East and West, business and leisure, old and new: worlds have always come together at Potsdamer Platz, a place where these different worlds collide. The same is true of the VOX Restaurant & Bar in the Grand Hyatt. Whether you're after a business lunch, a top-quality snack, or traditional sushi with European influences, the creativity of head chef Hugo Thiébaut and his team ensures a variety of surprising flavour and cultural fusions.

We wanted to find out more about this concept, so we asked Philipp Ketzer, the executive chef, a few questions over coffee at the 1838 Deli:

What is the philosophy behind the VOX restaurant?

Our concept is to combine creative European cuisine with Asian influences. We pay particular attention to our traditionally prepared sushi. We combine this with European ingredients and flavours.

European cuisine and sushi - do they go together?

Definitely! Many people who cook at home use soy sauce themselves for its colour and umami flavour. Miso paste is another exciting ingredient: it can be used to ferment fish or wheat. Fermentation is also a technique we are familiar with from our grandparents' European cuisine, where preserves were also made. We aim to bridge this gap and bring it into the present day.

How would you describe your signature flavour in three words?

Creative, authentic, artful.

And is there also a bit of Berlin in your menu?

We try to buy as locally as possible. When it comes to ingredients, we focus strongly on the region. Brandenburg, in particular, is a very exciting place. Berlin generally offers very good conditions for regional produce. We don't have a classic currywurst or Berliner schnitzel on the menu. However, we do incorporate such dishes as inspiration from time to time at lunchtime. The connection is very close.

What influence does your chef have over the menu?

A very big one, particularly with regards to dinner. Hugo has complete freedom there; he curates the menu entirely himself. I'm more responsible for the big picture. When it comes to dinner, he has our complete trust — and it shows.

What significance does Potsdamer Platz hold for you?

Potsdamer Platz is a historic location that attracts many tourists and Berliners. There is the theatre, the Blue Man Group and, soon, Cirque du Soleil, as well as the casino and, of course, the VOX restaurant. Incidentally, the name of the restaurant is reminiscent of the first radio station to broadcast here. It's therefore all the more fitting that the area is currently undergoing modernisation, including the infrastructure.

What's currently happening in your event calendar?

We have just launched our Business Lunch - with a different menu every day, including sushi. You can check out the menu everyday online. We are also now offering our new Apéro snack at VOX. It is available daily from 4 to 6.30 pm. You can enjoy it in good weather outside at the bar. Otherwise, it is inside. Our chef's homemade bread, air-dried ham, cheese, and dips are just some of the delicious treats you'll find on the menu. And of course, there's a good glass of chilled rosé or even a bottle of sparkling wine to wash it all down. It's perfect for after work or as an aperitif before dinner. Our popular Sushi & Champagne event will next take place on 21 June and 10 October 2025. Towards the end of the year, we will once again be holding our big Kitchen Party. Last time, it was a complete success — the guests were allowed into the kitchen to make tartare and roll sushi themselves. For me personally, this is a real highlight because it offers guests a new perspective. Many people go out to eat without knowing what happens in the kitchen. They don't have to. However, once you see how something is created and how much work and passion goes into it, your appreciation of the food changes completely. This insight is very enriching for many — including us.

Okay, final question... Sushi and steak are two absolute classics in your range. Are you more Team Sushi or Team Steak?

I believe that both have a right to exist. Both should be prepared and executed to the same elevated standards. Personally, I'm a vegetarian, so I'm probably more Team Sushi because I can stick to the vegetarian option. However, it's important to us that we offer something for all our guests. We want to be good hosts, and that means offering variety.

📍Visit the Vox Restaurant & Bar at Potsdamer Platz and let yourself be spoilt with culinary delights!

P.S.: And if you've now worked up an appetite: In our next newsletter, we'll give away an exclusive dinner for two at VOX Restaurant worth 200 €. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss out on any culinary highlights! Good luck!

© Photography White Kitchen