SẾP, Hong Kong – China

The Vietnamese word SẾP is originated from the French word “Chef”, the design of this fine dining restaurant in bustling Central area of Hong Kong evokes the historical and cultural origins of the unique Vietnamese cuisine served. A sophisticated yet modern setting was derived by juxtaposition of Indochine-Vietnamese features and wood-fire inspired material palettes. Re-interpretation of the spatial order of a typical Indochine-Vietnamese mansion has been adopted to give hierarchy, layers and details to the space.In the reception area the customers were greeted by an antique cabinet-like counter. Burnt timber wall cladding was used to express a “charred” sensation starting from this semi see-through foyer space and throughout the restaurant in setting a dark tone to complement SẾP’s signature smoked & charcoaled dishes.Wood-fire cooking method originated from the ethnic minorities of the hill tribes at Vietnam’s mountainous region was demonstrated by the Chef in the show kitchen and enriched the 5 senses of all diners.Bamboo was transformed into arch features to define a courtyard-like open dining area. A palette of orange contrasted with dark hues unified the décor, bench seating backed with patterned window panel and golden wall sconce overseeing the beautiful urban scenery.The overall lighting scheme was strategically designed to elevate the dining experience and accentuated the nature-inspired features as though sunlight passing through leafy bough.Private dining areas including three openable rooms that can be configured to accommodate from 8 to 28 diners with sliding partitions to maximize the spatial flexibility. A 10-people VIP room modelled as the master room of the mansion in sheer simplicity combined with opulent visual richness, and made subtle reference to Vietnamese Indo-chine ethos to achieve a “rustic-chic” ambience with contemporary flair.