Chinese haute cuisine restaurant MUME

Iconic Chinese haute cuisine meets the dazzling heights of Moscow City at MUME, an extraordinary dining destination poised on the 90th floor of the Federation Tower. With meticulous planning and a two-year development journey, MUME is set to enchant guests with its grand opening in late 2023. Collaborating with Hot Design Folks, renowned for their visionary prowess, MUME takes inspiration from the ethereal elegance of the plum blossom, a revered symbol in Chinese culture.

Stepping into MUME is like entering a realm where contemporary aesthetics harmonize seamlessly with organic elements, enveloping guests in an unmistakable Oriental ambiance. The interplay of futuristic shapes and traditional Chinese lacquers, tiles, and embroidery creates a visually stunning atmosphere that sets the stage for an unparalleled dining experience.

MUME's interior design is a testament to the remarkable talent of "Hot Design Folks" who have masterfully integrated traditional Chinese elements with modern sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from the restaurant's original name, Mei Hua (meaning plum blossom), the interior captures the essence of this delicate flower's transformation from bud to ripe fruit.

Upon stepping off the elevator onto the 90th floor, guests are greeted by exquisite selenite doors, juxtaposed against a striking wall adorned with clay tiles in varying shapes and directions, creating captivating textures. As guests enter, they step onto a book-matched Sofitel marble floor intricately designed in a sunburst pattern with custom brass inlays, reminiscent of the Mei Hua's five-petaled flower. A reception area features large cream-colored screens embossed with plum blossom patterns, seemingly bowing down to welcome diners. Standing magnificently among these screens is a sizable host desk carved from a solid block of onyx, weighing nearly 900 kg, shaped like the Chinese character Mei Hua.

Moving further into the space, guests are invited to indulge in a pre-dinner mise en bouche and signature cocktails at the intimate bar. Inspired by the natural form of a flower, the bar boasts warm neutrals and curved walls, creating an inviting atmosphere. Banquette sofas embrace the organically shaped walls, while filigree-shaped tables and plush velvet armchairs with delicate plum blossom embroidery add a touch of elegance. The bar's centerpiece is a captivating custom brass artwork inspired by the grace of a lunar eclipse, paying homage to the celestial beauty of the moonlit night sky.

Behind the solid brass and onyx veneer bar, a see-through metal screen reveals breathtaking views of the city. Positioned strategically in front of the window, the bar counter offers guests the best vantage point. A backbar screen made of brass metal and textured glass showcases a mountainous landscape inspired by traditional calligraphy artworks, while carefully chosen lighting highlights a collection of crystal decanters.

As guests make their way into the main restaurant, the advantage of being on the 90th floor becomes apparent with expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing dramatic panoramic views. Design elements that deserve admiration include high-gloss red lacquered paneling embracing large columns adorned with custom-cut clay tiles resembling dragon scales, some finished with a gold glaze. Towering shelves display the founder's family antiques, accessories, and books while discreetly integrating service stations.

MUME's interior design creates a harmonious blend of old and new, as exemplified by the show kitchen area, which pays tribute to the family's longstanding culinary traditions. Lined with original futon tiles, a combination of rectangular bricks and clay roof tiles, the kitchen stands apart from the rest of the space. The canopy of the kitchen ceiling is trimmed with traditional roof-end tiles, and the central cooking island features coveted counter seating. Spanning the island is a Spanish Emperador marble counter showcasing seafood and other delectable fares. The counters' organic shapes are achieved through the unique technique of using onyx and marble veneers, ensuring sustainable and efficient stone usage while adhering to the 90th floor load-bearing limitations.

MUME also offers two pre-bookable VIP rooms, one accessible from the bar through large doors. This room boasts incredible views and a gallery wall showcasing a collection of traditional red tea caddies. The ceiling is adorned with paper scrolls displaying Chinese poetry about Mei Hua in bloom, beautifully draped in curves and waves, adding softness to the room's modern lines. Adjacent to this VIP room, a set of connecting doors leads to an event space designed for meetings, featuring a rectangular dining table and a sliding panel concealing a TV screen for a more formal setting.

