Taiga comprises of an 11 seater sushi-ya and a 25 seater sake bar, showcasing intimate spaces inspired by the topography of Kochi Prefecture, where the chef hails from.
Located at Regent Singapore’s foyer, our first step was to be mindful for the design not to detract from its surroundings, but still contribute back to the public space. The entrances are thus disguised as diptych sculptural relief paintings depicting rockscape. Here, the experience begins, with Taiga Dining to the left and House Bar to the right.
Through the paintings, diners set out on their journey at the foothills, ascending upwards through a narrow crevice in the mountain and leading to a cave, where they begin their gastronomical experience at the sushi counter.
Across the foyer at House, the sun sets, and the moon rises. Under the moonlight, diners are welcomed to savour sake and cocktails in an intimate setting, as the night falls away. House is anchored by a face-edged feature wall, where bottles of sake proudly perch.
Apart from curating an experiential journey, we also aimed to dispense with the tired visuals and cultural appropriation often seen in Japanese restaurants, yet weave in an identifiable thread of Japanese heritage to engage even the most transient travellers through the hotel or diners. The Japanese style and heritage were thus reinterpreted in new and exciting ways. For instance, the open kitchen and sushi counter provides a theatre and platform for the chef to showcase precision and skill – honed over decades, but framed within a modern and evocative setting.
Natural materials and finishes, reminiscent of Japanese landscapes, were carefully selected to engage the senses – from the deep fragrance of Hinoki, to the textures of split-face granite, contrasting with the delicate backlit onyx to the subtle shimmer of metallic weaving
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