"Café Nashe": Nestled in Mongayma, represents a piece of Ukraine
In the heart of Mönchengladbach, Germany, a new culinary gem has emerged. "Our Cafe," located on Freedom Street, offers contemporary dishes of Ukrainian cuisine, prepared according to traditional family recipes. The cafe-restaurant, opened recently by Ukrainian woman Olga Kmet, has already attracted patrons from nearby cities like Langenfeld, Solingen, Leichlingen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne.
Olga, who previously worked in a kindergarten and for the municipal council of Mönchengladbach, chose the name "Our Cafe" for its melodious and understandable quality in both Ukrainian and German. The interior, recently renovated with a designer from Ukraine, exudes a cozy atmosphere with a Ukrainian touch.
The menu at "Our Cafe" features a delightful blend of European and Ukrainian dishes, with cheesecakes being the most popular. The establishment is open until 9 pm and offers both breakfast and dinner. From Thursday to Sunday, it plans to stay open until 10 pm.
The author, Svitlana Hlumm, a 44-year-old journalist who studied history and journalism in Ukraine and is a member of the Ukrainian Journalists' Union, visited "Our Cafe" and tasted a dish that reminded her of her homeland. Svitlana has lived in Solingen since April 2022.
As for the future plans of "Our Cafe," specific details are yet to be announced. However, based on general entrepreneurial best practices and local market insights, the cafe might conduct thorough market research, test new ideas, enhance its online presence, collaborate with local events, and innovate customer experiences.
In addition to its dining services, "Our Cafe" also offers a cocktail and wine menu. The cafe plans to introduce a service that delivers food to homes. The team at "Our Cafe" consists of five people, a mix of Germans and Ukrainians. Regional products, including milk and eggs, are used for preparation, and the coffee is of high quality, roasted by friends in Cologne who ensure fair wages for workers.
Svitlana Hlumm, originally from Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, has written books, manuscripts, and short stories on the topics of fantasy and mythology. With "Our Cafe" offering a taste of Ukraine in Mönchengladbach, it's clear that Olga and her team are not just serving food but also sharing a piece of Ukrainian culture with the community.
Olga Kmet, the owner of "Our Cafe," is expanding the food-and-drink offerings to include a home-delivery service, allowing patrons to enjoy Ukrainian cuisine at home. Despite these innovations, the cafe-restaurant's lifestyle approach remains grounded in the traditional recipes and Ukrainian culture it celebrates.
