Shabu Shabu - Telling a New Story of Japanese Hot Pot in Hanoi
The pure spirit of Shabu Shabu is expressed through a restrained design language focused on lines, materials, and light. Japanese architectural elements such as wooden slats and circular windows are carefully refined and reinterpreted in a lighter, contemporary manner, creating a space that feels both familiar and refreshed.
The image of steam rising from the hot pot serves as the main design inspiration. Gradually spaced wooden slats, transitional surface treatments, and softly controlled lighting suggest gentle movement, evoking the way steam slowly spreads through the space and enhancing the dining experience.
Beyond dining, Shabu Shabu is conceived as a place for connection.
To counter the simplicity of Shabu Shabu cuisine, seating is thoughtfully arranged to encourage interaction. Alongside tables for small groups, the restaurant offers communal tables, bar seating for solo diners, flexible arrangements for larger groups, and private rooms, creating a diverse and socially engaging environment.
Japanese Inspiration - Recalled and Reimagined
Fiberglass panels are introduced as a contemporary alternative to traditional translucent materials found in Japanese architecture. Laminated onto acrylic and used for wall cladding and partitions, they become a distinctive feature of the space. Throughout the interior, materials are chosen for their authenticity and raw qualities, reflecting the honest spirit of Shabu Shabu cuisine.
Overall, the restaurant is designed as a refined backdrop for shared moments around the hot pot - where people, food, and architecture come together. Each detail contributes to a space that retells the spirit of Japanese cuisine through a creative and thoughtful architectural language, grounded in the urban context of Hanoi.