Life.
Art.
Drama.

For TriBeCaAsia interior designer and architect, Dan Kwan, the concept for Hilton Kuala Lumpur's renowned Hong Kong-style Chinese resta- urant, Chynna, involved not only designing a gracio-us dining atmosphere, but also an opportunity to add a touch of the theatrical, or dramatics, to the ambi- ence, guaranteeing that patrons would also have an enjoyable time whilst there.

Acknowledging that food and design are the two gr- eat loves of his life, Kwan determined to create an atmosphere imparting discernment and style, while also injecting focal points of humour and resulting discussion into his design of Chynna.

Chynna restaurant is also just one part of the Hilton Kuala Lumpur hotel's overall dining and entertain- ment concept, Studio, which comprises five restaur- ants and two bars, all designed by Kwan.

Replete with Chinese silk lanterns, Oriental chairs and gold décor that conjures up the former days of grandeur in 1920s Shanghai is conveyed throughout Kwan's interior.

Traditional elements incorporated within the restaur- ant include a dramatic curved roof at the entrance, which is complimented by two enormous and free- standing red Chinese lanterns, indicating to arriving diners that they are entering a gracious and elegant venue.

Further into the restaurant stand rows of traditional medicine cabinets with their endless rows of drawers that frequently stimulate discussion about the health benefits actually derived from Chinese cuisine. This is especially true when produced at the high levels of culinary mastery such as are served here.

Mahogany tables and chairs set out across a dark wooden floor further add to the atmosphere of luxury and prestige, complimented once again by dramatic splashes of colour from the now ubiquitous red Chin- ese lanterns.

Imbuing a sense of nostalgia, yet fun is the presence of armchairs draped in Western slipcovers and wall panels bedecked in richly ornate French brocade – the designer's reference to ancestors and the trad- itions of bygone eras.

A dramatic theatre setting sporting the most vibrant colours and quirky fittings is a major drawcard for both family celebrations and business occasions, thanks to Kwan's concept and his exacting imple- mentation of his vision for a truly enjoyable dining ambience.

For those important business occasions or family celebrations, the private dining rooms, also deco- rated in traditional Chinese style, provide a true sense of occasion to all those attending gatherings within. Always one to inject a sense of humour into his designs, Kwan placed a set of six duck-shaped lamps at the entrance to Chynna's restrooms, which are now famous for evoking humorous commentary from diners as they pass by this unique little parade.

As Kwan himself would say, Chynna is a combination of Shanghai Tang and Beijing Opera with a dash of Susie Wong and Bruce Lee, for memorable classic Cantonese cuisine with more than a touch of attitude.

With its open kitchen, dim sum bar and private dining rooms, Chynna is a modern Chinese restaurant with traditional Chinese elements. The restaurant's design, décor, and even utensils, convey the char- acter of Chynna, namely glamorous, with a touch of the sensual.

Chynna Restaurant
Hilton Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Owner
Daisho Asia Development Sdn Bhd

Interior Design Firm
TriBeCa Asia Hospitality Group

Group Principal
Dan Kwan

General Manager
Yolla Sisman

Project Team
Senior Designer Theodosia Luntungan
Designer Muchsin Kurniawan, Abdul Malik

FF&E Decorator
Verawati Wowor

Lighting Consultants
Son Foh Sdn Bhd
(InnerSpace System Sdn Bhd)

Loose Furniture
Jalex Sdn Bhd

Fixed Furniture
Serijadi Sdn Bhd

Carpet
United Carpet

Kitchen Consultant
CEC Singapore

Purchasing Team
Daito Asia Development (M) Sdn Bhd

Main Contractor
Takenaka Corporation

Above: Ming-style folding horseshoe chairs provide elegant simplicity at the dim sum bar. Opposite page:
The main restaurant salon uses tongue-in-cheek ‘traditional' Chinese design elements.










Top: Ancestral portraits hang from the
ceiling as diners watch their children eat
creating family ties from past, present to future. Right: Design details were incorporated right down to the utensils.