Design Dish: Mamahuhu

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Studio BBA whips up the perfect palette at Mamahuhu in S.F.

Photos by Mariko Reed. 

While you may not be able to dine in person right now, you can make a plan to visit the visual delight that happens inside Chef Brandon Chew’s new casual Chinese-American restaurant, Mamahuhu, when a somewhat normal life returns. What began as a light-hearted joke one day over discussion of a favored Chinese word, “Mamahuhu” means “so-so” or “neither here nor there.” Designed by Studio BBA, the space is reflective of the food—forward-thinking, fun and eccentric.

Photos by Mariko Reed. 

In the works for over three years, Chef Brandon Jew of Mister Jiu’s and Ben Moore and Anmao Sun of Hunter Gatherer, enlisted Bonnie Bridges and Megan McGuinn of Studio BBA to curate an environment that is both elevated and accessible, offering both counter service dining and formal seating. “Bonnie is someone who incites creative, collaborative banter that engages the spirit of the project. She takes you along a structured approach that makes room for organic ideas to be explored and ultimately becomes better looking, better functioning and better feeling than you could have imagined. I find her enthusiasm inspiring and I believe her expertise to be instrumental in the success of Mister Jiu’s and Mamahuhu,” says Brandon Jew.

Photos by Mariko Reed. 

To achieve the design direction, BBA installed custom millwork in the form of cozy banquettes and low-hung pendant lighting, surrounded by a sea of jewel tone tile and walls, and a striking slate herringbone tile floor. “The color palette speaks specifically to the Chinese-American heritage that inspires the cuisine. It is intentionally designed, while not being precious,” says Bonnie Bridges, Principal of Studio BBA.

Photos by Mariko Reed. 

Due to the current stay-at-home order, Mamahuhu’s in-person dining is not available, however you can place an order directly through the website or order through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Tock. Review the mouth-watering menu HERE now.