Within a 100m2 dining space on foreign soil, Ken Design and the client collaborated to create a deeply Vietnamese restaurant - not just a place for meals, but a sanctuary for preserving Northern Vietnamese cultural values. Join us on a journey through the creation of this cultural haven, where every corner tells a Vietnamese story.
Existing Conditions
The project, about 100m2 in area, enjoys a strategic location with a wide façade and a spacious front yard. Previously used as a restaurant, the site required no major structural changes. However, challenges included outdated furnishings, a disjointed layout, and the complete absence of any Vietnamese cultural identity
The project's biggest advantage was a clear direction from the client, who was decisive and quick in making material, design, and construction decisions. This allowed Ken Design’s team to proceed swiftly and coherently.
Nevertheless, executing the project abroad posed significant challenges, especially in sourcing distinctly Vietnamese materials and finding local workers who understood Vietnamese cultural nuances. These hurdles were overcome thanks to close collaboration between Ken Design and the client.
Design Concept – Preserving Vietnamese Soul in Ireland
Client Mrs. Trang had a clear vision: “To open a restaurant rich in Vietnamese identity in the heart of Europe, where each guest, especially foreigners, can see, feel, and fall in love with Vietnamese culture in every corner.”
Based on this vision, Ken Design adopted a Northern Vietnamese cultural design language. Iconic elements like Dong Ho folk paintings, brocade fabrics, lotus flowers, bamboo, clay bricks, rustic wood, and especially the iconic conical hat were incorporated. The design emphasized authenticity through materials, spatial layout, and lighting, crafting a multi-layered portrait of a nostalgic yet vibrant Vietnam in a modern Western setting.
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Iconic Conical Hat Highlights the Façade
Unlike conventional storefronts, the restaurant boasts a wide, airy façade with a spacious front yard, ideal for welcoming guests, hosting small outdoor events, and creating a visual focal point. The façade features large glass doors combined with wooden accents and bamboo lighting, blending modern appeal with tradition.
A striking giant conical hat displayed above the entrance instantly draws attention, a familiar Vietnamese symbol rarely seen in Western settings. Previously, the restaurant had a plain façade with no distinct identity. The new design turned this iconic element into a captivating visual anchor.
Sourcing a giant conical hat in Ireland proved nearly impossible. When the client hit a wall, Ken Design provided a 3D blueprint, enabling local manufacturers to bring the idea to life. Despite added costs, Ms. Trang enthusiastically supported the solution, proving her commitment to sharing Vietnamese culture through concrete action.
Discovering the U-Shaped Layout of Connection
The restaurant's layout is cleverly organized in a U-shape, optimizing space and flow. The entrance leads to a compact, warmly decorated cashier area with bamboo lighting and wooden panels. On one end of the U is the dining area, adjacent to stairs leading to an upper level. Though unused, this stairway space was skillfully transformed with lighting and décor to avoid wasted space.
The kitchen sits at the center of the U, discreetly tucked away yet easily accessible for service. It is cleverly concealed with a traditional "peacock blanket" fabric curtain—an iconic symbol from Vietnam’s subsidized era.
Seating is arranged along the U-frame, ensuring a cozy atmosphere without feeling cramped. From any seat, guests can enjoy Vietnamese cultural decor while maintaining privacy and comfort. The layout allows smooth movement and reflects creative, flexible design thinking.
Maximizing Existing Materials and Interior Elements
A unique feature of this overseas project was Ken Design's thoughtful reuse of existing elements such as old furniture, the bar counter, wooden flooring, and ceiling components. Instead of replacing everything, these elements were cleaned, repainted, and integrated to preserve their rustic charm. Traditional Vietnamese materials were carefully added, including:
- Dong Ho paintings on "Diep" paper – emblematic of Northern Vietnamese culture
- Natural bamboo for ceiling beams and wall cladding
- Handmade clay bricks in earthy tones – evoking warmth and nostalgia
- Brocade fabrics featured in cushions, curtains, and accent walls
- Dark wood used for furniture and ceilings – lending elegance and coziness
The interior avoids showy luxury, instead embracing refined simplicity, true to the spirit of a traditional yet globally welcoming Vietnamese space. These new materials blend naturally with the reused elements, making the restaurant feel like a miniature Northern Vietnamese home.
Vietnamese Spirit in Every Corner
Ken Design’s priority wasn’t just to make it “beautiful,” but to imbue it with soul. Every wall, every decorative item tells a story. Each step within the restaurant takes guests on a journey through Vietnamese culture.
Upon entry, guests are welcomed by colorful Hoi An lanterns hanging under a red-tiled roof, images reminiscent of serene ancient towns. The lotus, Vietnam’s symbolic flower, is tastefully placed throughout, from simple lotus vases at the cashier, to branches near the waiting area, and a large lotus mural stretching alongside the seating area.
Further in, a red-tiled rooftop detail leads to a Dong Ho mural wall featuring folk themes like “Rat’s Wedding” and “Child with Chicken,” hand-printed on traditional Diep paper. Across the room, a nostalgic Hanoi street painting shows bicycles and street vendors, a tender reminder of Vietnam’s capital city.
Continuing inward, guests encounter a bamboo xylophone simulating the sounds of Central Highlands gongs, mounted on a rustic wall, a tribute to Vietnam’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Opposite, a painting of a Highland girl in traditional brocade dress stands proudly, surrounded by colorful woven fabrics that appear in cushions, tablecloths, and framed displays, each a subtle celebration of Vietnamese resilience and beauty.
Color & Lighting That Tell a Story
The entire restaurant is bathed in warm wooden tones, mixed with earthy reds and soft yellows, evoking memories of rural homes and harvest scenes. Lighting is kept warm and gentle, enhancing comfort and intimacy, perfect for Ireland’s cool climate. Handmade decorative lights replace industrial ones, offering a touch of authenticity and warmth.
Instead of plain paint, walls were textured using paint effects that mimic old bamboo or earthen walls. However, due to limitations in Irish construction, wallpaper was chosen as a reliable alternative.
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This Vietnamese restaurant in Ireland is a prime example of thoughtfully globalizing local culture. Beyond visuals, Ken Design and the client infused their shared love for Vietnam into every detail. It’s a project born of understanding, empathy, and a passion for cultural storytelling, a piece of Vietnam to be proud of, far from home.
If you're a business owner hoping to open a restaurant or café abroad and are seeking an end-to-end design partner, Ken Design is your ideal choice. With dozens of international projects under our belt and a professional online workflow, we’re confident in delivering results you'll love. Contact us at 0987 413 998 or via our Fanpage for a detailed consultation.
