Moa Moa Pasta Club opens in historic building in Ho Chi Minh City
Moa Moa Pasta Club is located within a historic apartment building in a dense city-center neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Designed by The Lab Saigon, the restaurant occupies a compact interior that connects the existing architectural framework of the building with a contemporary dining environment centered on culinary production and material detail.
The spatial sequence begins at the entrance, where an open pasta laboratory replaces the conventional reception area. Positioned directly at the front of the restaurant, the glass-enclosed workspace allows visitors to observe the preparation of fresh pasta. The visible process of kneading and shaping dough establishes a direct relationship between the kitchen and the dining space while introducing the restaurant’s focus on handmade production.
all images by Chuong Pham
Pasta-inspired elements are integrated into furniture design
Within the main dining area, the interior design incorporates references to kitchen materials and preparation techniques. A mosaic floor forms a key element of the spatial composition, arranged in a gradient that shifts from deep blue tones to a lighter cream color. The gradual transition of the surface evokes the visual effect of flour spread across a work surface during pasta preparation.
The design by Studio Lab Saigon also addresses the structural geometry of the existing building. To contrast with the rigid lines of the historic structure, curved forms are introduced through custom furniture and wall shelving. These softer geometries adjust the spatial rhythm of the interior while maintaining the original architectural framework.
Additional details reference pasta-making directly. Wooden tabletops incorporate inlaid shapes inspired by pasta varieties such as ravioli and farfalle, integrating culinary motifs into the furniture design.
the design connects the building’s existing architecture with a new restaurant layout
Material contrasts define the pasta club’s dining environment
A custom lighting system suspended above the dining area draws inspiration from the varied geometries of pasta forms. The fixtures distribute light across the interior while interacting with the wood surfaces of the furniture and the patterned mosaic floor.
At the edge of the space, a balcony area with large windows opens toward the pedestrian street below. This zone creates a visual connection between the interior dining environment and the surrounding urban activity, allowing the restaurant to remain visually connected to the movement and atmosphere of the city.
wooden tabletops incorporate inlaid pasta shapes
large windows open the interior toward the street
ravioli and farfalle motifs appear as subtle furniture details
a custom lighting system references the varied geometry of pasta forms
the mosaic flooring surface shifts from deep blue to soft cream tones
the pasta lab establishes a direct link between kitchen and dining space
project info:
name: Moa Moa Pasta Club
architect: The Lab Saigon | @thelabsaigon
location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
lead designers: Tess Ngo, Hung Le
brand design: Giang Ho, Thinh Tran
spatial design: Tess Ngo, Hung Le
draftman: Ngoc Son, Thuy Linh, Tess Ngo, Hung Le
strategic partnership: Nhi Nguyen
uniform design & production: Third Layer
documentation: Ven Bui
documentation supporting materials: Bearbrickbtws, Moa Moa Team
contractor: TBD Construction
photographer: Chuong Pham
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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