NHAU NHAU: A Tribute To The Retro Saigon Of The 1960s | Vietcetera SPACES

TL;DR

Nhau Nhau's design captures 1960s Saigon nostalgia.

Transcript

Hi, my name is Peter Cuong Franklin. And I’m Sean Dix, I’m an interior architect and furniture designer based in Hong Kong and Milan. It's very important to our success having proper design for the restaurant The '60s for me have always been a very important design reference. They call music during the 1960s “Nhạc vàng“ which is the golden era. In ... Read More

Key Insights

• Nhau Nhau is a restaurant designed to evoke the nostalgia of 1960s Saigon, a time known for its vibrant culture and iconic music, referred to as 'Nhạc vàng' or the golden era.
• The collaboration between Peter Cuong Franklin and Sean Dix aimed to integrate traditional Vietnamese design elements, using local crafts and materials to create an authentic atmosphere.
• Custom tiles for the restaurant were crafted by a family factory in Bát Tràng, showcasing the unique craftsmanship available in Vietnam that adds to the authenticity of the space.
• The restaurant's design heavily utilizes vibrant colors, reflecting the bold and lively aesthetics found throughout Vietnam, contributing to the overall nostalgic experience.
• Nhau Nhau is strategically located inside the Chợ Cũ wet market, offering patrons a view of the bustling market life in Saigon, enhancing the immersive experience.
• The lighting design in Nhau Nhau focuses on highlighting the food, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the dining experience.
• The restaurant offers unique culinary experiences, such as a shot featuring caramelized coconut worms with rum and coconut cream, blending local flavors with innovative presentation.
• The successful collaboration between a chef and a designer highlights the importance of integrating culinary and design elements to create a memorable dining experience.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the design of Nhau Nhau?

The design of Nhau Nhau was inspired by the 1960s era in Saigon, known for its vibrant culture and iconic music, referred to as 'Nhạc vàng' or the golden era. The collaboration between chef Peter Cuong Franklin and designer Sean Dix aimed to capture the nostalgic charm of this period through the use of traditional Vietnamese design elements and local craftsmanship.

Q: How did local craftsmanship influence the restaurant's design?

Local craftsmanship played a significant role in the design of Nhau Nhau. Custom tiles were produced by a family factory in Bát Tràng, and traditional Vietnamese hardwoods were used for bar stools and table tops. These elements not only add authenticity to the space but also showcase the unique skills and materials available in Vietnam.

Q: What role does lighting play in the restaurant's design?

Lighting is a crucial element in Nhau Nhau's design, as it focuses on highlighting the food and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The thoughtful lighting design enhances the dining experience by drawing attention to the culinary offerings and complementing the vibrant colors used throughout the restaurant.

Q: What unique culinary experiences does Nhau Nhau offer?

Nhau Nhau offers unique culinary experiences that blend local flavors with innovative presentation. One standout offering is a shot featuring caramelized coconut worms with rum and coconut cream. This dish highlights the restaurant's commitment to incorporating traditional Vietnamese ingredients in creative ways, providing diners with memorable and adventurous tasting experiences.

Q: How does the restaurant's location enhance the dining experience?

Nhau Nhau is located inside the Chợ Cũ wet market, offering diners a view of the bustling market life in Saigon. This strategic location enhances the dining experience by immersing patrons in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, allowing them to observe the dynamic interactions of the market while enjoying their meal.

Q: What is the significance of the 1960s era in the restaurant's theme?

The 1960s era is significant to Nhau Nhau's theme as it represents a golden age in Saigon, characterized by vibrant cultural expressions and iconic music. This period serves as a nostalgic reference point that informs the restaurant's design and atmosphere, aiming to evoke the essence of this lively and influential time in Vietnamese history.

Q: Who were the key collaborators in the restaurant's design?

The key collaborators in the design of Nhau Nhau were chef Peter Cuong Franklin and designer Sean Dix. Their partnership was instrumental in integrating culinary and design elements to create a cohesive and immersive dining experience that pays tribute to the retro Saigon of the 1960s, combining traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with modern sensibilities.

Q: What materials were used in the restaurant's construction?

The construction of Nhau Nhau utilized materials that emphasize traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship. Custom tiles were crafted by a family factory in Bát Tràng, and traditional hardwoods were used for the bar stools and table tops. These materials not only enhance the authenticity of the space but also showcase the unique resources available in Vietnam.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nhau Nhau is a restaurant that pays homage to the retro Saigon of the 1960s, capturing the era's vibrant culture and design aesthetics. Chef Peter Cuong Franklin and designer Sean Dix collaborated to integrate traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship and materials, creating a space that reflects the nostalgic charm of the period.

• The restaurant features custom tiles from Bát Tràng and traditional hardwoods, emphasizing the use of local materials to enhance authenticity. Its strategic location inside the Chợ Cũ wet market allows diners to enjoy views of Saigon's bustling market life, adding to the immersive experience.

• Nhau Nhau's lighting design focuses on the food, creating a warm atmosphere that complements the dining experience. Unique culinary offerings, such as a shot with caramelized coconut worms, showcase the innovative blend of local flavors and presentation, making Nhau Nhau a standout destination.