Located in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, Chungking Noodles is conceived as a compact restaurant centered around a bold culinary concept based on hand-pulled noodles and the distinctive flavors of Sichuan pepper. The interior design translates this identity into a spatial experience where the preparation of food becomes the focal point of the restaurant.

At the core of the layout lies the idea of a box within a box. The kitchen is positioned directly at the entrance and acts as the central architectural element of the space, forming a visual and spatial threshold between street and interior. Its prominent placement allows passersby to glimpse the activity inside, while diners are welcomed by the choreography of the kitchen as they enter. By bringing the kitchen to the forefront, the project emphasizes the craft and immediacy of the food itself.

Upon entering, guests move alongside the kitchen, briefly witnessing the rhythm of preparation before reaching the dining area. Once seated, the kitchen reads as a distinct volume embedded within the open-plan interior, continuously animating the space.

The material palette reflects the layered character of the neighborhood, combining the industrial atmosphere of Kreuzberg with a more refined and playful aesthetic. Rough plastered grey walls form the background for glossy ceramic tiles whose color palette subtly references the tones of the restaurant’s ingredients. Red tiles at the bar, pink grout lines, and cream wall tiles echo the colors of the house beer label brewed specifically for Chungking Noodles.

Seating is arranged along the perimeter, with wooden benches, tables, and stools introducing warmth and a clear geometric order to the space. The lighting design reinforces the spatial hierarchy: a soft, warm glow defines the dining area, while brighter and more precise illumination highlights the working surfaces of the kitchen. The result is an interior where cooking, dining, and atmosphere merge into a single continuous experience.