As coffee culture continues to grow in Astana, Tangy Brew introduces a concept that brings together local traditions and minimalism. The interior translates the atmosphere of a traditional Kazakh village morning into a contemporary urban setting. The concept began with the café’s name, Tangy, which means “morning”. It evokes the first rays of sunlight, a garden, and the first sip of coffee. These associations shaped the interior’s materials and atmosphere.
Deep grass green serves as the dominant color, creating a grounded, meditative setting. Yellow accents represent sunlight, appearing selectively in details. Kazakh cultural references appear throughout the café. A poster depicting a samovar, traditionally used to heat water for tea, recalls village life and the custom of gathering over a morning drink. At the restroom entrance, a textile partition embroidered by Kazakh artist Aliya Tleukhanova conceals the doorway. Created specifically for Tangy Brew and embroidered by hand, the composition combines Kazakh motifs with teapots, piala bowls, local plants, candies, and Tazy dogs.
Wall sconces by Spanish brand Aromas Del Campo welcome visitors with colors reminiscent of the sun and sky. Further inside, the green ceiling, bar, and structural column visually envelop the space, while warm plaster walls provide a simple backdrop inspired by village houses. Selected design pieces reinforce the concept through color, pattern, and references to everyday rituals. The Momento blanket by Danish brand &TRADITION, designed by artist Jaime Hayon, features birds and cups that evoke the morning ritual of drinking tea or coffee. Apple and pear shaped pendant lamps by Ferm Living introduce playful organic forms. All furniture was handcrafted by local carpenters from solid wood and upholstered in durable outdoor-grade fabric sourced from Turkey. Cabana patterns on the chairs add rhythm and movement to the relaxed atmosphere. The restroom continues the concept with sky-blue sanitary fixtures and bespoke furniture in matching tones. One wall features a biomaterial made from plaster, charcoal, and algae, developed in Kazakhstan at BioDesign Laboratory Onergy Hub by Dana Molzhigit and Anel Umirbayeva.
The material serves as both a decorative feature and an air-purifying element, reflecting the project’s interest in environmentally conscious design. The space presented a practical challenge: accommodating a fully equipped kitchen for prepared food, a beverage bar, and a comfortable dining area without compromising the interior’s identity. Tangy Brew was the first café project for both the client and the designer, making their collaboration particularly meaningful. Built on mutual trust, the project evolved from an initial idea into a shared vision. A photograph of the two sitting in the café as visitors captures this journey.
Despite a limited budget, the project incorporated iconic design pieces while remaining within the financial plan. Tangy Brew balances warmth and minimalism, contemporary design and local culture, and the intimacy of a village morning with the energy of a modern city. Conceived as a village garden within an urban setting, the café reinterprets familiar traditions through color, craftsmanship, and sustainable materials.
