design: oh.hi studio
design team: Phuong Hien, Nhat Thu, Uyen Sam
area: 80 sqm
year: 2025
location: District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Đậu Homemade was established in 2012 and quickly became a prominent brand associated with the traditional Vietnamese food, Bún đậu mắm tôm (Vietnamese vermicelli noodles with shrimp paste and tofu). After years of development, the brand decided to expand and reach out to a new, younger, and more dynamic customer base. Rather than focusing solely on traditional restaurant spaces, Đậu Homemade evolved into a modern shophouse model—fast, convenient, and modern—while still maintaining the cultural essence in both its food and brand direction.
Based on this story, the design team realized the need to visually convey Đậu Homemade's vision as clearly as possible through the storefront, featuring a fresh exterior that draws from traditional influences. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture, the design incorporates sturdy round columns and a graceful slanted roof. These round columns, commonly seen in Vietnamese folk architecture, symbolize solidity and durability, while the slanted roof evokes the peaceful and warm atmosphere of a welcoming courtyard. This combination not only recalls the value of the past but also creates a modern, unique space developed from national materials.
Instead of using traditional tiles, biologically-based roofing materials were chosen for their wavy texture and suitability for the current structure, ensuring long-term operational efficiency for the shop. The signature yellow color of Đậu Homemade is used consistently across various materials, creating a harmonious and dynamic exterior that offers variation across different textures, avoiding monotony.
Unlike the ground floor, which is designed with inspiration from folk traditions, the upper level of Đậu Homemade draws from the aesthetics of Vietnamese street culture. The use of patterned tarpaulins, advertising slogans, neighborhood information boards, and plastic chairs creates a sense of familiarity for diners. A dynamic and adaptive design transforms the space into a miniature urban streetscape, fostering an approachable and immersive dining experience.
Đậu Homemade still carries the legacy of tradition, but this time, it’s dressed in the attire of the modern era.
