Bangkok Supper Club
Taste Space focused on bringing the lively atmosphere of Bangkok’s late-night food scene to a casual fine dining setting in New York City at the Bangkok Supper Club, using materials and colors inspired by the streets and nightlife of Bangkok.
The designer drew inspiration for the interior design from Chef Max Wittawat’s Bangkok’s Late Night Food Scene (BLNFS) concept. BLNFS represents the lively post-work, socializing, and late-night dining culture in Bangkok, where people enjoy flavorful and indulgent meals or share drinks with friends. The chef aimed to bring the fun atmosphere and diverse food offerings of BLNFS to life in a Casual Fine dining setting, emphasizing the technique of Thai Charcoal grill.
In the interior design, the focus was on making the food the star, with the ambiance supporting the overall experience. The designer interpreted the essence of Bangkok’s Late Night Food Scene, drawing inspiration from the unorganized but organized street food, food carts, and chaotic yet functional city streets. Common materials like crafting Rammed Earth Bricks were used randomly, resembling the rough and imperfect texture often found on Bangkok’s streets. Irregularly arranged bricks around the counter bar created a distinctive look for the restaurant. The walls, including those around the kitchen and counter, were coated with Clay Skimming Plaster, creating a textured and dimensional surface.
The color scheme was inspired by the nighttime lights of Bangkok, with vibrant and fresh hues dominating the space. For instance, the bulkhead of the counter bar was painted with lively and rich poly colors, like fresh orange and yellow, reminiscent of the colorful lights of Bangkok’s nighttime tuk-tuks.
The layout of the space was crucial in creating the right dining atmosphere. Upon entering, customers encountered a reception area, with a cocktail bar on the left and seating on the right. This layout allowed diners to witness the movement and artistry of the mixologists, enhancing the overall dining and drinking experience. Looking toward the back of the restaurant, an open kitchen showcased the chefs working on the dishes, akin to a performance.
Even the restroom was designed to surprise customers, transporting them to another atmosphere. Using zinc on the ceiling and colorful mosaic tiles randomly placed on the walls, the restroom resembled the rustic bathrooms found in the countryside, adding an unexpected touch to the overall design.
The design challenge was to transform a former French fine dining space without demolishing the existing walls or columns. The designer achieved a balance, avoiding excessive Thai elements while still communicating the essence of the cuisine.
The goal was to convey the idea of a Casual Fine dining establishment inspired by Thai cuisine without resorting to clichés. Bangkok Supper Club became a place where traditional Thai materials met modernity, creating a fresh dining experience for New Yorkers, bridging the gap for those unfamiliar with Thai cuisine.
Design: Taste Space
Photography: Evan Sung
