Naru Noodle Bar is conceived as an intimate, over-the-counter ramen experience—where food, craft, and space unfold together. What began as an 8-seater pop-up has evolved into a 20-seat noodle bar, yet it retains the spirit of a traditional Japanese ramen stall: compact, focused, and deeply experiential.
The spatial concept draws inspiration from minkas—light wooden Japanese homes—and the cinematic energy of open kitchens. The long, narrow plan is organised as a linear sequence, fronted by fluted glass and timber doors, culminating in the chef-led counter. Diners sit face-to-face with the kitchen, turning the act of cooking into performance. At the heart of the space, the Japanese noodle-making machine is deliberately exposed—not just as a functional element, but as a design feature—its rhythm and precision becoming part of the dining theatre.
Material restraint defines the interior. Japanese cedar is used extensively for its fragrance, warmth, and tactile softness, ageing gracefully with use. The palette is limited and intentional: wood dominates, offset by a bronze-speckled white marble counter with pink undertones that adds warmth and subtle drama. Indigo upholstery references traditional Japanese textiles without becoming literal, while paper lamps cast a soft, ambient glow. Small artefacts from the chef’s travels in Japan are layered sparingly, adding character and memory.
The design follows a ‘less is more’ philosophy—quiet, honest, and unpretentious—allowing the food and the act of making it to take centre stage. Naru becomes a place where tradition meets innovation: a restrained architectural backdrop for bold, evolving flavours, and a space where diners don’t just eat ramen, but witness its making, moment by moment.
