Hideaway Cafe: Blending Japanese and Western Design for a Tranquil Dining Experience

A Japanese-style restaurant offering a unique fusion of cultures

The Hideaway Cafe, located next to the Xike Railway Station in New Taipei City, is a hidden gem that brings together the best of Japanese and Western design. Designed by Pang Yu Kuo and Pan Hsien Kuo, this restaurant offers a tranquil dining experience for office workers and families in the area.

The Hideaway Cafe is a testament to the power of design to transform spaces. Originally, the location was in poor condition due to its age of over 30 years. However, the design team saw an opportunity to create something special by blending Eastern and Western cultures. The result is a harmonious space that pays homage to the Japanese Restoration period while incorporating elements of Western design.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a small entrance area with a wooden grille, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The wooden door, handmade in a Japanese style, adds to the sense of care and attention to detail. Beyond the entrance, the seating area is divided into two parts. The front area is open and airy, while the side area offers a more private dining experience.

One of the unique features of the Hideaway Cafe is the incorporation of Japanese elements throughout the design. Glass wall lamps, ceramic tiles, and pine woods create a sense of authenticity and transport guests to Japan. The addition of Japanese Sake and wood trees further enhances the connection to nature and the Japanese tradition of enjoying a drink under a tree.

The Hideaway Cafe not only provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city but also serves as a reminder of home for those who may be far away. The manager of the restaurant, a Japanese national living in Taiwan, wanted to create a space that would soothe the homesickness of others. By infusing the design with elements of Japanese culture, the Hideaway Cafe offers a sense of familiarity and comfort.

The realization of the Hideaway Cafe design involved the use of Southern Pine, glass, and mosaic tiles. The technical specifications of the space measure 10750mm x 8440mm x 3000mm, with a total area of 74m2. The project began in August 2018 and was completed in February 2019.

The Hideaway Cafe has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2021 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements.

Step into the Hideaway Cafe and experience the perfect blend of Japanese and Western design. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the space and savor the unique dining experience it offers.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Pang Yu Kuo
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Jin Yu Lin, The interior of Hideaway Cafe, 2019. Image #2: Photographer Jin Yu Lin, The interior of Hideaway Cafe, 2019. Image #3: Photographer Jin Yu Lin, The interior of Hideaway Cafe, 2019. Image #4: Photographer Jin Yu Lin, The interior of Hideaway Cafe, 2019. Image #5: Photographer Jin Yu Lin, The interior of Hideaway Cafe, 2019. Producer: Yu Chi Zeng
Project Team Members: Pang Yu Kuo and Steven Kuo
Project Name: Hideaway Cafe
Project Client: Pang Yu Kuo


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