AI in Hospitality

paulfmjanssen
12. Juni
14 Min. Lesezeit

Is AI a helpful option for our Hospitality industry, what does it bring us, and how can it help us in Restaurants, Hotels an or other food related businesses.

I want to show you some examples how AI can be helpful, inside our hospitality industry, how it can save time, and even support our creativity.

As an experienced professional working in the hospitality and restaurant industry, with loads of respect for anything that has to do with computers and computer programs, I just started playing, discovering and experimenting with AI

I know how to work the most general computer programs, like Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google drive, and so on, and I get around in social media, this all through self studies, through learning by doing, and through trial and error.

With this trial and error attitude, and by just using the free available Programs on the market I started experimenting with some AI programs, such as Chat GPT, and Gemini, by asking random questions focussed around our hospitality industry

The most important thing I found out very rapidly, was to be distinctly, explicit and as clear as possible in the kind of questions I was looking to be answered, by using the best possible description of the question or of what i wanted to be answered.

The more precise you put your question into words, the better and unambiguously your answer will be.

I would like to share some suggestions of questions I put in some of the AI programs I started looking into, to give you some advice on how easy it actually is to create content, seek for information and learn from and with AI.

Just one thing that's important to know, AI is not perfect, and AI doesn’t know everything, but for our Food & Hospitality Industry, there is an extreme amount of content and data available, and to my opinion the risk of fake content being created in the general food & hospitality business content delivered by AI is not really hazardous or perilous, as long as think logical and use your common sense.

I would like to share some examples of questions i put into AI, with the matching answers i received in seconds.

Question 1:

If you (Restaurant owner - Manager) are planning on adjusting your food offer, and wanting to invest in actual food trends, instead of searching through time consuming hundreds of online pages, here the question you could ask AI instead.

“what are the food trends in 2025 in fine dining restaurants?”

(put into Gemini. with the following answer)

…………In 2025, fine dining restaurants are expected to showcase several exciting and evolving food trends. These trends suggest that fine dining in 2025 will be characterised by a commitment to sustainability, innovative plant-based options, bold flavour explorations, a celebration of culinary heritage, and a focus on creating memorable and personalised dining experiences.

Sustainability at the Forefront:

Regenerative Agriculture: Expect a greater emphasis on ingredients sourced from farms practicing regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. This not only provides high-quality ingredients but also aligns with environmental consciousness.
Zero-Waste Cooking: Chefs will increasingly adopt "root-to-stem" or "nose-to-tail" philosophies, creatively utilising all parts of ingredients to minimise waste. This includes turning scraps into flavourful broths, sauces, or garnishes.
Local and Seasonal Sourcing: Prioritising locally sourced and seasonal produce will remain crucial, reducing carbon footprints and supporting regional farmers. Farm-to-table concepts will continue to gain traction.
Sustainable Seafood: A growing interest in lesser-known and sustainably harvested seafood species from local waters is anticipated.

Plant-Based Innovation:

Plant-Based Perfection: The rise of sophisticated and creative plant-based dishes will continue, moving beyond basic vegetarian options to highlight seasonal produce and innovative meat and dairy alternatives.
Borderless Cuisine with Vegan Twists: Expect to see global flavors being reimagined with plant-based ingredients, offering exciting and diverse vegan options.

Flavour and Ingredient Exploration:

Unusual Toppings and Ingredients: Chefs will experiment with unexpected ingredients and toppings, such as caviar and ash, in surprising applications across dishes, desserts, and even drinks.
Spice-Driven Flavours: Bold and aromatic spices, particularly from South and Southeast Asian cuisines, are predicted to take center stage as diners become more adventurous.
Umami-Rich Ingredients: Ingredients like miso, soy sauce, and fermented products will be increasingly used to add depth and complexity to dishes.
Rediscovering Traditional Techniques: There will be a renewed appreciation for age-old techniques like open-fire cooking, fermentation, and preservation, often combined with modern twists.

The Dining Experience:

Street Food Couture: High-quality ingredients and sophisticated techniques will elevate street food classics into fine dining experiences, with influences from Mexican, Indian, Korean, and Filipino cuisines.
Borderless Cuisine: Fusion of culinary traditions will continue to evolve, creating unique and exciting flavor combinations.
Culinary Roots: Chefs will increasingly look back to their national and regional culinary heritage, reviving traditional recipes and local ingredients with a modern approach.
Diner Designed: Expect more interactive and personalised dining experiences, potentially leveraging technology to cater to individual preferences.
Multi-Sensory Dining: Restaurants may focus on creating immersive experiences that engage all senses – taste, sight, sound, and smell – to make dining more memorable.

