Savory Hungarian Dishes at Eatery Csárda: Aroma Fills the Air with Rich Flavors of Kesselgulasch
Mouthwatering Eastern European Flavors at Csárda
Step into a taste of Hungary at Csárda, Schwerin's newest eatery. With hearty one-pot dishes, traditional Hungarian fare, and a splash of local flair, this cozy restaurant is ready to delight your senses.
Homestyle Hungarian Cuisine
Big Michael Richter, the man behind the soups, drew inspiration from his mother's cooking to craft a menu filled with kettle goulash, vegan vegetable kettles, and Szegediner goulash. For a special treat, prepare yourself for Lángos day every Thursday, featuring this Hungarian staple in various forms—including a Lángos burger! Plus, keep an eye out for tasty additions like minced meat skewers, stuffed bell peppers, and more.
A Small Start with a Bright Future
With a small but tantalizing menu, Csárda aims to grab Schwerin's attention before expanding its offerings. Located just a stone's throw from the Marienplatz, the restaurant is tucked away but easy to find with self-designed flyers adorning the city letterboxes.
Richter's Journey to Csárda
A Schwerin resident for ten years, Richter nearly ventured to Schleswig-Holstein to open his restaurant. But the city captured his heart, leading him to discover the perfect location for Csárda. Gisela Meer, a long-time friend and mini-jobber at the restaurant, contributes her creative touch by crocheting doilies and adorning the tables with fresh flowers.
A Historical Location
Perched above the entrance is the large letters "Fleutendoerfer Krog," a nod to the building's old bowling alley days. Gisela, a Schwerin resident since the 1970s, remembers the Fleutendoerfer Krog fondly and explains how the house, now home to Csárda, might have started as a guesthouse.
Breathing New Life into a Classic Spot
Transforming the former smoker's pub into a rustic Hungarian-style locale was no easy feat. Michael Richter and Gisela Meer endured numerous painting sessions to erase the yellow stains and infuse the walls with a fresh, Eastern European aesthetic. They've also infused the menu with the vibrant flavors of Hungary, particularly paprika, which adds a kick to Richter's dishes and a beautiful crimson hue.
Family recipes and a Dream Come True
Though he maintains a Saxon accent, Richter's Hungarian heritage extends beyond his mother's lineage. His grandparents kept chickens and pigs, and his grandfather's new wife was Hungarian, filling their home with the scents of paprika. Richter now uses kilos of sweet paprika powder to cook up the delicious dishes at Csárda, bringing traditional Hungarian flavors to Schwerin.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
While he spent his career as a community pedagogue, Richter longed to open his own restaurant. Finally deciding to take the plunge upon retiring, he's found a new fountain of youth in serving guests at Csárda. For now, the restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday, but in the fall, Richter hopes to add Monday's Dódollé day to the menu. Keep an eye out for special events like game nights and Hungarian sweets on the terrace, perfect for savoring the sunshine like on the Balaton.
Csárda opens Thursday from 12-2 PM and 5-10 PM, Friday to Saturday from 5-11 PM, and Sunday 12:30-4:30 PM. Friedensstraße 2, 19053 Schwerin. www.csarda-schwerin.de (Tip: Game night on July 4th from 8 PM)
- The cozy restaurant, Csárda, with its Eastern European aesthetic, serves a menu inspired by home-and-garden recipes like kettle goulash, minced meat skewers, and stuffed bell peppers.
- Big Michael Richter, the chef at Csárda, draws upon his mother's cooking, his grandparents' farming experiences, and family traditions to craft the menu, incorporating fashion-and-beauty elements with the use of bright paprika in his dishes.
- To find Csárda, one might follow the self-designed travel flyers adorning the city letterboxes, located near the heart of Schwerin, the Marienplatz.
- Aside from delectable food-and-drink offerings, Csárda also boasts a rich history, previously housing a smoker's pub and a potential guesthouse (Fleutendoerfer Krog), as recalled by Schwerin resident Gisela Meer.
