Oodles of noodles

The interiors, designed by Lukstudio, are inspired by the traditional way that Chinese noodles are made, with the dough first being stretched and hand-pulled, before being cut and left to dry on racks. The lighting of the restaurant mimics the drying noodles, with metal wires draped across the room and bulbs hanging amidst the wires. A mix of concrete and wood is used in the space, with the grid of the noodle rack used as a repetitive motif throughout. 

‘[We have] introduced a crossover between fast food chain and upscale diner,’ says Lukstudio on its project page. ‘The Noodle Rack differentiates itself from the stigma of kitsch fast food ‘hole in the wall’ on every street in China. It demonstrates how Chinese eateries have the potential to be reborn into hip gathering spots.’

The Big Picture: Premium casual is a fast-growing category in food and drink, with interior design giving fast food a more high-brow aesthetic. For more, see our High-low Dining microtrend.