Wellness and Health:

Healthier Alternatives: Some fine dining establishments may explore using natural sweeteners like fruit and birch sugar instead of refined sugar.
Gut Health Focus: Ingredients known for their gut-friendly properties, like fermented foods, may be featured more prominently.

With all these topics being on the forefront of our 2025 food trends, it gives any Chef and Business owner sufficient ideas and suggestions to see where he would like to focus on, by creating either his Vision or Mission for his own restaurant concept.

You can then also deep dive in any single point from the answer, and ask for more details

Question 2:

…..Can you give me some clear and understandable suggestions, of how i can use AI, to create an innovative seasonable menu for a fine dining restaurant in Zürich?

(put into ChatGPT, with the following answer)

.............Absolutely! Leveraging AI can be a game-changer for crafting an innovative and seasonal menu for your fine dining restaurant in Zürich. Here are some clear and understandable suggestions on how you can use AI for this purpose:

1. Trend Analysis and Inspiration:

AI-Powered Culinary Trend Analysis: Use AI tools that analyze vast amounts of food data, including social media, culinary publications, restaurant reviews, and search trends. This can help you identify emerging ingredients, flavor pairings, and cooking techniques that are gaining popularity, both globally and specifically in the Zürich area.
- Example: An AI might identify a rising interest in Swiss-grown microgreens paired with traditionally prepared fish dishes.
Global and Local Flavour Fusion: AI can suggest unexpected yet harmonious flavor combinations by analyzing culinary traditions from different parts of the world and identifying potential synergies with local Swiss ingredients and preferences.
- Example: An AI could propose a dish featuring locally sourced lamb with a subtle infusion of Japanese Yuzu, a flavor that is gaining traction.
Seasonal Ingredient Spotlighting: Input the seasonal availability of ingredients in the Zürich region. AI can then generate creative dish concepts that highlight these ingredients at their peak freshness and flavor.
- Example: In late spring, AI could suggest a vibrant asparagus risotto with saffron from the Valais region and a delicate lemon foam.

2. Recipe Generation and Innovation:

AI Recipe Generators: Utilise AI platforms that can generate novel recipe ideas based on specific ingredients, dietary restrictions, and desired flavor profiles. You can input seasonal ingredients and ask the AI to create unique dishes.
- Example: Input "Swiss chard," "hazelnuts," and "truffle oil," and the AI might suggest a Swiss chard and hazelnut tart with a truffle vinaigrette.
Flavour Pairing Optimisation: Some AI tools specialise in suggesting optimal flavor pairings based on food science and existing culinary knowledge. You can input a key seasonal ingredient, and the AI will suggest complementary flavors to build a well-balanced dish.
- Example: Input "rhubarb" (in early summer), and the AI might suggest pairings with ginger, rosewater, or even savory elements like duck.
Dietary Restriction Adaptation: If you want to cater to specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), AI can help you adapt existing recipes or generate entirely new dishes that meet these requirements while still being innovative and appealing to a fine dining palate.
- Example: An AI could transform a classic meat dish into a sophisticated vegan alternative using seasonal root vegetables and innovative plant-based sauces.

3. Menu Optimisation and Presentation:

Menu Engineering Insights: AI can analyze your past menu performance data (if available) alongside current trends to suggest optimal menu structure, pricing strategies, and dish placement to maximize profitability and customer appeal.
Descriptive Menu Language Generation: AI can assist in crafting elegant and enticing descriptions for your menu items, highlighting the seasonal ingredients and innovative preparation techniques.
- Example: Instead of "Tomato Salad," an AI could suggest: "Heirloom Tomatoes from Ticino, gently marinated in basil-infused olive oil, served with creamy burrata and a balsamic reduction."
Visual Presentation Ideas: While AI can't physically plate the food, it can provide inspiration for modern and visually appealing plating techniques based on current trends in food presentation. You can input the dish components, and the AI might suggest layout ideas or garnish options.

