designboom_situated in the center of lisbon, portugal, JCFS architects transports locals to the streets of tokyo with their design of ‘ajitama’ ramen bistro. created for two friends with a passion for the traditional japanese dish, the key concept behind the project focuses on one of the main ingredients of ramen – the ‘ajitama’, which is the name for the soft-boiled eggs that have been marinated for several hours in a homemade broth.

the restaurant occupies a space within a newly refurbished building dating back to the 20th century. benefiting from a prominent corner site, a neon façade has been introduced on the curved block to entice people in and evoke the notion of the brightly-lit streets of tokyo. once inside, the bistro features a large, rounded bar counter, where patrons can enjoy the traditional ramen on high stools. the rest of the interior is filled with dining tables and chairs in light and dark wood respectively, resulting in a very japanese aesthetic.

with the concept in mind, the architects have strived to incorporate the core idea of the ‘ajitama’ throughout the interior, while also bringing a japanese atmosphere to the place. to achieve this goal, the design uses wooden trellises in the rounded shape of an egg, suspended from the ceiling, to represent the determination, precision, and organization of japanese culture.

the large installations are also illuminated and help to define the entire interior space, framed by the dark colored planes of the floor, ceiling and walls. overall, by combining eastern tradition with western representation, JCFS forms a restaurant that is intended to be both fast, efficient and practical, yet upscale, comfortable and memorable.