At Two Onions, they eat like at home in Vietnam - together and with flyers on the table. We like to break conventions, says a Czech-Vietnamese couple from a Smíchov bistro
A new bistro in Prague offers a unique dining experience reminiscent of Vietnam, complete with local decor and an unconventional ambiance.
Bistro Nhà hai hành, located at Prague's Arbesovo náměstí, captivates patrons with its unconventional interior designed to evoke the essence of Vietnam. Guests are seated on classic Vietnamese plastic stools, with supermarket flyers stacked beneath glass table surfaces and exposed wiring adorning the ceiling, creating an authentic yet quirky atmosphere. One wall features ads while another showcases a paper declaring 'mos doprí jídlo', inviting diners to immerse themselves in this cultural experience.
The bistro's clever name, which translates to 'The House of Two Onions', playfully engages with Vietnamese aesthetics while also making it accessible to Czech speakers. The owners, a Czech-Vietnamese couple, emphasize their aim to break traditional dining conventions, encouraging guests to relax and feel as though they are dining in the streets of Hanoi. They faced challenges sourcing authentic items, such as the stools, which were not available in the Czech Republic, leading them to seek out unique decor elements that enhance the cultural vibe of their restaurant.
This establishment is not just a place to eat; it's a cultural bridge that fosters understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese traditions within the Czech Republic. By blending their culinary offerings with an inviting and unconventional environment, the couple hopes to attract patrons looking for more than just food – they seek to offer a genuine taste of Vietnam that breaks away from stereotypes and invites a diverse audience to experience their vision of home cooking.