Dabpa-Shatin: A Surprising Journey to the Oriental Garden

Unveiling a Unique Restaurant Design by Minus Workshop

The concept behind Dabpa-Shatin is to create interconnectivity between the outdoor and indoor spaces, giving the restaurant the appearance of a garden rather than a typical eatery. The founder of Minus Workshop, Kevin Yiu, envisioned a surprise journey to the oriental garden for customers, allowing them to discover hidden surprises under a sense of understated timelessness.

The restaurant's design is shaped like a cell form, occupying an unbright corner of the mall. However, its strategic location near a communal passage allows for a blast of daylight and garden decor, creating a unique atmosphere. Each set of banquette seating is placed next to a large window scene with a unique piece of potted landscape, providing customers with privacy and the opportunity to enjoy their own piece of nature while dining.

The moss plates found throughout the design are inlays that were installed based on the designer's intuition. More than 100 foam plates were created and test-fitted on-site to achieve the best visual combination. This attention to detail adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the restaurant.

The 360-degree traffic circulation within the restaurant allows staff to effortlessly navigate from the kitchen to all tables, ensuring efficient service. The design also caters to the privacy needs of customers, encouraging private conversations and creating a welcoming space for small groups to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Additionally, the restaurant is equipped to host occasional private events.

The project, which started in June 2020 and concluded in December 2020, successfully achieved the client's goal of creating a welcoming and attractive restaurant design within the busy mall. Dabpa-Shatin stands out as a unique dining destination, offering a blend of oriental garden aesthetics and Sichuan cuisine.

Minus Workshop's innovative design for Dabpa-Shatin has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the creativity and resourcefulness of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The restaurant's unique concept and attention to detail contribute to an enhanced dining experience, making it a standout destination in Hong Kong's vibrant culinary scene.