artLIVE — SẾP, a fine-dining restaurant located in the bustling heart of Hong Kong, is a creation that blends Indochine architectural style with the rich culinary culture of Viet Nam.
The name “SẾP” is derived from the French pronunciation of “Chef.” Spanning a total area of 500 square meters, the restaurant was completed in November 2022.
SẾP was designed and built by PANORAMA Design Group, a renowned architectural firm. Founded in 2003, PANORAMA Design has earned acclaim for creating immersive, narrative-driven interior experiences. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm’s design team specializes in crafting versatile, multi-functional spaces that adapt to Asia’s rapidly evolving lifestyles.
As a Vietnamese cuisine restaurant, SÉP’s architecture is infused with Indochine style — a delicate balance of traditional elegance and contemporary, creative reinterpretations.
Exploring Indochine Architecture
Indochine style represents a fusion of Eastern and Western cultural identities, resulting in a wholly new design aesthetic renowned for its elegance and refinement. In French, “Indochine” refers to the Southeast Asian region encompassing Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The term “Indochine” was first used to describe an architectural style in the early 19th century. It originated from classical French architecture and was deeply influenced by the integration of Indian culture in Laos and Cambodia, as well as Chinese cultural elements.
Indochine style typically employs warm color palettes, natural, rustic materials, and simple yet refined details. Yet, it is the harmonious interplay of these elements that highlights its distinctive beauty.
A natural space blended with contemporary elegance
Indochine style carries stories of the past. As a result, diners can encounter traditional-inspired details throughout the restaurant’s interior. Characteristic of Indochine architecture is the use of natural materials such as wood and bamboo, complemented by intricate lighting and patterns — all arranged within a contemporary layout. The thoughtful combination of Eastern and Western color palettes creates a unique and captivating space.
Phần khung xà được thiết kế bằng những đường cong, sử dụng chất liệu tre tạo nên một khu vực ăn uống mở. Bảng màu cam của nội thất tương phản với tông màu tối thống nhất, ghế ngồi tựa lưng với họa tiết bằng mây, sơ đồ chiếu sáng tổng thể được tính toán kỹ lưỡng để nâng cao trải nghiệm ăn uống của thực khách. PANORAMA đã làm nổi bật các đặc điểm lấy cảm hứng từ thiên nhiên cho dự án của mình.
The beauty of SẾP in Indochine architecture
SẾP boasts a refined, contemporary space shaped by the harmonious fusion of Indochine — specifically Vietnamese — design elements. The restaurant’s order and layout are inspired by the architecture of a classic villa, creating layered systems, structures, and details that define the space.
Restaurants designed in the Indochine style often exude warmth and romance without losing a sense of sophistication. The comfortable and serene atmosphere allows diners to enjoy their meals leisurely while taking in the surrounding space.
Moreover, the incorporation of Southeast Asian cultural elements into the restaurant’s design offers a unique experience that connects guests with local traditions. Traditional details and furnishings punctuate the modern interior, adding a subtle touch of history to the contemporary setting.
Fresh inspiration from ‘Wood-Fire’
SẾP’s distinctive culinary approach draws inspiration from the traditional wood-fire cooking methods of ethnic minority communities in Vietnam’s mountainous regions. As such, “Wood-Fire” has become the central inspiration behind the restaurant’s entire design concept.
PANORAMA demonstrates a bold approach by selecting slightly unconventional tones compared to typical Indochine palettes. The restaurant is enveloped in dominant colors such as brass, black, and orange — maintaining the warm essence characteristic of Indochine architecture while evoking the intense heat and vibrancy of the wood-fire concept.
Dark tones dominate the restaurant’s architectural palette, enhancing the presentation of dishes prepared using SẾP’s signature smoked and wood-fire methods. Decorative details and furnishings are also inspired by the “Wood-Fire” concept. Upon entering the main hall, diners are immediately struck by a charred wooden wall panel evoking the essence of glowing embers, while the stone’s natural veining creates the impression of molten lava before their eyes.
References
foodinspace.net
adornmuseum.com
panoramahk.com
