Thai Emerald Dhaka A Myriad Of Browns And Blended Greens
It’s a cosy Thai restaurant that transports one into the cultures and feels of Thailand through its rustic approach and earthy colour palette. So, be prepared to feel the vibes of Thailand and enjoy the warm atmosphere with a great dining experience. Most people know Thai Emerald as a go-to place to enjoy good Thai cuisine. Since its inception in 2012, Thai Emerald has strived to bring the flavours of Thailand to Dhaka – from Uttara to Gulshan to Dhanmondi – through its design and food. It has progressed over the years. Architect Rafia said their goal was to reflect the food served and the geographical setting of the restaurant while making the design. During the design of this restaurant, she used furniture and earthy tones similar to what she did with other restaurants to connect the brand and have a sense of reconciliation with the other two restaurants in town. A few of the dining chairs and the reception table and cash counter with the lotus motifs were elements that she had replicated to harmonise it with its predecessors. The wooden blocks situated on the backdrop of the cash counter pay homage to the second branch of Thai Emerald situated in Gulshan. The space was designed with efforts to keep the restaurant spacious to better accommodate large groups of people that frequent the restaurant. This was further highlighted by creating soft visual partitions through perforated separators or more solid partitions that allow big groups to co-exist with individuals or small groups while dining simultaneously. The architect wanted the diners to have elements to explore while dining at the restaurant – large cluster of doors separating private rooms, mirrored backdrops, or lamps hanging from the walls. The diners would have unique visual characteristics to ponder. She envisioned that people should be able to properly enjoy their time there. Thus, her goal was to create a warm, inviting ambiance with a play of dimmed, hand-crafted lights and splashes of earthy tones to create a soothing, delightful atmosphere for the customers. A focal element for this particular restaurant would be the doors, enclosing the private rooms, designed to be a point of attraction. “The reflection of Thailand is brought in through elements; for example, the lotus motifs in the door handles are a direct reflection. If you see Thai design, you’ll notice the use of softer lines rather than harsh straight lines, which have been reflected in the use of curved lines in the door details with softer, rounded edges,” the architect explains. Designing the small doors and playing around with the depth and lines was an interesting element that she loved when working on the restaurant. The architect wanted the doors to intrigue onlookers instead of having a dead space with boring partitions. In keeping with modern, contemporary design, the perforated partitions are made of sleek frames and thin lines to have a stylish outlook. A lantern of ‘Beth and Chatai’ was carefully designed and crafted in the escalator zone near the entry to give passersby and incoming guests a taste of what unfolds inside. The lantern, which was a focal point, was an experimental design by the architect to challenge the bounds of what could be made with flowy waves instead of the traditional circular design. The architect also worked with multiple local artisans to create custom-designed hand-crafted lights and chandeliers made of local materials like cane, wood, bamboo, and beech. The service corridor is lined with basket-shaped hand-woven lamps that lead people into the restaurant. A mix and match of kerosene wood, gorjon wood, and plywood were used to form the wooden elements displayed in the restaurant. An essential portion of the design was focused on creating a curated colour palette of browns and greens with a touch of grey to avoid having any harsh colours and instead opt for a homogenous, complimentary, soothing colour palette. The earthy tones are further accentuated by using browns that have grey undertones so that the overall output looks well-groomed. Grey texture paint was used to highlight a wall; it includes a chamfered rectangular punch that allows a visual connection with the service corridor. “We decided, deliberately, not to use any blinds on the windows; I want the existing floor-to-ceiling windows to let in ample daylight during the day so that customers can enjoy the sun, and it also gives a spectacular view of the city during the night, “the architect said when asked about keeping the floor-to-ceiling glass windows open. She added that they have not yet had any problems regarding heat gain from the facade. A signature personal style that the architect incorporated into the design was variation in designs of the door knobs used extensively throughout the space. Starting from the door handles of the private rooms, they feature lotus halves, so when closed, they form a full lotus. The door handles were placed much lower than the standard height to create a varied look when all the doors are closed together. The door handles of the restaurant doors have linear wooden handles on glass doors, and the toilet door handles are curved inward to create a unique motif. The restaurant of Dhanmondi, too, has two entrances to cater to both lifts on opposite sides leading to the restaurant floor, a fact unique to this restaurant. The ceiling is left open to have a modern industrial feel and is painted grey to match the vibe of the restaurant, with only a thin red line of the sprinkler system showing up on the ceiling as a touch of colour in accordance with the building safety regulations. A large painting of an elephant is hung on one of the feature walls as an homage to not only the heritage of the restaurant but also to tie bits of Thai cultural elements into the atmosphere. As you enjoy dinner with a loved one in this bustling restaurant, it is possible to have an immersive Thai food experience with plenty of laughs and
