Jakarta Native Successfully Operates Four Restaurants in Berlin Without Bank Loans

When meeting the DW team in Berlin, Davin Sia smiled awkwardly. “I was actually prepared for the interview, but for some reason, I feel quite nervous,” he said with a laugh.

Behind that nervousness, Davin admits he is not the most talkative person. However, when it comes to business strategy, his story is different. Within four years, he has successfully expanded his culinary business from a single restaurant to four locations in Berlin. All of this was achieved without bank loans, inheritances, or winning the lottery.

“I would have preferred winning the lottery,” joked the single man from Kelapa Gaining, Jakarta. “But that wasn’t the case.” His primary capital consisted of savings, investments, and the audacity to seize opportunities when many others were avoiding risk, particularly during the pandemic. This is how he slowly began to reveal his trade secrets.

After personally serving Nasi Padang and chicken skin with sambal matah to customers at one of his restaurants, he shared that he owns one Indonesian restaurant, one Thai restaurant, and two food outlets in a building near Berlin’s main station.

From Computer Science Student to Restaurant Kitchen

Davin originally moved to Germany to study computer science, but like many students, his life revolved around part-time work. As it turned out, his turning point was not on campus, but in a restaurant kitchen.

“Initially, I worked part-time in a restaurant. From there, I developed a passion for gastronomy,” he said. Despite his degree being far removed from the culinary world, Davin did not see this as an obstacle. “Sometimes people say it doesn’t connect, but I believe university is not just about working in your field of study,” he remarked.

According to Davin, university shaped his way of thinking. “It teaches us how to think more critically, analytically, and systematically when facing problems.” He added, “So, don’t look at successful people and say, ‘Oh, they didn’t go to university, so they could do it.’ That’s not how it works. For me, even if I pursue a career different from my major, university education is a maturation process that is very beneficial in shaping our mindset.”

Building a Business Without Banks or Inheritance

When deciding to open his own restaurant, Davin chose an uncommon path: not borrowing any money from the bank. “I use cash for all my businesses. I have never taken out a credit,” he said casually.

His capital came from wages he had set aside for years, which were then rotated into investments. “I have worked continuously since I was young, saving and investing here and there,” he said.

Much of his investment was in stocks, both in Germany and Indonesia, but he quickly emphasised that this was not an instant path. One must be clever in stock investing. Investing in stocks must be studied; “If you don’t learn, it becomes like gambling, but if you study it, it is not gambling.”

He was also honest about the reality: “I have experienced losses. In fact, it happened often in the beginning, but that is how we learn from our mistakes.”

‘Oppression’ as a Business School

One of the most defining parts of his life actually came from an unpleasant work experience. “Initially, I was oppressed by my superior,” he said. However, Davin is grateful when remembering it, as he considers it to be a “free school.”

“I was told to do this and that, which were not actually my duties, but from that, I learned how to manage a restaurant,” he said. From supply chain management and bookkeeping to marketing, he learned everything through direct experience. “So, I just enjoyed that oppression as an arena for learning business,” he chuckled.

The Pandemic as an Opportunity

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused many restaurants to close, Davin chose to enter the culinary business. “When people were selling restaurants cheaply, I was buying them,” he said.

That seemingly reckless decision proved to be a major leap forward. Within four years, he owned four restaurants in Berlin.

Life Goals, Social Circles, and Managing Stress

Long before his success, Davin had a clear target: to have his own business by the age of 30. “I always set targets,” he noted.

In addition to targets, he emphasised one thing he considers vital: social circles. “Your circle is very important. It is better to have an environment that pushes you forward, rather than just hanging out in cafes or spending time in city parks relaxing… For me personally, it is not just a waste of time, but if the friendship is not productive or positive, it can actually be dangerous,” he said.

Many might choose such lifestyles to relieve stress, but Davin has a different view. “Do those things reduce stress? No, it’s only temporary. For me, friendship is very important. If your social circle is wrong, instead of making money, you will spend it. Believe me,” he said.

When asked about stress, his answer was unexpected. “When I am stressed? I take a shower,” he said laughing. “That is where I cleanse myself, so I feel refreshed and can get new ideas while showering.”

52 Employees, 14-Hour Workdays, and No Days Off

His business now employs more than 50 people. Nevertheless, he is not worried that his employees might become competitors. “It’s fine. We can all progress together,” he asserted.

His routine remains intense. He works 12–14 hours a day, almost without any days off. “Because I want financial freedom at a young age. It’s wonderful to be able to reap the benefits as young as possible, isn’t it? There is no need to wait until over the age of 40, when others face a mid-life crisis and do things that are sometimes irrational because they feel inadequate,” he said.

As part of the sandwich generation, Davin feels responsible for being the breadwinner for his family in Indonesia.

Three Keys According to Davin

For young people who wish to move abroad or start a business, Davin summarises everything into three simple things: “Healthy social circles that want to progress together, clear life targets, and hard work.”