IDD Decor has carried out numerous restaurant interior design projects inspired by nostalgic Vietnamese culture — reviving the charm of old Hanoi and Saigon in a contemporary context. Notable examples include the Ngon Saigon restaurant chain and Cong Ca Phe.
For this project, however, the challenge was unique: to bring the soul of Hoi An’s ancient town into the modern shopping environment of AEON Mall Binh Tan.
Drawing inspiration from the serenity and timeworn beauty of old Hoi An, IDD Decor sought to evoke nostalgia within a modern retail setting — offering diners an atmosphere where tradition meets urban vibrancy.
“Am Thuc Pho Hoi” at AEON Mall Binh Tan is more than just a food court — it is a living reconstruction of Hoi An’s soul amid the bustling rhythm of Saigon.
Designed by IDD Decor with influences from the riverside architecture of Vietnam’s ancient trading town, the space blends familiar traditional forms with contemporary functions, resulting in a dining environment that feels simultaneously nostalgic and new, ancient yet modern.
The warm ochre-toned walls — reminiscent of Hoi An’s signature facades — combine harmoniously with curved tiled roofs and wooden shutter windows. These familiar visual cues immediately evoke the image of old houses lining the Hoai River.
Here, the food court transcends its commercial purpose, transforming into a miniature version of Hoi An — inviting, poetic, and full of cultural character at the very heart of Saigon.
Unlike traditional food courts with rigid layouts for specific seating capacities, Am Thuc Pho Hoi adopts an open and adaptable design approach.
Wooden tables, long sofas, and single chairs can be easily rearranged to suit different group sizes — from solo diners to large families.
Partitions are subtly defined through wooden slats, vertical greenery, or light dividers, creating a sense of privacy without isolation while maintaining the convivial communal energy typical of Vietnamese dining culture.
Soft amber lighting and natural wooden materials complete the scene, offering warmth and comfort whether for a quick lunch, a family gathering, or a casual get-together with friends.
Every design element contributes to a cohesive narrative — from hand-painted wooden signage and aged roof tiles to wooden window frames, hanging lanterns, and small patches of greenery.
These details are not mere decorations but visual storytelling elements that capture the essence of Hoi An’s charm, told through a modern design language within a commercial setting.
The Am Thuc Pho Hoi Food Court at AEON Mall Binh Tan stands as a vivid example of IDD Decor’s expertise in:
Transforming commercial spaces into meaningful cultural experiences,
Integrating local heritage into modern environments, and
Designing spaces that are functional yet soulful, familiar yet refreshing.
This project embodies the design philosophy that IDD Decor consistently pursues: creating spaces that connect emotion, culture, and contemporary life.
IDD Decor drew inspiration from the nostalgic charm of Hoi An’s old streets, aiming to recreate its timeless ambiance within a modern shopping mall setting.
The space features ochre walls, wooden shutters, lanterns, and tiled roofs — iconic elements of Hoi An’s architecture — all reinterpreted with modern materials and techniques.
The design offers flexible arrangements with movable furniture and soft partitions, accommodating various group sizes while maintaining a sense of openness and connection.
IDD Decor primarily used natural wood, warm lighting, traditional tiles, and handcrafted decorative details to evoke an authentic, comfortable atmosphere.
It represents the perfect fusion of commercial functionality and cultural storytelling — transforming a retail space into an immersive cultural destination.
IDD Decor – Office Interior Design – Behind the Door Awaits the Journey to Success
Address: Doxaco Building, 307B Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Son Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 1, Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0896 640 986
Website: idddecor.com/en/home
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