this asian fusion restaurant in budapest immerses diners in a journey through hong kong

SOCIALLY BRINGS A TASTE OF HONG KONG TO BUDAPEST

Badhanna is a conceptual Asian fusion restaurant and bar located in a secret garden in the heart of Budapest, Hungary. The restaurant’s design, developed by Socially Budapest, is inspired by a journey through Hong Kong, playing at the senses of visitors to transport them to the Far East and immerse them in an indulgent dining experience. Preserving a love of East Asia, Badhanna recalls fond memories and longing nostalgia for travel in the diverse region. Each detail within the restaurant, from the the exotic flora and the overlapping illustrated posters on the walls, to neon lights and custom-designed fittings, is reminiscent of a travellers encounters in Hong Kong, to create an indulgence of the senses.

all photography by Márk Viszlay

an imaginary traveller symbolises badhanna’s atmosphere

The restaurant’s concept centres on the goal to create a space that provides an experiential glimpse into travel and life in Hong Kong, allowing all those who enter to leave their everyday lives behind and become immersed in Badhanna’s world. During the ideation phase, Socially Budapest dreamt up an imaginary muse – an intrepid young traveller – who symbolises Badhanna. The adventurous, free-spirited woman who sets out to discover the Far East, uncovers exotic fragrances, eclectic signage and natural sceneries and landscapes. Her journey takes her to explore dark alleys, crowded streets illuminated by flashing neon signs and villages far removed from the bustle of the city. She experiences charming street food stalls and develops a lasting taste for finer Asian gastronomy.

The Hungarian design agency transports the diverse experiences of the traveller from her journey through Hong Kong, into the inner city of Budapest, where Badhanna’s atmosphere and Asian fusion cuisine create an indulgent experience conquering all senses.

Socially Budapest maintained most of the building’s original features

the walls read like a travel diary 

Recalling their own travel experiences of Hong Kong and Eastern Asia, Socially Budapest designs Badhanna’s vibrant interior to resemble a travel diary, featuring the graphics of Hungarian street artist Attila Stark that adorn the restaurant’s walls. Dimly lit spaces flooded by neon lights, posters carelessly glued over one another on the walls, and scattered green exotic plants lend a colourful backdrop to enjoy the cuisine and chilled refreshments, and honour the memory of a never-ending journey through Asia.

Originally constructed in 1886, the space had more recently been reimagined structurally by a previous architect, which provided the designers a good foundation on which to develop Badhanna to their vision. For the interior design of the restaurant, the design team sought to preserve as much of the original features of the space as possible, while making it their own. With a keen focus on the smaller details the team designed custom additional elements, including the bar, over-counter lamps and shelves.

the lights, and shelving units were designed by Socially Budapest

the wall art references the illustrations found in the streets of Hong Kong

neon lights illuminate dimly spaces

graphic posters plastered over one another in an eclectic display

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small details point to life in Hong Kong

the posters add a vintage feel

the concept is to provide visitors with an immersive experience that allows them to escape their everyday lives

the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the Far East provides a backdrop to enjoy chilled refreshments

 

project info:

name: Badhanna
designer: Socially Budapest

art direction: Eszter Csontos

design: Attila Stark

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom