Check Out This Unexpected Hanoi Gem For Japanese Dining: Yazawa Hanoi

Designed by Takashi Niwa Architects, Yazawa Hanoi, this innovative yakiniku (Japanese style BBQ) restaurant recently secured a Gold WINNER at the 2024 Vietnam Design Awards (VMARK 2024), celebrating its visionary use of iron as both a functional and aesthetic element.

The Charm Of A Century-Old Villa

Located at 42 P. Tăng Bạt Hổ, Yazawa Hanoi occupies a villa over a hundred years old, an architectural relic from French-inspired style. The original French colonial design remains largely intact, with its cream-colored walls, ordered columns, and green, tree-lined street surroundings. The architects embraced the building’s aged beauty, preserving its essence while introducing bold new elements to honor the evolving story of Hanoi itself.

Iron As An Artistic And Cultural Bridge

Yazawa Hanoi is a celebration of iron - not just as a material, but as a cultural and aesthetic bridge connecting Vietnam’s historical and modern identities. Ironwork is a common feature in traditional Vietnamese architecture, often seen in Hanoi’s facades, decorative fences, and grates.

At the heart of the design is the “Y” emblem, a custom iron feature created specifically for Yazawa Hanoi. This three-dimensional emblem appears in various parts of the restaurant: as lighting fixtures, tabletops, and even as an element of the wine showcase. This pattern not only ties together the restaurant’s interiors but also reinforces its identity, reflecting a sense of continuity across spaces.

The Dining Experience: Layers Of Space And Flavor

Walking through Yazawa Hanoi is close to stepping into a different world - a world where historical elements and contemporary iron units are harmonized to create an engaging atmosphere.

The design simulates the interactive, multi-sensory experience that awaits. The open kitchen sits at the heart of the space, allowing guests to witness the chefs' culinary expertise firsthand. This visual engagement is integral to the yakiniku experience, where diners savor the transformation of raw ingredients on the iron grill, engaging both taste and sight.

The main dining areas are bathed in the rich, earthy tones of Bengala, a pigment derived from red iron oxide, creating a warm, grounded ambiance that is seamlessly complemented by iron accents throughout.

A New Chapter

This ambitious and harmonious design did not go unnoticed. Yazawa Hanoi’s commitment to melding architecture, history, and culinary artistry earned it a GOLD WINNER at VMark 2024. The award celebrated the restaurant’s unique approach to bringing Japanese yakiniku culture into the heart of Hanoi’s historical landscape, creating a dining experience that transcends the typical restaurant visit.

By preserving a century-old villa and infusing it with Japanese yakiniku culture, the architects and designers have created a space where patrons can experience a blend of historical appreciation and modern innovation. The restaurant invites its guests not just to dine, but to immerse themselves in a multisensory journey meticulously decorated with iron.

Hours:
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Location:
42 Tang Bat Ho Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.