Millimetre Design: Best Commercial Design GOLD, F&B – Song Ngu Vietnamese Restaurant

From high-end office spaces to luxury retail compositions, these award-winning works set new benchmarks in Malaysia’s unique design scene and its rising global influence

The winning projects at this year’s Designer of the Year Awards, commonly recognised as DOTY, are among Malaysia’s finest designs. In honouring and celebrating the works of leading visionaries, the platform has become the benchmark of excellence in the Malaysian and international design scene. With exceptional talent, these design studios are able to change the worlds that surround them into innovative spaces of being, living and breathing. Presenting — the recipients of the 15th installation of the DOTY Awards.

Gold Winner of DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design — F&B

SONG NGU VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT by Millimetre Design

A quaint Vietnamese restaurant, tucked away within the premises of New Ocean World Fine Food City in Petaling Jaya, would have you mistaken for being transported back to Vietnam once you step into this vibrant and lively eatery. Song Ngu simply means Pisces, a symbol that represents the ‘Fishes.’ In Vietnamese culture, the fish is one of the main helpers to get the Kitchen God back to heaven before every Lunar New Year. In this case, it is a promise of amazing traditional Vietnamese food and welcoming vibes.

The interior is meticulously brought to life by Millimetre Design, boasting a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese street art and culture with contemporary design elements, maintaining the authenticity of Old Vietnam streets within a modern setting. Spanning 3,300 square feet, the overarching theme is to capture the essence of Vietnam’s vibrant street culture and aesthetics while merging them with modern design principles. The delightful color contrasts and wall murals create a nostalgic ambiance that draws in connoisseurs of Vietnamese cuisine and interior design enthusiasts alike.

Driven by a passion for design and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service with each project, Millimetre Design’s ethos revolves around bringing visions to life, a philosophy evident in the detailing and layout of Song Ngu. The firm’s dedication to excellence is reflected in every corner of the restaurant, from the selection of materials and colors right up to the final artistic touches.

Drawing inspiration from the culture, equipment, and people of Vietnam, the restaurant is thoughtfully designed with selected elements that showcase the quintessential Vietnamese experience. The entrance area offers a glimpse of Vietnam’s bustling street scenes, while the dining area features bamboo fish traps hanging above, representing the country’s traditional fishing tools.

A real-life tuk-tuk is strategically placed at the reception, allowing customers to immerse themselves in Song Ngu’s rich ambiance. Rattan sheets, common within the Southeast Asia region, also play a role in decorating the space and are used as dividers to create a sense of privacy while maintaining an open, airy feel. This deepens the connection between the space and the cultural heritage it represents.

An open kitchen concept elegantly enclosed by glass walls is a major part of Song Ngu, providing a clean and neat outlook of the restaurant. Above the kitchen walls, display shelves illuminated with a vivid red hue reflect the energetic street lights and dynamic spirit of Vietnam. These shelves create a striking visual contrast that draws attention and adds a layer of depth to the design.

The interplay of light and color not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also symbolizes the warmth and liveliness of Vietnamese culture. Mural art adorning the walls depicts streets of old Vietnam, and a Vietnamese lady wearing a Nón Lá (leaf hat) symbolizes the country’s tradition and culture. These elements are carefully woven into Song Ngu, creating an ageless atmosphere that greets customers.

The colors used within Song Ngu reflect common hues seen in the streets of Vietnam, symbolizing luck and prosperity. These colors are often used during festive occasions and celebrations, reflecting their deep-rooted significance as lucky colors in Vietnam. The teal color used as a contrast represents a Vietnam lush with vegetation, mountains, valleys, and beautiful landscapes. The combination of these colors provides a sense of renewal and growth, one that is alive and thriving.

Song Ngu’s contemporary setting, infused with rich Vietnamese traditions and elements, has transformed the space into one that exudes elegance while transporting customers into a timeless Vietnamese era, where locals greet with warm and friendly smiles.