Canteen

Swell partnered with Eddy and John, more commonly known as Minga and Knobby, to create the brand identity of their ramen bar in the heart of Dairy Road, Canteen. After years of building a cult following through their take-home ramen brand Ramen Daddy, the pair were ready to open a permanent space that captured their passion for precision, creativity and community.

Canteen is rooted in respect for the traditions of Japanese ramen, balanced with the flair of modern cookery and French technique. Every detail of the food speaks to this philosophy; from handmade Australian rye noodles crafted daily in their custom noodle room and grain mill, to the distinct focus on Tori-style ramen. It’s thoughtful, expressive and made with love.

We created a fun, type-led identity with a strong sense of paternal lineage. Canteen and Ramen Daddy share the same typographic DNA, but each brand expresses its own personality. Canteen’s typography is as organised as a bento box and nods to traditional bottle labelling, while the colour palette draws from the warm, earthy materiality of the restaurant’s interior, with custom illustrations and visual moments adding a contemporary Japanese street-style edge.

The result is a brand that feels familiar, yet distinct. Canteen offers a space where good food and good vibes come together, and where the spirit of Ramen Daddy continues to evolve, from the pop-up to the permanent.