Yaowarat

Yaowarat is the latest concept of Earl Ninsom, a chef and restauranteur known for introducing Portlanders to hyper-regional Thai food. Ninsom grew up in Bangkok eating the distinct Chinese-Thai cuisine that has been honed in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat.

Concept
The restaurant pays homage to the dense and layered neighborhood upon which it’s based—Yaowarat, Bangkok. To develop an understanding of the hyper-region-specific menu and culture, our team embarked on a research trip to Bangkok. Through discovery in the neighborhood, we knew the space needed to harness the vibrant energy of Yaowarat Road. It’s a lively tourist destination rich with vendors, the scents of street food, crowds of people in wonderment, and endless bright signage.

Design
We were tasked with developing a brand that transported diners to the sensory-rich neighborhood. Inspired by the dense signage and colors seen in the Yaowarat neighborhood, we set the brand in an electric, primary-based color palette, paired with text-heavy lockups set in Thai, Chinese, and English.

Interior Design
In true Bangkok fashion, we kept the existing elements of the previous restaurant and layered on top. On the bar side, we painted every surface an intense red, then added patterned wallpaper and art we had sourced from vintage malls in Bangkok. The dining side is calmer, with a cloud of glowing hand-made lanterns floating overhead. The bathrooms offer a special surprise, one not to be missed in person.