Grounded in Wellness: The Story Behind Svadha
Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s spa and salon culture has gone through a quiet but striking revolution. The once-flashy, first-service catered parlours have given way to curated wellness havens that prioritize experience over gimmicks. From Faux-Thai facades, a new design language is emerging. At the forefront of this transformation is Svadha, the country’s first salon to fully integrate Ayurveda into its core philosophy. But it’s not just their services that set them apart, it’s the atmosphere. Their aesthetic blends the royalty of Mughal architecture with the earthy soul of Marrakesh, creating a space that feels both grounded and luxurious. Svadha is a family-led vision brought to life by Rumjhum Fattah, her brother, Md Golam Rezwan, and sister-in-law, Behtarin Chowdhury Ridma. While the trio has long been a part of Bangladesh’s RMG sector, Svadha marks their first foray into the world of beauty and wellness, and they’re doing it on their terms. The name Svadha, derived from Sanskrit, beautifully translates to “self-care” and “self-love”—an ethos that defines everything the brand stands for. “At Svadha, we’re not here to sell beauty or grooming services,” says Rumjhum. “We’re here to create a space where people can slow down, tune in, and prioritize their well-being.” Svadha is located in the heart of Gulshan Avenue and comprises a total area of around 3300 square feet. The interior, designed by the creative minds at Studio R.A.R., is a visual and sensory ode to stillness, grounding, and mindful indulgence. “Svadha is a true embodiment of peace and tranquillity,” shares co-founder Behtarin Chowdhury Ridma. “From the lounge to the treatment rooms, we wanted every inch to feel like a retreat, where the stress of daily life simply melts away. To achieve that, we explored a palette of earthy tones and tactile, natural materials.” She pointed out that most salons in the city are built around speed and efficiency, often at the expense of comfort. “Everything is so fast-paced—walk in, get the service, walk out. There’s hardly ever a moment to truly unwind,” she reflected. At Svadha, the philosophy is deliberately different. The space is intentionally kept open and airy, avoiding unnecessary partitions or a heavy-handed layout. “We wanted to let the space breathe, just like our clients,” she added. There are no false ceilings or forced divisions; instead, the design embraces fluidity, allowing natural light and movement to flow freely. Catering to working women, Svadha brands itself as a wellness retreat. “Our clients come not just to look good, but to feel good. After long hours at work, they deserve to be unrushed, cared for, and truly pampered.” Drawing inspiration from Moroccan and Indian architectural traditions, the space features intricately carved wooden mirror frames, classic oil lamps, and a striking antique doorway that sets the tone from the moment you enter. A gentle water fountain hums in the background, further enhancing the atmosphere of calm. “We wanted to infuse the space with elements of nature and its calming rhythms,” shared Rumjhum. “The water fountain, placed thoughtfully within the layout, is a quiet homage to that intention, a gentle nod to movement and serenity. Throughout the space, you will find indoor plants too” Lighting, too, was carefully curated to complement this ambiance. There’s a deliberate avoidance of harsh, bright lights. Most areas are bathed in soft, ambient illumination, dimmed and mellow to encourage relaxation. However, in zones like the makeup and hair stations, where precision is key, the lighting is thoughtfully intensified to ensure clarity without disrupting the overall calm. One of the standout features of the salon is the textured wall next to the reception where the metal brand name is hung. There is also a graffiti wall, commissioned by a Fine Art student of Dhaka University where Mughal-themed flowers are painted. Every piece of furniture in the salon has been custom-crafted in-house. Each zone has been thoughtfully planned to serve its specific purpose, whether it’s a quiet waiting lounge, a private treatment room, or a styling station. Every detail, down to the custom-built furniture, typography on the walls, and curated lighting reflects Svadha’s vision of a wellness destination that feels both intimate and elegant. Written by Kaniz F Supriya
A Journey Of a Thai Culinary Excellence of and Artistic Innovation