The restaurant's bespoke parquet floor, reminiscent of dragon scales, guides guests into a second VIP room with direct access to the club through a hidden bookshelf door. Dressed in reds and gold, this room exudes a distinctly Chinese aesthetic, with lacquered finishes and traditional decor. A large round table centered on a bespoke rug serves as the focal point, perfect for intimate gatherings. Unveiling the Timeless Elegance of Mume: A Fusion of Chinese Tradition and Contemporary Flair.
Step into a realm where Chinese heritage seamlessly intertwines with modern sophistication at Mume, an extraordinary culinary haven. Nestled within its resplendent interiors, one is immediately immersed in a world adorned with vibrant reds and opulent golds, exuding an unmistakable sense of luxury. Central to the space, a meticulously crafted round table takes center stage, drawing guests into intimate gatherings while resting upon a bespoke rug that exudes comfort and style. Every corner tells a story, as bespoke decorative elements enchant visitors with captivating Chinese fables.

Illumination cascades down from above, courtesy of a grand dome-shaped pendant suspended gracefully over the lacquered table. Its inner surface reveals meticulously hand-painted lacquer motifs, depicting idyllic scenes of rural life in ancient Chinese villages. Adjacent to this awe-inspiring pendant, a towering four-meter-high see-through wine chiller provides a unique blend of functionality and privacy for VIP patrons, offering glimpses into the main room through transparent glass.
Within this enchanting space, a mini-bar awaits, housing an array of rare Asian libations, serving as a testament to Mume's commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for its discerning clientele.
Venturing into the restroom foyers, guests find themselves surrounded by curved walls, artfully mimicking traditional Chinese cloud patterns. These walls, adorned with custom timber veneer paneling, carefully stained to reveal the delicate grain of the wood, exude warmth and elegance. Rising towards the ceiling, infinity mirror art installations adorned with hand-made origami flowers captivate the senses, paying homage to the perennial Mei Hua flower in full bloom. Nestled within the folds of the walls, oversized Ming-style chairs in blue and white lacquer offer an Instagram-worthy moment, inviting patrons to immerse themselves further in the immersive ambiance.

A mesmerizing kaleidoscope of mirrored walkways guides guests to the powder rooms, where the embodiment of Ming Dynasty blue hues reigns supreme. Every detail has been considered, from the walls to the ceiling and vanity, all meticulously finished in this stunning shade, transporting visitors to an era of opulence and refinement.
Mume transcends the boundaries of a mere restaurant, embarking on a journey to revive a cherished Chinese family-owned eatery lost to time. Guided by the visionary minds of Evgeniya Lazareva and Aleksandra Koroleva from Hot Design Folks, Mume's reincarnation surpasses its predecessor in every aspect.

The design team poured their passion into every facet of Mume's transformation, from crafting the visual identity to curating an unrivaled customer experience. They left no stone unturned, designing bespoke tableware, uniforms, and furniture, while also commissioning captivating artwork and eye-catching ceramic wall tiles. The arduous task of sourcing the finest kitchen equipment and hand picking an exceptional head chef was undertaken with utmost dedication. In the end, Mume stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and artistry of the Hot Design Folks team.
Prepare to be enchanted as you step into Mume, an extraordinary fusion of tradition and innovation, where grace, luxury, and elegance harmonize to create an unforgettable dining experience.

ABOUT HOT DESIGN FOLKS Studio

Singapore based boutique design studio, Hot Design Folks specialise in high-end hospitality, commercial and F&B interiors, with a strong focus on brand identity and customer experience. In six years Hot Design Folks successfully accomplished numerous hospitality projects across Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Philippines and Indonesia. Hot Design Folks was founded in 2017 by Evgeniya Lazareva and is led by her in partnership with Aleksandra Koroleva, studio’s creative director. Evgeniya and Aleksandra, originally from Kazakhstan and Sweden, today both call Singapore their home.