Khokha restaurant

Type | Hospitality

Location | Ottawa

Date | 2020

Khokha | an Urdu word for a temporary or unauthorized hut or kiosk, typically built from wood, tin and found materials. In Ottawa Khokha is an eatery specializing in a modern take on traditional Pakistani food. The most important part in designing this takeout restaurant in Barrhaven was capturing the essence and vibrancy of Pakistani culture. The Siddiqi family wanted Pakistani natives to feel at home in this space and to have non-Pakistani patrons feel the joy, colour and energy of their homeland and culture.

Using a dark backdrop of wood, metal and concrete for the space pays homage to the definition of what a traditional Khokha is. Layering bright jingle truck patterns, turmeric-coloured tiles, a 12 foot jingle truck and hand-painted kites (by the Siddiqi family) hanging from the ceiling, these along with other traditional Pakistani decor items reference the vibrancy of their culture and pop against the dark base of this design. The overall effect of the space is one of joy and warmth, which is only heightened by the delicious aromas wafting through the kitchen door and the smiles of the Siddiqi family.

Photography | The Notley Creative