Nelson Chow’s inspiration for the interior design of the Old Street Kobiteh restaurant was the famous 1920s Malaysian coffee shops called ‘kopitiam,’ which gathered people in close proximity table arrangements for communal dining.
Located in the Popcorn shopping mall in Hong Kong’s Tseung Kwan O district, Old Street Kobiteh restaurant consists of an 11-meter long communal table that accommodates 30 units, each decorated with a unique patterned decoration from the Malaysian streetscape.
The rest of the seats are at the bar, creating a fun and incorporated environment for all diners who choose to eat there. Communal dining is an aspect that is long forgotten by most of the individualistic cultures such as that of North America.
Night Market-Inspired Dining
Nelson Chow’s Interior Was Inspired by Kopitiams
Trend Themes
1. Communal Dining - Embracing communal dining experiences to create a sense of community and connection in the restaurant industry.
2. Night Market-inspired Design - Using the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of night markets as inspiration for restaurant interior design.
3. Localized Decorations - Incorporating unique patterned decorations from local streetscapes to create an authentic and culturally immersive dining experience.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant Industry - Restaurants can explore communal dining concepts to attract customers and foster a sense of community.
2. Interior Design Industry - Designers can take inspiration from night markets to create unique and visually engaging restaurant interiors.
3. Home Decor Industry - Home decor brands can offer localized decorations to consumers looking to incorporate cultural elements into their dining spaces.