4. Local Sourcing and Sustainability:

AI-Powered Local Ingredient Sourcing: Some AI tools can help identify local farmers and producers in the Zürich region who offer high-quality seasonal ingredients. This can support your commitment to sustainability and freshness.
Sustainable Menu Suggestions: By considering the environmental impact of different ingredients, AI can help you create menu options that are not only seasonal but also more sustainable.
- Example: Suggesting dishes that utilize less water-intensive ingredients or those with a lower carbon footprint

Practical Steps to Get Started:

Identify AI Tools: Research and explore AI platforms and software specifically designed for the food and restaurant industry. Look for features that align with your needs, such as trend analysis, recipe generation, and menu optimization.
Define Your Goals: Clearly outline what you want to achieve with AI. Are you primarily focused on generating new dish ideas, optimizing your menu structure, or sourcing local ingredients?
Provide Quality Input Data: The better the data you provide to the AI (e.g., seasonal ingredient availability, your restaurant's style, customer preferences), the more relevant and innovative the output will be.
Human Oversight is Crucial: Remember that AI is a tool to assist you, not replace your culinary expertise. Always review and refine the AI-generated suggestions to ensure they align with your restaurant's vision and standards. Your chef's creativity and understanding of fine dining are essential in the final selection and execution of the menu.
Experiment and Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment with different AI tools and approaches. The process of using AI for menu creation is often iterative, so be prepared to refine your prompts and evaluate the results.

By thoughtfully integrating AI into your menu creation process, you can unlock new levels of culinary innovation, highlight the best of each season in Zürich, and create memorable dining experiences for your guests. Good luck!

As you can see, very much of the content of the answers, delivered by AI, makes a lot of sense, and can be very helpful for business owners - managers and Chefs to design new, different or market specific concepts, Especially for Chefs AI can deliver a lot of content, ideas, suggestions and more. AI is a great tool for chefs because it enables them to work smarter, more creatively, and more efficiently,"

Think of the available AI programs as a kind of WhatsApp group with 1000 of chefs in one group with whom you can brainstorm 24/7.

It's important though that you, as a chef, personally check whether the information you receive is accurate.

AI can help you as a chef with your creativity, but also with thinking about how to keep your purchases down or what to do with waste.

Chefs can also use AI as an additional think tank, supporting their creativity.

I asked the AI tool to create a picture of a dish containing Salmon, Spinach, Potatoes and Hollandaise, ........in les then 10 seconds i got this following picture:

I asked the AI tool to create a dish with unusual herbs. "Of course, AI can't match the intelligence of a chef. AI can't smell, taste, see or touch. So my suggestion is to use AI as a stimulus for your creativity as i did in Question 3, I asked AI the following question:

Question 3

"I have a dish with roasted fennel on my menu. What unusual herbs can I use to enhance the flavor?"

(put into ChatGPT, with the following answer)

..............Using unusual herbs can add a unique and interesting flavour to a roasted fennel dish. Here are some suggestions:

Sumac: This is a Middle Eastern spice with a lemon flavour. It can add a fresh, note

to fennel.

Dill seeds: Dill and fennel are related, and the flavours complement each other well.

Dill seeds have a sweet, anise-like flavour that pairs well with fennel.

Fenugreek: This herb has a complex flavour, somewhat reminiscent of maple syrup and slightly bitter. It can add an unexpected twist to fennel.

Za'atar: A Middle Eastern spice blend consisting of wild thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. It can add an earthy and slightly spicy flavour to fennel.

Ras el Hanout: A North African spice blend containing cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cumin. This can add a warm, complex flavour to roasted fennel.

Nigella seeds (black cumin): These seeds have a nutty, slightly peppery flavour and can add a subtle, aromatic note to fennel.

Caraway seeds: Similar in flavour to anise and fennel, but slightly spicier and earthier, they can add an interesting flavour to the dish.

Mahleb: A spice made from the seeds of the St. Lucie cherry, used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its flavour is reminiscent of cherries and almonds and can add a sweet note to the fennel.

Try one or a combination of these herbs and experiment with the amounts to find the perfect balance to complement your roasted fennel dish.
with these suggestions you can enhance your personal creativity as a chef

When using an AI tool,

it's extremely important

to enter your Question, or what you looking forcommand,

very clearly and concisely.

Go to your AI tool and describe what you're looking for briefly and clearly,

but as precisely as possible.

For example, if you have 20 kilos of zucchini left over in your storage room, you can ask AI what you can do with it,

One of AI's first answers will be soup.

But if you tell AI in the question, that you don't sell soup,

the AI will come up with other creative ideas." Have a look in question 4.

Question 4:

°What kind of menu can i create for my restaurant, with 20 KG's of left over zucchini, that needs to be consumed urgently, knowing that we don't serve soups or gratins.°

Put into Chat GPT, with the following answer

..............With 20 kg of zucchini that needs to be used up urgently — and given your restrictions (no soups or gratins) — you'll want a menu that:

Appeals to a variety of tastes (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, meat-eaters).
Uses zucchini creatively across courses.
Preserves or preps dishes that can be stored or reused easily if not sold immediately.

