YOD group brings the liveliness of chinese streets to restaurant interior in kiev

in the ukrainian capital of kiev, located opposite the city’s south train station, YOD group has completed ‘china ma’ restaurant. inspired by the bustling streets of china and thailand, the new interior transports patrons into a lively atmosphere, where they can enjoy the finest cantonese cuisine and selection of rare tea varieties. 

all images © andriy bezuglov

upon entering the restaurant, a striking ‘media tube’ creates an eye-catching feature. penetrating deep into the plan, this tube broadcasts chinese messages and sets the overall tone of the space. YOD has also integrated aspects of chinese streets into the design, such as branched cobwebs of telecommunication wires, which were inspired by journeys to the far east. 

the dominating feature of china ma is the huge wall-mounted LED installation of a chinese woman. spanning between floor levels, the piece broadcasts a video of emotions and is complemented by decorative black wires. guests can get a better view of the object via a small glass bridge that links the first and second floors. 

given its location beside a main train station, YOD also wanted to create a very functional space, as well as a delicious restaurant. the program therefore includes a separate storage area for suitcases and on the ground floor a toilet is provided for people with disabilities, and a changing table for parents with young children.

with a name derived from ‘china mania’, china ma intends to provide a dynamic chinese gastronomy experience with a pronounced sharpness of taste and atmosphere. since opening, the restaurant has taken a firm position in the niche of asian cuisine restaurants in kiev, which has recently seen increased interest from visitors.

first floor plan

second floor plan

project info:

project name: china ma

project type: restaurant

location: 5b heorhiia kirpy st., kiev, ukraine

area: 2098.96 ft2 (195 m2)

completion: 2019

designed by: YOD group

photography: andriy bezuglov