Project: Momo Asian Bar- Sushi & Wok
Location: Chisinau, Moldova
Architecture: ARCHFORM architecture & design studio
Graphic design: BRAND LOOK

Although located about 8000 km away from Japan and Vietnam, Momo Asian Bar is the place where the cultures and traditions of the two countries blend to invite its visitors to a culinary journey to Asia and to explore the Asian atmosphere.

The interior design concept boldly combines in one space the authentic spirit of a Japanese izakaya, maru and mandala – two universal symbols of integrity, infinity and eternity, and four elements – metal, wood, fire and earth.

Metal is used in the metallic constructions of the terrace and the entrance area, for the decoration of the fireplace, and for the artistic bionics of the wall and ceiling cladding.

Wood is used in the rough-hewn tables and doors carrying the symbol of a rotating mandala carved by local craftsmen.

Fire can be found in the candlelit fireplace in the center of the restaurant, while earth is reflected in the handmade bricks created especially for Momo, which mirror the brickwork of Vietnamese houses exposed to tropical humidity.

The crumpled paper effect of the interior elements, made in papier-mâché technique, evoke the beauty of imperfection and ephemerality.

The designers successfully incorporated the oriental philosophy into every detail of the interior and created a practical workspace.

The open-plan kitchen welcomes the customers, the bar counter brings the restaurant rooms together and facilitates the staff’s work with the clients, while the artificial lighting of the restaurant’s remote rooms imitates street lighting, expanding the imaginary space and filling it with soft light.