1. Why Restaurant Owners Should Actively Use ChatGPT and Gemini
(1) You’re not just a cook—You’re also the CEO
In the famous book E-Myth (a #1 best-selling small business guide), one of the main points is:
“Great cooks without management skills often fail in business.” But most restaurant owners can’t afford to go to business school now, and you’re probably handling multiple roles every day. That’s why an efficient assistant like AI can be your best ally—especially if you’ve just taken over a shop without much prior experience.
2. Understanding ChatGPT’s Strengths and Weaknesses
(1) It’s a beast at brainstorming and abstract reasoning
ChatGPT is a large language model trained to synthesize and combine known patterns to form new ones. For example, I once asked: “My customers are staying too long. What if I play Marilyn Manson music?” It’ll recommend some even more annoying tracks. This type of creative contextual reasoning is what GPT does best.
(2) It’s slow at retrieving fresh data
Ask it about U.S. tariff policies, and it’ll start with “President Biden…” (Man! It’s 2025!)
So it’s not your go-to tool for market prices, trend analysis, or current events. Use Gemini or Google Search for that. GPT is better suited for reasoning-based problem solving.
3. Real Case: Using ChatGPT to Improve Recipes
(1) Fixing Chicken Paprikash
I tried cooking this Hungarian dish. Tasted good initially. But I had two big questions:
- Why sear the chicken if it’s going into a stew?
- Why does it start tasting like grass after 3 days?
So I asked ChatGPT:
“The searing step seems pointless. With caramelized onions, strong paprika, and chicken stock, the Maillard flavor isn’t noticeable. What if I skip it and just use wet-brining instead?”
GPT responded with:
- “In commercial kitchens, uniformity + efficiency > unnecessary steps.”
- “Wet brining removes odor and adds umami—searing is not mandatory.”
- “Paprika + caramelized onions compensate for lack of browning.”
I tried it. Same taste, 2x faster.
Then the “grass taste” mystery: I used green bell pepper (Because cheaper) instead of red.
GPT said: “Green bell peppers have more aldehydes that release grassy flavors over time. That’s why most commercial kitchens use red ones.”
Boom. Solved.
(2) Fixing Fried Chicken
Two problems.
- Grainy taste in the crust – Like fried rice. GPT said: “Increase MSG to mask it.”
I tried. It worked. The umami punch overwhelmed the grain notes.
- Inconsistent salt levels even with the same recipe. GPT said: “Use a precision scale. 5.1g vs 5.9g might look like 5g, but in small batches, that’s a big difference.” I bought a 0.00g scale—problem solved.
[Photo: Precision scale that I use]
4. Language Skills You Need to Use ChatGPT Well
(1) Sensory language for weird tastes
Don’t say: “Tastes weird.” Instead, say:
“Tastes like wet grass” → GPT maps that to aldehydes → gives accurate answers.
There should be metaphorical expressions and specific descriptions of taste, such as fishy smell, grassy taste, grainy taste, and the feeling of oil rising to the roof of the mouth.
(2) Quantified input
Don’t say: “A spoon of salt.” ➡️ Say: “6.3g of salt for 400ml brine.”
If you provide accurate recipe input information in terms of ratio, g, ml, time, and temperature, Chat GPT will make suggestions accordingly.
(3) Precision in process description
Instead of: “Cook until it looks done,” ➡️ Say: “Cook onions until golden brown and translucent.”
Instead of: “Heat oil when the pan is hot,” ➡️ Say: “Pour oil when water beads roll instead of sizzle.”
The ability to observe and describe the flow of each process step and an understanding of scientific concepts are required.
(4) Abstract flavor goals
Don’t ask: “How to make it better?” ➡️ Ask: “How to make the skin crispy but keep the inside juicy?”
You need the ability to abstract linguistically in order to realize the direction and intention of the flavor you want to create.
(5) Compare success vs failure
GPT loves comparisons. Try: “This version has no smell, but now it’s too sweet. Why?”
Summary
To get smart answers, you need smart inputs. Watch cooking YouTube, read culinary science, and experiment a lot. GPT only answers as well as your questions are framed.
5. Beware of Hallucinations (Fake but Confident Answers)
GPT is eager to please. Even if you’re asking nonsense, it’ll answer confidently.
Example 1: Vacuum-packing chicken for tenderizing
I asked: “Will vacuum-packing tenderize chicken?”
GPT said: “No clear proof, but maybe in some cases…”
Reality: It became dry and tough as hell. GPT still tried to justify it.
⚠️ NEVER fry vacuum-packed chicken. It will turn rubbery and dry.
Example 2: Reheating Schweinebraten
I asked: “Can I vacuum-pack and reheat Schweinebraten?”
GPT said: “Yes, just separate skin and roast in oven…”
I tried. Disaster. Totally lost the texture and flavor. (In Germany, they never reheat this dish for a reason.)
GPT gave me answers just because I seemed confident and determined. To resolve this issue, readers must resolve it themselves by pointing out that GPT is wrong after conducting actual experiments.
No matter what GPT says, it is important to always verify it through experience rather than believing it to be correct.
6. Final Thoughts
ChatGPT and Gemini are powerful tools for restaurant owners. They help you brainstorm, refine recipes, and structure your ideas. But they are not perfect—they follow your lead.
AI is not a truth machine. It’s a problem-solving partner.
If your questions are smart, and you’re willing to test in the kitchen, the results can be revolutionary.
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