Chang Yai Thai Noodle and Café
Location Pasadena, Texas Completed 2024 Collaborator Vu Pham Contractor Coast Construction MEP WC Engineering Photography PS August Photography
This café promises authentic Thai cuisine delivered by unique and traditional dishes using only the freshest ingredients. The design, which supports this experience, is inspired by the lush tropical setting of Thailand and its bold, iconic motifs. Artificial greenery at eye level and on the ceiling, natural woodwork, and a deep expression of the color green create scenery that evokes the country’s tropical environment and complements the cuisine.
The restaurant’s signature elephant is a playful motif that appropriately complements the garden scenery, appearing in many forms, from the entry signage and a life-sized wall mural to details on napkin holders and charming stuffed animals.
The exposed ductwork and polished concrete floors may be economical choices, but they were also selected to create a raw aesthetic consonant with the evocative natural setting. This also references contemporary trends in Bangkok, where cuisine is served in nursery and industrial warehouse settings.