Concept · Space · Branding · Content

2025

Chaiwala

Chaiwala is an Indian café located in the heart of Oslo’s most diverse neighborhood, Grønland. Serving classic Indian breakfast and lunch staples, it was conceived as a refreshing alternative to the more conventional Indian restaurant scene, introducing a casual café format rooted in everyday culture rather than formal dining. The project involved a complete interior rebuild, stripping the space back to its core and starting from scratch. The ambition was to create an authentic, old-world environment that felt layered, energetic, and as if it had existed for decades. This was achieved through the use of honest materials such as wood, reeded glass, handmade tiles, terracotta, steel, stone, marble tabletops, and a solid oak bar. Vintage and antique furniture was sourced to reinforce a sense of permanence and belonging. Framed Indian artworks, posters, and photography fill the walls, while old lamps hang from the ceiling to create warmth and intimacy. The bathroom was designed with terracotta and Moroccan tiles, finished with a floral ceiling detail that adds character and surprise. In addition to the full interior concept and execution, the scope included logo design, branding, menus, custom signage, hand-painted wall menus, social media direction, content creation, and photography. The result is a cohesive café environment where architecture, graphics, and atmosphere work together to create a space that feels both culturally rooted and contemporary.