OORI HANSIK, completed in 2024 at The University of Hong Kong, is a dine-in Korean fast casual restaurant under Grove Café’s expanding portfolio. Positioned adjacent to TaiTai Teaology, the concept introduces authentic Korean flavors—ranging from fried chicken to classic comfort foods—catered for the university’s diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.The design embodies modern Korean sensibilities, featuring clean-lined wood finishes, tiled wall panels, and soft lighting that strike a balance between practicality and warmth. With 1,400 sq ft of space, the layout maximizes seating efficiency while maintaining an inviting and communal atmosphere.
As with all campus F&B projects, strict compliance with university operational standards was essential, adding both challenge and uniqueness to the process. The outcome was advantageous: the restaurant quickly became a popular dining destination, with peak lunch hours drawing long queues.
The project marks another successful collaboration with Grove Café, following earlier works such as TaiTai Teaology, which reinforces a strong partnership in crafting distinctive F&B experiences that resonate with Hong Kong’s campus culture.
Project details
Construction Duration
~3 months
Location
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Signature materials
Warm wood paneling
Vertical white ceramic tiles
Marble-effect tabletops
Upholstered banquette seating
Ambient wall sconces & linear ceiling lights
Area
1400 sqft.
Year
2024
CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT
The vision for OORI HANSIK was to create a modern Korean dining destination within the academic environment of The University of Hong Kong. As part of Grove Café’s expanding portfolio, the concept was to distinguish itself from the adjacent TaiTai Teaology by highlighting Korean culinary culture in a casual, accessible form. The design intent was to balance authenticity with functionality: a space that feels unmistakably Korean in its stylistic language, yet efficient enough to handle the high traffic of a campus dining facility.
SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC
With a compact footprint of 1,400 sqft, spatial planning was driven by the need to maximize dine-in seating capacity while maintaining comfort and circulation. Linear banquette seating along the walls provided efficient use of space and a sense of continuity, while flexible table groupings catered to both solo diners and groups. The service counter was strategically positioned at the rear, ensuring smooth queuing and ordering flow without obstructing the dining area. The visibility from the corridor also played a key role, with the illuminated logo sign and menu boards acting as visual anchors to attract foot traffic.
GALLERY
MATERIALITY & DETAILING
The material palette emphasized warmth, simplicity, and durability.
Wood finishes on flooring, wall panels, and furniture lent a natural Korean sensibility, providing a grounding backdrop.
Vertical white tiles paired with timber framing referenced contemporary Seoul café interiors, bringing brightness and rhythm to the walls.
Marble-effect tabletops offered a refined contrast, elevating the casual dining mood.
Lighting design combined soft wall sconces and linear ceiling strips to create a warm glow that emphasized both comfort and visibility, aligning with HKU’s operational standards.
Overall, the materials ensured easy maintenance while reinforcing a modern yet culturally resonant dining experience.
PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES
The vision for OORI HANSIK was to create a modern Korean dining destination within the academic environment of The University of Hong Kong. As part of Grove Café’s expanding portfolio, the concept was to distinguish itself from the adjacent TaiTai Teaology by highlighting Korean culinary culture in a casual, accessible form. The design intent was to balance authenticity with functionality: a space that feels unmistakably Korean in its stylistic language, yet efficient enough to handle the high traffic of a campus dining facility.
COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS
Collaboration with Grove Café was central to the project’s success, building on previous projects such as TaiTai Teaology. The university setting introduced unique constraints: strict compliance with safety codes, ventilation systems, and operational approvals. Additionally, careful consideration was given to acoustic performance, seating density, and traffic management to align with HKU’s campus standards. By maintaining close communication with the client and stakeholders, the team effectively navigated these challenges. The outcome was not only a functional space but also one that makes a meaningful contribution to the university’s dining culture.
OORI HANSIK
HKU
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