We are sure that there are times when you crave some good tangy Thai flavours and also miss the vibrant experience of street life in Thailand. Naming from the famous street of Bangkok, Khao San is such a place where you can meet both. Founded by four friends – Bushra Haque Sarah, Syed Sameem Shahriyar, Taposh Ghosh, and Mustafid Raiyan Khan—Khao San is more than just a dining spot; it’s a passion project. After gaining popularity in Dhanmondi, Khao San has now made its mark in the heart of Gulshan. Despite being open for only a few months, the restaurant has already captured the hearts of diners with its delectable taste and unique interior. With the air infused with tantalising Thai flavours and the atmosphere adorned with bold hues with a pinch of earthy colours, the restaurant interior pays an ode to its famous Thai street namesake, Khao San Road. As guests step into this new branch, they might subconsciously reminisce about the interior of Dhanmondi and immediately be enveloped in a newer enchantment. The restaurant not only draws its name from the famous road but also matches the vibes of the lively and bustling area renowned for its vibrant nightlife and dynamic energy. Through careful design interventions, the restaurant’s interior captures this spirited ambiance, blending the bustling vibe of Khao San Road with a serene touch of nature. We designed Khao San Gulshan with the Dhanmondi branch in mind. We tried to maintain a similar essence,” said Sheefa. Like the debut branch, the interior has been done by Rahnuma Tasnim Sheefa, the principal architect of Parti.Studio. Once you’re inside Khao San Gulshan, you will consciously notice the wooden motifs on the main door, inspired by the lotus flowers of Thailand. The same motif is also reflected in the door knobs of washrooms and a partition door, creating a cohesive design throughout the space. The designer has carefully merged the wooden motifs with the glass, creating a screening that added a modern touch to the usual traditional design element. Upon entering the space, you will be greeted by a vibrant, real tuk-tuk. The dining area is mostly an open plan divided into several zones that are connected visually yet spaced out with mesh dividers and plants. There’s also a private room for larger groups. One of the seating zones features an elevated floor space where you will discover a wall composed of a wooden window with a stunning mural painted inside and designed beside a rustic doorframe. As the architect described, the entire space is very “instagrammable.”. You will find corners or elements to take dope pictures. With splashes of vibrant hues, warm tones, and moody ambient lighting, each nook and cranny has been designed to capture the eyes of the visitors, inviting them to take a closer look and explore the decor. The restaurant design mimics the scenic nature and happening city life of Thailand, interpreted to fit into the theme. Through closer inspection, you will be able to decipher that the city-influenced part of the restaurant has warm tones of orange, red, and yellow. On the other side, the nature part has an upper hand with cool tones of blues and greens. “Throughout the space, we introduced natural plants to keep the nature found. On a wall, you will find a huge illustration with an elephant, which is a vital character from the branding. The story goes like the elephant, after exploring the city, is moving from city to jungle,” added Sheefa. To keep up with the traditions of murals in the Khao San restaurants, the architect had to face some challenges. In the Dhanmondi branch of Khao San, you will find hand-painted murals; however, due to the building’s age and damp walls, hand-painting wasn’t feasible in the Gulshan branch. As a creative solution, Sheefa introduced illustration murals in sticker format, ensuring the same artistic touch while overcoming the challenges posed by the building’s condition. The amazing representation of the ideas was displayed in the form of illustrations by Mashqurur Belal Sabri. The architect took special care to include the implementation of our local craftsmen. All the furniture used in the restaurant is designed and crafted by local artisans. The decorative items, including the metal hanging lights, are also customised and locally made. One of the major setbacks of the restaurant space was its ceiling height, which is quite lower than the average. As a result, a false ceiling was barely an option. “Though I highly oppose using false ceilings, but at rare times when necessary for concealing wiring, considering the already limited height of the ceiling, installing them would only make the space feel cramped and claustrophobic. Therefore, we minimised the use of false ceilings and chose grid wiring in the original ceiling,” explained Sheefa. The architect designed the wiring grids on the original ceiling very innovatively. Some of the grids are functional; a few are added only to make the grid design complete. The decorative items are hung carefully, keeping careful alignment with the grids. The ACs have been camouflaged very interestingly, merged with the backgrounds, allowing the murals to flow seamlessly through the space without interruptions. The murals are very artistic, reflecting the hustle and bustle of Thai city life and its nature. Within a few months of its operation, the restaurant gained unparalleled popularity in the area and is mostly packed to capacity during the peak meal hours. The vibrant and colourful décor with artsy and picturesque style combined with affordable yet authentic Thai cuisine beckons customers from far and near to Khao San to enjoy a truly enjoyable gastronomic experience. Written By Kaniz F Supriya & Quazi Anika Afrin