Mínima
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Mínima is a culinary gem in Yarralumla, created by brothers Mork and Benn Ratanakosol. As Thai Australians with a Chinese background—Mork hailing from Bangkok and Benn from Australia—the brothers have navigated the nuances of cultural identity, often finding themselves straddling multiple worlds. They have sometimes been viewed as “not Thai enough” for Thai patrons and “too Thai” for Australians.
Mínima is their response to this cultural duality, offering a dining experience that transcends borders, blending influences from diverse cuisines into a truly global concept. The name Mínima, meaning “small” in Portuguese, pays homage to the culinary heritage that introduced chili to Asia, reflecting the brothers’ commitment to celebrating culinary intersections.
In designing Mínima’s interiors and visual identity, COX embraced the idea of “third culture cuisine,” merging it with the warmth and familiarity of “coming to dinner at our place.” The result is an intimate yet luxurious space, inviting guests to savour a unique dining experience that resonates with personal stories and global flavours.
COX Director, Nugroho Utomo.
Mork and Benn described their concept of ‘third culture’ cuisine to us early in the process, and we immediately thought that Mínima could become a ‘third place’ for the neighbourhood and wider community.
Mínima co-owner Benn Ratanakosol
When we saw the space, it just felt really homely… we want it to feel like you’re coming over to a house and we’re cooking dinner for you.
In close collaboration with the brothers, the Mínima logo was meticulously designed by incorporating type glyphs influenced by both Chinese and Japanese aesthetics. A closer look reveals a symbolic touch: the two ‘i’s in Mínima represent the brothers themselves, which are then unified within the radial logomark that symbolises their partnership and shared vision. The colours also extend to the ‘cut-outs’ and collage that is used across all branding elements, from posters to packaging, each piece reflecting the brothers’ unique personalities and shared experiences.
Inspired by the charm of Asia’s hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars, the interior design is a reflection of the brothers’ aesthetic. The design seeks to transform the once-stark space into a cozy dining experience, in harmony with Yarralumla’s inviting, leafy character, where warm wood tones and deep olive greens create an enveloping atmosphere.
Mínima co-owner Mork Ratamacues
We always wanted a small venue where we could cook and talk to people ourselves.
The open kitchen, situated at the heart of the room, paired with the striking Italian marble bench, serves as the perfect centrepiece for culinary artistry, set against the backdrop of dark green tiled walls. The hidden two-seater dining nook—affectionately dubbed ‘The Harry Potter cupboard’—adds a playful and endearing touch while also creating additional seatings spaces.
With only 22 seats, Mínima’s intimate scale demanded a careful balance of ambiance and functionality to avoid diners feeling cramped and constrained. Thoughtfully integrated lighting ensures the kitchen operates smoothly, while maintaining the restaurant’s intimate, ambient glow. Every light fixture is a warm temperature, minimising glare and providing focused illumination where needed such as the kitchen workspaces.
Acoustic comfort was achieved through a careful curation of materials that are at once practical and aesthetically appropriate.
The brothers’ personal touch is further woven into the design with open spaces throughout the restaurant, conceived as blank canvases meant to evolve alongside their journeys. Their eclectic collection of trinkets and nostalgic items contrasts beautifully with the timeless elegance of the walls and joinery, creating a space that is as much a reflection of their story as it is a dining destination.