Architect：LW Design Group

Location：Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; | ;

Project Year：2018

Category：Restaurants

A strong partnership between client Elements Management Group and LW Design has culminated in another prestige dining offering. Lai, an upscale Chinese restaurant, is set in Ho Chi Minh, with stunning views over District One. This is particularly noticeable from the rooftop terrace, where the twinkling city lights dazzle diners.

The concept is created around the many theatrical aspects of the Cantonese kitchen and also pays homage to the beautiful traditions of Chinese design. Piles of timber, displayed alongside ornamental blue ceramic vases, are ready for use in the specialised Peking duck oven. Bamboo dim sum steamers and a mosaic of old Chinese coins decorate the working kitchen, where chefs can be seen preparing the delicacies on the upscale menu.

Stone, brickwork and lattice feature throughout the interior, with a colour palette that has been drawn from the architectural features.

The dining area, set around the central kitchen, is divided by black traditional screens, which can either be opened up or closed for privacy. The mood is brought back to modernity by the pale grey contemporary leather chairs and two-seater dining sofas.  An eye-catching blue silk has been integrated into the chair upholstery, adding a splash of colour to the otherwise serene scheme.

Both standing and hanging lamps, reminiscent of Chinese lanterns, are used to create ambient light for the dining spaces. Along the corridor, hanging lanterns create a warm, inviting glow.

A tea tasting station has been included to allow guests to sample fine teas. Earthenware teapots are on display here to set the scene.

Connecting the two levels of the restaurant is a wooden staircase. “We used a paint effect and varying vertical widths on the railing to replicate a bamboo forest”, said Adrian Battisby, Associate Director at LW. The result is a mesmerising optical feature.

Private dining rooms have been included in the configuration of the space to accommodate those seeking a more intimate gathering. These rooms boast blue lacquered wood panel walls, with large round tables encircled by contemporary pale grey leather and dark wood chairs. Traditional backlit trellis details have been set into the walls and ceiling. This lighting detail is completed by an oversized modern take on the lantern that is suspended above the table. Dark timber and weathered stone feature in the floors.

Much detail has been included into the washrooms. Custom-made tiles adorn the walls, which were inspired by historic images that have been printed onto the ceramic tiles. Chinese-style lacquer chests with large clasps serve as stands for the washbasins.

Lai is a respectful modern interpretation of many magnificent details of the rich Chinese culture, drawn on for the menu but also the atmospheric details. These work together to leave diners transported to a different time and place.

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