Sanduteca Sandwich Shop Blends Flavour and Design
A new sandwich bar in São Paulo’s historic Galeria Metrópole has been designed as a “library of flavours”, creating an immersive interior that invites customers to explore global tastes through architecture, materiality and experience.
Sanduteca’s design concept grew from the idea of creating a small archive of seasonings and culinary references from around the world.
GALLERY
The goal was to establish an educational environment where customers could engage with food preparation while surrounded by a carefully curated blend of vintage and contemporary design elements.
The sandwich assembly process sits at the centre of the experience, becoming a visual focal point throughout the compact space. Customers seated at the main counter and long bench opposite can observe the preparation, while those dining on the mezzanine gain a unique elevated view of the activity below.
Located within Galeria Metrópole, a landmark of modern architecture in downtown São Paulo, Sanduteca occupies a previously vacant shop that had remained unused for more than a decade. The existing infrastructure presented a significant challenge, particularly as the project needed to accommodate a professional kitchen, prominent assembly area, restroom and multiple dining zones within only 60 square metres.
The design responds to the gallery’s own history, viewing the building as a meeting point between past and present. As Galeria Metrópole experiences renewed activity through contemporary Brazilian design, fashion and gastronomy, Sanduteca aims to connect different eras through a layered material palette.
White ceramic tiles, commonly mass-produced in Brazil during the early 20th century, are paired with “vermelhão”, a red-pigmented burnt cement associated with Northeast Brazil and popular during the 1960s and 1970s. These historic references are contrasted with contemporary industrial details, including red tables, blue perforated metal panels and a custom pendant light above the counter.
Stainless steel countertops and shelving introduce a functional commercial character, while glass sconces with gold bases and a caramel-coloured sink create a sense of familiarity inspired by Brazilian homes.
The interior was designed not only to support the practical needs of the sandwich bar but also to attract attention from the surrounding gallery. By maintaining the original facade design and drawing focus towards the preparation area, the project encourages passersby to enter, watch the sandwiches being assembled and participate in the experience.
Through its combination of food, storytelling and architecture, Sanduteca transforms a small commercial space into an interactive destination where design becomes part of the flavour journey.
Images by Manuel Sá via ArchDaily
A new sandwich bar in São Paulo’s historic Galeria Metrópole has been designed as a “library of flavours”, ...