Here’s a full menu concept using zucchini in diverse ways across appetizers, mains, and sides:

Starters

Zucchini Carpaccio Thinly sliced raw zucchini with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, crushed pistachios, and basil oil.
Zucchini Roll-Ups (Vegetarian or Meat-Stuffed) Grilled zucchini strips rolled with either:
- Herbed ricotta & sun-dried tomatoes (veg), or
- Spiced minced lamb and mint yogurt.
Zucchini Fritti Tempura-fried zucchini sticks with aioli or a spicy harissa mayo dip.
Zucchini Tartare Finely diced zucchini marinated in citrus, capers, and shallots — served on toasted sourdough rounds.

Main dishes
Zucchini Noodles ("Zoodles") with Your Choice of Sauce
- Pesto & cherry tomatoes (vegan)
- Creamy garlic mushroom sauce (vegetarian)
- Spicy arrabbiata with shrimp (seafood)
Zucchini & Cheese Stuffed Flatbread or Quesadilla Pan-grilled flatbread with zucchini, mozzarella, and caramelized onions. Add optional chicken or pancetta.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats (Reimagined) Baked halved zucchinis filled with:
- Couscous, feta, olives, and tomatoes (Mediterranean)
- Chicken tinga with cheese and corn (Mexican-inspired)
Zucchini & Herb Fritters Pan-fried and served with a yogurt or tahini dipping sauce. Can be made vegan.
Zucchini Pizza / Flatbread Special A rotating pizza special using zucchini ribbons, goat cheese, chili flakes, and lemon zest.

Side dishes
Zucchini Slaw A crunchy raw salad with shredded zucchini, cabbage, carrot, and sesame-ginger dressing.
Grilled Zucchini Salad Grilled rounds with halloumi, fresh herbs, toasted seeds, and a balsamic glaze.
Zucchini Chips Dehydrated or oven-baked — seasoned with paprika, za’atar, or parmesan.

Desserts
Zucchini Chocolate Cake Moist and rich — zucchini adds texture and keeps it light without dominating the flavor

Optional Prep: Preserving Leftovers

Zucchini Pickles (fast-pickled for use in burgers, sandwiches, charcuterie boards)
Frozen Zucchini Patties (for future use as burger bases or fritters)
Marinated Zucchini in Oil (great tapas-style addition)

As you can see, AI tools can help with almost all questions and challenges, the best way is just to start playing and experimenting with available free AI-tools, you cant go wrong, just start and keep on asking, its fun, and it can be very helpful

Question 5:

"Can you create a recipe for an asian curry dish"

Sure, I can create a recipe for an Asian curry dish! How about a Thai Green Curry with Chicken and Vegetables? It's a classic and very flavourful.

Here's a recipe:

Thai Green Curry with Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe balances the creamy richness of coconut milk with the vibrant heat of green curry paste and fresh aromatics. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking!

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Curry:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4-6 tbsp Thai green curry paste (adjust to your spice preference; use good quality paste)
- 1 (13.5 oz / 400ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 cup (150g) bamboo shoots, sliced (canned, drained)
- 1 cup (150g) bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup (75g) snow peas
- 1/2 cup (50g) fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred)
- 1/4 cup (25g) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional, but highly recommended)
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice

Equipment:

Large pot or Dutch oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife

Instructions:

Sauté the Chicken: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Bloom the Curry Paste: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the green curry paste to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until very fragrant. This step "blooms" the paste and deepens its flavor.
Add Coconut Milk and Broth: Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the coconut milk to the curry paste, stirring until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Then, pour in the remaining coconut milk and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Season the Curry: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, and torn kaffir lime leaves (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you're looking for a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.
Simmer with Vegetables and Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and green beans. Bring the curry back to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Finish with Snow Peas and Basil: Stir in the snow peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until they are tender-crisp. Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves until they wilt.
Serve: Ladle the hot Thai green curry over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations:

Spice Level: If you prefer less spice, start with 3-4 tablespoons of curry paste. For more heat, add a bit more paste, or a pinch of red chili flakes.
Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. Other great additions include eggplant (Thai eggplant is traditional), mushrooms, or broccoli.
Protein: This curry works wonderfully with shrimp, firm tofu, or other meats. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Creamier Curry: For an even richer curry, you can simmer the coconut milk on its own for a few minutes before adding the paste, allowing the coconut cream to separate and rise to the top. Use this cream to bloom the paste.
Freezing: Leftover curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well.