Nasi and Mee餐厅丨印度班加罗尔丨The Local Studio

Nasi and Mee: A new restaurant in Bengaluru designed like a colourful conservatory

Designed by The Local Studio, this new restaurant in Bengaluru's Yelahanka is a vibrant space with a conservatory-like vibe.

A sense of calm washes over you as you enter Nasi and Mee. Designed like a conservatory, it feels contemporary, fresh and a little surprising, considering its location in the busy Yelahanka area. “The brand’s first outlet in 2015 was designed with an

industrial theme

. So they wanted the new space to be vastly different with a chic yet inviting set-up,” explains Madhurima Kordale, principal architect at The Local Studio. Nasi and Mee translates to "rice and noodles" in Bahasa (the official language of Indonesia), and the restaurant specialises in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Light, Greens And Colours

Light is an understated but important part of the design at Nasi and Mee. It floods the al fresco area which is fresh, eclectic and playful. Breaking down of a wall separating the outdoor and the inside space helped do that. Tall planters, hanging creepers and black and white chequered flooring make this space feel homey but luxurious and artistic at the same time. Another interesting aspect of Kordale’s design is the blending of the indoor and outdoor areas. “We used a mild steel framework with glass inlay to bring in an element of transparency, without compromising on the intimate setting. A glass skylight was chosen instead of an awning to take advantage of Bangalore's nine months of perfect weather. This made the space bright with a sprinkling of a

conservatory vibe

,” explains Kordale.

Since the owners were averse to the idea of a false ceiling, the team decided to integrate the exposed ceiling into the overall design by dressing it up with white paint. The results are brilliant, and at a glance, you barely notice the exposed sprinkler pipes. A canopy of creepers cleverly camouflages the fresh air duct and exhaust duct. The heart of the al fresco is the beautiful neon mural by Valentin Melchior from Stick No Bills. It draws the eye and adds add an element of intrigue to the space.

A modern restaurant isn’t complete without a private setting. Kordale used a column to create a cosy corner with a two-seater love seat. Arched bronze mirrors add a touch of femininity while the bamboo floor lamps infuse tropical flair. A simple jute rug anchors the space as any rug would.

The generously sized main dining room has a sumptuous feel to it. Patterned floor tiles jostle for attention with beautifully crafted rattan lights and tall bronze mirrors. The brightly lit Nasi and Mee logo dangling from the ceiling creates a stunning backdrop. A key feature here is the bar clad in jewel-toned fish scale tiles and white marble countertop. Juxtaposed against an enchanting black mural the bar infuses a touch of glam and makes for an Instagrammable spot in the restaurant. Terrazzo bench seating and warm lights keep the room feeling cosy despite the masses of space, white walls and high ceiling.

Nasi and Mee has been largely finished in neutral shades with black, white and grey playing the main characters. Pops of green bring life into the space, in tune with the conservatory framework. “The main source of colour are the murals in neon. They not only pop against the black wall and reflect in the bronze mirrors throughout the space but also add a lot of character and dimension to Nasi and Mee,” says Kordale.