Kutchi Deli Parwana, at the heart of Kutchi, meaning nomad or gypsy in Farsi, is a story of migration and new beginnings. Run by the children and partners of Parwana owners, Kutchi reflects a traditional sense of Afghanistan while embracing a chapter of change that brings along new opportunities. Parwana wanted to share an authentic piece of Afghanistan, a country rich in culture, spirit and history. Kutchi Deli is the younger sister of Parwana, a celebration of the back streets. Infused with colour, craft, murals and truck art. Laden with cooking apparatus, cleverly propped stock placement and a delight to all senses.

The designers were challenged with a very tight site, 40m2 internally, with which to create a working kitchen and prep area complete with storage and clean up areas, plus a patron area, for ordering and pickup as well as some internal seating for those cold wintery days in Adelaide. The result is almost a shop inside of shop. The local strata didn’t allow for façade alterations, so they created an internal façade, to mask the kitchen, drive a line of separation between patron and chef, and create the façade they dreamed of, the façade that belonged in the backstreets of Afghanistan.

The designers then worked closely with a team of artists to create the layers of age, art and detail, adding local craft to the setting. The result is one of wonder, in such a small space, there are always more details to discover. Something new always presents itself when visiting multiple times.

The food created within the café is seasoned to perfection with an intricate and unique blend of spices and served as inspiration for the design of the space. The first time you are lucky enough to taste the flavours of Afghanistan, you will always be longing for more, you will always be left trying to discover the depth of the flavor. The approach to the spatial design had to be met with the same rigour. The concept is about layers, created slowly through the craft of a team of artists. Layers are added and removed, and this process is repeated to create a depth to every surface. Nothing is as expected, the more one explores the space, the more that is revealed, creating a true reflection of the food that is being served, and the places that are being celebrated.

This project is felt not only visually but through other senses. It wasn’t about obsessing over every detail, but more about embracing some of the things that don’t belong. It was about staying true to the place that inspired the project. Researching and understanding spaces created out of need, and out of desire. Spaces where imaginations stretch as far as the owners can see. It is a space that celebrates everything about the Afghanistan that the family (the client) once knew.