Modern Chinese meets Nordic simplicity in a restaurant that feels equally at home in Bergen, London or Shanghai.
About the project
Banzha is a modern Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Bergen, offering bold and soulful dishes inspired by the Yunnan region of Southwest China. Founded by Michelle Zhao and Christopher Haatuft, the restaurant blends traditional Chinese flavors with local Norwegian ingredients, creating vibrant, aromatic dishes meant for sharing. With a focus on texture, freshness, and authentic spice work, Banzha delivers a communal dining experience that celebrates both culture and craftsmanship.
Banzha is a modern Chinese restaurant using local Norwegian ingredients to create a refined yet approachable dining experience. Nonspace collaborated with the founders and interior architects to develop a logo that bridges cultures, balancing precision and play. The concept reflects Banzha’s philosophy: sophisticated but never pretentious, elegant yet effortless.
Brand
Visual Identity
Brand guidelines
The challenge was to design a brand that avoided every cliché associated with Chinese restaurants, while still feeling distinctly modern Chinese. The identity needed to feel confident, cosmopolitan and “cool without trying” — functional in its applications but unconventional in expression.
We created a logo inspired by steam, movement and craft. The logo — a stylised “B” formed from rising noodles and flowing steam — symbolises warmth, flavour and the art of sharing food. Paired with a clean, modern wordmark and a minimalist visual system, it bridges cultures and communicates calm sophistication.
The new identity established Banzha as one of Bergen’s most distinctive dining destinations. It has helped the brand stand out in a crowded restaurant scene, creating strong visual recognition, loyal guests and a sense of cultural authenticity, without relying on stereotypes.
