it riled you up somehow. Was certainly not my intention. German food isn't exactly the height of the cuisine so I certainly wasn't starting a pissing contest. I re-read my post especially the points you highlighted and I can honestly stand by them.

I'm not getting it, maybe you were looking to be offended a little, just a tad on the defensive for whatever reason somehow? And if you are that offended at least quote me correctly please.

I dont know, whatever, in any case I can only repeat myself. This was not my intention. Sorry.

Edit: I didn't realise I had to be sensitive, so maybe I should have listed the things that are 'better' for want of a better word because I never intended to start a better or worse discussion. Better are nearly all ingredients for starters. Irish meat is superior to German meat, especially beef. Veg is the same especially when locally sourced. Dairy too. Generally speaking I'd probably trust the whole Irish food production chain more than I'd trust the German one. German stuff does have a whiff of mass production. Happier now?

EditEdit: Sorry again. I had the OH reading my post and she agrees with you. So apologies again, I didn't mean to but maybe it came across like that.

I would have no worries about German food standards in fact I would say they set the benchmark for European food standards.
One of the reasons behind companies like Wetherspoon backing Brexit is that they consider these standards too high and they want to import lower quality food at lower cost.

VeryTerry

Will there be kebabs?