In the vibrant and culturally diverse Thao Dien neighborhood, MAMI COCKTAILS - Kitchen & Bar offers a unique space that blends creative design with a lively spirit inspired by the fictional character “Mámi.”
This persona embodies independence, warmth, and openness, all while preserving traditional values that the founder recalls from family stories, especially those shared by his grandmother.
The design playfully incorporates Vietnamese phonetic elements, seen in the staff uniforms labeled “con Má” means “the kids” and neon signs throughout the space featuring phrases like “Để Má lo” means “ Mámi will handle it” and “cốc-tai” means “cocktails”. These details create a distinct personality for the venue, enhancing its welcoming vibe.
The facade is layered with stacked metal awnings, gently curved to evoke the softness of a woman's silhouette. Large, open windows double as seating areas, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors and making the space feel approachable and comfortable.
On the second floor, to address the low existing concrete beams, the design team elevated the sloped roof and added a glass skylight, flooding the space with natural light and creating a more open, airy atmosphere. This solution fosters a harmonious connection to the vibrant energy below.
Inside, the bar counter is crafted from resin-encased mahjong tiles, while hidden compartments in standing tables and custom-patterned floor tiles mimic Mámi’s wavy hair, adding playful and personal touches.
Traditional terracotta tiles are complemented by unique wood veneer textures, newly available on the market, creating dynamic visual layers.A carefully chosen palette of colors and materials brings depth and character to the entire space.
Due to the cozy scale, furniture arrangements are flexible, offering bar seating, long benches, group tables, and individual tables, maximizing the use of space. The design team incorporated a diverse mix of materials to ensure functionality without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Notably, the mahjong table, a centerpiece of the bar, features tiles collected and reused by Jason and friends, adding a meaningful, sustainable element to the design.
MAMI COCKTAILS - Kitchen & Bar presents a fresh, layered experience that invites visitors into a space alive with heritage and innovation.
Team:
Architects: The Lab Saigon
Contractor: Hacsan
Spatial Design: Tram Dang, Hung Le
Draftsman: Minh Do, Gia Tu Tran
Strategic Partnership: Duy Lam, Mei
Graphic Design: Tuan Ha, Nghi Tran, Huong Ngo
Creative Advisor: Tuan Le
Type Design: Nghi Tran, Huong Ngo
Illustrator: hwee
Motion Design: Quang Do
Photographer: Quang Dam
Materials Used:
Facade cladding: Glass and Steel
Flooring: Tile Chie.Co and Stone
Doors: Steel and Glass
Windows: Steel and Glass
Interior furniture: A.Concept, WinChair, Design
