Silver
Arch Design Award
in
Interior Design Category
Winner
'24
MAD:MEN Noodle Tavern
Designed by
Hsiao Ching Hu / J.Y. Design
Title:
Function:
Location:
Designer:
Website:
Team Members:
MAD:MEN Noodle Tavern
Restaurants & Bars Architecture
Taipei City, Taiwan
Hsiao Ching Hu / J.Y. Design
Photo Credits:
Chu Yung Lu, 2023
Copyrights:
J.Y. Design, 2023
MAD:MEN Noodle Tavern is no ordinary fine dining establishment; it's an experimental gastronomic theater that artfully melds culinary flair with spatial aesthetics. Presented in a narrative style, the experience pushes the boundaries of both bar culture and culinary creativity, offering diners a wholly novel experience.
Situated on the ground floor of a business building, the restaurant features the kitchen as its design centerpiece. The narrow, elongated layout is meticulously crafted to elevate the dining experience. Drawing inspiration from the Nordic interpretation of Wabi-Sabi, the space exudes understated elegance and warmth. A "Japandi" theme runs throughout, embodied in handcrafted lighting and iconic furnishings
The layout of the open kitchen and guest seating has been carefully contemplated to create a sort of gastronomic theater. A stepped design, featuring a lower middle and elevated periphery, allows for a captivating chef's performance at the preparation tables.
But the design ingenuity doesn't stop there. Lighting design is another marquee feature that sets MAD:MEN apart. The interplay of light and fabric in the curtains produces a dynamic visual effect reminiscent of ocean waves. A deliberate juxtaposition of diverse materials—stainless steel, solid wood, and glass—comes alive under the expertly designed lighting. This creates a modern "Izakaya" where featured appetizers and homemade Chinese noodles take center stage. In this culinary oasis within the urban landscape, both the soul and the taste buds find synchronized satisfaction.
In MAD:MEN Noodle Tavern, every detail—down to the calculated proportions of partitioned seating, carefully arranged sightlines, and unifying design elements—contributes to more than just culinary pleasure. It offers a uniquely enriching sensory experience that leaves guests with a lingering sense of delight.