NUNU is a Kyiv-based chain of Middle Eastern cuisine establishments specializing in “new wave” shawarma.
Founded by NUNU’s chef, Yuriy Nikityuk, the project is positioned as a “place of meaningful shawarma.” The design was supposed to include a reference to cilantro – a key ingredient in Nikityuk’s dishes.
The fourth NUNU opened on Yaroslaviv Val Street in a lively neighborhood with a large number of passersby in the historical center of Kyiv. The space we worked with had its own history: since 2017, the spot has changed hands here almost annually.
It’s a two-level structure: the main hall on the first floor, and a corridor, restroom, and technical room on the -1 level. In the main seating area, there is plenty of light coming in from windows on three sides, visually expanding the space.
From the outset of working on NUNU, we knew we didn’t want to overdesign the place. The main reference points were Middle Eastern and Asian street food spots. Warm-toned colorful tiles, various posters, small square tables with stools – we wanted to use chaotic street aesthetics but bring it inside the premises and tame it a bit.
At the owner’s request, an open kitchen was to operate along the entire wall, which imposed its limitations on planning. Ultimately, we proposed a layout with 22 seats inside – including a communal table and various seating formats – and two tables in the courtyard.
At the entrance, guests are greeted by a column decorated with restored used tiles with an aged effect, which extends as a self-service counter and order waiting area. To the left of the entrance, you can grab a coffee or another drink and watch your shawarma being prepared. To the right is the main seating area and communal table.
The complex geometry of the ceiling was covered with drywall, which didn’t look very interesting. We wanted to use it as a surface for design and create a sense of an impromptu Eastern market with a corrugated iron canopy. For decoration, we settled on a pile of lamps and lights of various shapes and styles, reminiscent of a showroom ceiling.
Instead of conventional menu monitors above the kitchen, round retro TVs from the 80s and 90s were used. Along the bar and kitchen on the floor, there is a Turkish inscription – a local joke about döner: “herkes döner ben dönmem”, which can be translated as “everyone will come back, but not me” or “everyone is döner, but not me.” Four more neon signs with shawarma inscriptions in Arabic are scattered around the establishment.
Initially, the communal table area was supposed to be separated with a carpet, but in a dynamic fast-food setting, such an option would not be practical – so we ultimately implemented a bright mosaic-style carpet on the floor. The seating remained diverse in shape, but all chairs were unified in gray color.
The restroom is decorated with ten types of ceramic granite imitating natural stone – they are laid out like puzzle pieces. This solution pays tribute to the Eastern peoples’ love for marble in architecture and interior design. A similar principle is traced in the corridor, where we implemented another tile typology into the main floor covering.
We decided to use cilantro on the facade – as stickers on the doors, highlighting the entrance group. To make the establishment more noticeable, a corrugated iron fence was added to the left of the doors, which was also used on the ceiling. On it, we placed branded illustrations – figures of people used by NUNU in Instagram communication. On the left side, there is also a cubic lightbox with the establishment’s name. Along the facade, extra benches are added, serving as a magnet for visitors on a busy street.
Designing the street food café with shawarma NUNU, we consciously opted out of high design – we wanted to create a comfortable and sincere place with clients who share our sense of humor and self-irony. The intention was fulfilled – we’ll be happy to visit here again and again.
