Good news for Seattle ice cream fans looking for something a little different. Süsu — which has been slinging its popular rolled ice cream in Seattle for the past four summers at various market stands — will open a permanent outpost, Süsu Dessert Cafe, in the International District this year. The new spot will be on South King Street at the newly-renovated Louisa Hotel, and will have seating for 17, along with 20-foot vaulted ceilings. If all goes well with permits and construction, co-owners Katie Pohl and chef Muhammad Fairoz hope to open their cafe this fall.
Those who have sampled Süsu’s goods are familiar with the intriguing textures and flavors, made through a method that reportedly originated in Thailand of pouring liquid onto an extremely cold surface, then mashing, chopping, spreading it out crepe-style, and serving it in rolled form. Süsu uses a custard base for its ice cream, and delivers flavors such as Earl Grey with togarashi (a Japanese chili pepper), S’mores, and mango-coconut sticky rice topped with pineapple cotton candy.
In addition to rolled ice cream, Pohl tells Eater Seattle that the new cafe will have soft serve made from scratch, French and Southeast Asian pastries, plated desserts, and even some savory bites influenced by Fairoz’s native Singapore. Süsu is also applying for a beer and wine license, so those sampling flavors can booze it up.
When the cafe officially opens, hours will be Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and until midnight on Friday and Saturdays. In the meantime, customers can get a preview by following Süsu around the city at its mobile stands, including tomorrow at the Magnuson Night Market.