Brief
I had the privilege of working on the branding and visual identity for the popular Tagaytay restaurant Café Voi La and its sister establishment, Tigerleaf. The challenge lay in infusing their branding with the Southeast Asian elements of their unique menu offerings. For Café Voi La, known for its delectable Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine, I had to strike a balance between the region's rich cultural heritage and the restaurant's eclectic and inviting atmosphere. The challenge was to create a logo and visual elements that conveyed the exotic flavors and warmth of South East Asia without veering into clichés. After careful research and design exploration, I incorporated elegant Asian motifs with a warm, homey color palette, and inviting typography, making the restaurant's identity as inviting as its menu. The logo incorporates the leaves of the kaffir lime, an important ingredient in Southeast asian cuisine, as well as nods to Vietnam’s unique history and aesthetic.
With Tigerleaf, which boasts a similarly vibrant, Southeast Asian inspired menu, the challenge was to integrate those elements without feeling too similar to its sister Café Voi La’s aesthetic. I introduced subtle design elements, such as thematic color accents and menu graphics inspired by the region, which complemented the restaurant's muted and more intimate interiors. The outcome was a captivating and memorable brand identity that encapsulated the essence of both establishments while respecting their unique culinary offerings and creating distinct identities that helped them stand on their own. This not only solidified the visual presence of Café Voi La and Tigerleaf but also played a pivotal role in drawing diners into their unique, culturally-inspired dining experiences.