Mekong River Papamoa

Nestled in the bustling food court of Papamoa Plaza, the newest Mekong River Vietnamese kiosk blends clever design, efficient functionality, and rich cultural storytelling — all wrapped up in a fast-paced, high-traffic setting. Delivered by Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty, this compact commercial hospitality fitout brings together rich branding and smart space planning to deliver a powerful presence in a small footprint.

In a shopping centre that thrives on convenience, clarity, and crowd appeal, the Mekong River kiosk doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. While modest in size, the venue is packed with personality, colour, and charm. More than a simple food kiosk, it’s a carefully constructed customer experience that invites people to stop, connect, and enjoy the freshness and vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine.

“From the beginning, we knew this commercial fitout needed to punch above its weight,” says Jason Horn, Director at Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty. “With limited space to work with, every design decision had to serve a dual purpose—communicating the brand and supporting fast, functional service. I think we achieved something really special in a tight footprint.”

Functional Design with a Vietnamese Soul

The design brief was clear: build a space that could act as a true extension of the Mekong River brand—fresh, inviting, culturally rooted, and efficient. Drawing inspiration from the bustling street food stalls of Vietnam, the space is filled with subtle nods to the flavours and traditions behind the cuisine, while still delivering the clean, professional polish needed to thrive in a contemporary food court.

Bright and energised, the kiosk uses visual storytelling to its full advantage. The standout feature? A glowing neon “Hello Vietnam” sign that adds instant warmth and character, inviting customers in with a sense of familiarity and excitement. Paired with photographic imagery of traditional dishes and ingredients, the space evokes the market-style hustle and authenticity of Vietnamese food culture.

“This project wasn’t just about looks—it had to work hard operationally too,” Jason explains. “We had to think about staff movement, customer queues, food display, and hygiene—without sacrificing that rich, brand-led aesthetic. That’s where our commercial design experience really comes into play.”

A warm timber-look canopy frames the commercial hospitality fitout from above, visually anchoring it within the food court and giving the space an inviting, almost architectural presence. This treatment softens the harder retail lines, creating a space that feels purposeful and complete without needing excessive square meterage.

Clever Use of Texture and Colour

Material selection played a critical role in delivering both visual appeal and performance for the commercial hospitality fitout. The service counter is fronted with Vietnamese inspired green mosaic tiles, offering a colour story that speaks directly to the freshness of Vietnamese herbs, vegetables, and traditional ingredients. Their clean lines and glossy surface add rhythm and reflection, making the compact counter pop within the open-plan food court environment.

These are balanced by matte woodgrain cabinetry and dark laminate finishes, providing depth and visual weight. Together, the material palette balances traditional warmth with contemporary cool, creating a space that feels at once rooted in heritage and completely current.

“The tile selection was key,” Jason notes. “Green is such a strong part of their brand, and it symbolises freshness, health, and vibrancy—everything their food is about. It also adds that textural pop that makes the counter stand out from a distance, which is vital in a space like this.”

Unlike the larger Mekong River store at Tauranga Crossing, which incorporated more decorative elements such as large-scale produce graphics and Flexbamboo feature walls, this Papamoa Plaza kiosk focused on simplicity and cohesion. By refining the material palette and leaning into high-impact branding, the design team was able to craft an experience that feels just as immersive in a smaller space.

Standout Branding in a Competitive Space

In a fast-moving food court, visibility is everything. With customers scanning multiple options at once, the need for strong, immediate brand recognition becomes paramount. At Papamoa Plaza, the Mekong River kiosk rises to the challenge with sharp, clean signage and vibrant menu displays that make it impossible to miss.

The illuminated signage, custom fabricated by Commercial Signs, features bold, modern typography that aligns seamlessly with the brand identity. Positioned directly above the counter, it provides clarity from every angle, acting as both wayfinding and a marketing tool for the commercial hospitality fitout.

“We wanted to ensure the brand had presence—even in a food court full of colour and movement,” says Jason. “The signage and neon detailing really help it cut through the noise and create a sense of fun and approachability.”

The combination of vibrant lighting, strategic placement, and brand-forward graphics ensures that even from afar, customers can recognise Mekong River instantly. This kind of clear, consistent identity is essential in high-traffic environments where decisions are made quickly and visually.

A Tight Timeline, Seamless Delivery

Like many commercial hospitality fitouts, this project came with its fair share of constraints—including a limited budget and an even tighter timeline. But thanks to the experienced team at Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty, the build was completed on time and without compromise.

With commercial design and approvals finalised quickly in collaboration with the client, construction was completed efficiently and precisely. The team’s deep understanding of food service environments, along with their established relationships with suppliers and trades, meant there were no delays or last-minute surprises.

“We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure,” says Jason. “This wasn’t a huge build, but it was detailed—and we had to get it right the first time. Every element, from cabinetry to lighting, had to be coordinated and installed seamlessly. That’s what we do best.”

Small Space, Big Presence

Despite its compact size, the Mekong River kiosk at Papamoa Plaza doesn’t feel small. Clever planning ensures the space flows naturally—both for staff working behind the counter and customers queuing in front. The service layout supports efficient preparation and transaction times, all while keeping the visual focus on the product and brand.

The kiosk’s design fosters a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Customers feel close to the food, connected to the brand, and invited into an experience that’s personal and authentic. In a setting where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, that connection makes all the difference.

“This commercial hospitality fitout is a great example of how even small tenancies can have big impact when the design is thoughtful,” Jason reflects. “It’s not about how much space you have—it’s about how you use it to tell a story and serve your customers. That’s where great design shines.”

The Total Fitouts Difference

From concept to completion, the Mekong River – Papamoa Plaza project reflects the Total Fitouts philosophy: tailored design, industry expertise, and commercial performance. Whether you’re expanding a food brand, upgrading a kiosk, or starting fresh, the team at Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty has the skills and local knowledge to bring your vision to life.

Looking to transform your food business with a vibrant, efficient, and high-performing commercial hospitality fitout? Contact Total Fitouts New Zealand today.