Susu is Superb: A New LumDimSum Discovery

Posted: June 2nd, 2011 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: hutong, SuSu, Vietnamese cuisine | 1 Comment »

The very first day Susu Vietnamese Restaurant opened its doors to walk-in customers, I was probably the first one in.   From all the talk I had heard, I was eager to check out the beautifully renovated courtyard space myself and Susu still managed to exceed my expectations.  The location is tricky to find, but once I walked through the double red gate doors and walked into the open courtyard, my jaw dropped.  It is stunning to say the least and as I watched the sunset sitting on the open-air balcony terrace sipping my refreshing Pims cocktail, I didn’t want the moment to end.

Sipping my Pims on the upstairs terrace of Susu

Not only are the drinks delightful, the food is exceptional.  Everything we ordered was fresh, light, fragrant and delicious.  With two native Vietnamese chefs in the kitchen, Susu is Vietnamese cuisine at its best.  Their menu offers plenty of fresh salads (RMB 32-58), a dozen fresh and fried spring rolls (RMB 34-48), caramelized claypots, stews and soups, and the fabled La Vong Fish (Chả Cá Lã Vọng).  An extra bonus is that many of the dishes have a vegetarian option as well.

Susu’s lunch menu features reasonably priced sets of Vietnamese baguette sandwiches (Bánh Mì), crepes (Bánh Xèo), and pho. RMB 55-72 for lunch set comes with choice of salad or fresh spring roll of the day and a Vietnamese lemon soda or soft drink.

Five color salad – Lotus root, carrot, celery, red chilies, onions, and coriander, textured with shavings of pork (RMB 38)

Fresh Salmon Spring Roll – Seared salmon bathed in balsamic vinegar & olive oil, rolled with rocket leaves, & ginger fish sauce (RMB 48)

Susu’s Restaurant Specialty – La Vong Fish (RMB 98)

Waitstaff demonstrating how to mix ingredients of La Vong Fish

Big enough for a group of 4 or 5 to share, the La Vong Fish dish was by far the highlight of the meal.  Served with vermicelli, shrimp chips, fresh mint and coriander, crushed peanuts and sauce made from shrimp-fish paste, the snakehead fish fillets are ”sauteed in fennel, turmeric and scallions, served sizzling over a flame.  Legendary.”

Although I would recommend dining on the top terrace, the decor inside the restaurant is also very well designed – simple, elegant and welcoming. This is a wonderful recommendation for a romantic dinner date, special occasion or a place to impress out-of-town visitors or a group of friends.

I’ve already been back twice now and I still can’t stop raving about it. Susu is a phenomenal addition to Beijing’s dining scene.

Review of Susu: Qianliang Hutong, West Alley No. 10, 钱粮胡同西巷10号, Tel: 8400-2699

Best Part:

• A real hidden gem, Susu’s decor, design and Vietnamese cuisine is spectacular

• All the dishes I’ve tried from their salads, spring rolls, main courses and desserts have all been very light and fragrant
• When they claim their La Vong Fish is legendary, they’re not exaggerating
• The outside courtyard space is perfect for summer lounging
• They have a very nice wine menu and list of cocktails
• Save room for dessert – I highly recommend the banana and coconut pudding dessert (RMB 22). Delish.

Comments:

• As they are still in their soft-opening stages, they are still working out temporary kinks like wait-staffing, charge cards, and fa piaos.
• They are closed on Mondays.
• By the same owners as Tuk Tuk Thai and Stone Boat.
• Definitely take advantage of their rooftop should weather be permitting

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 9
• Atmosphere: 9
• Service: 7
• Overall Experience: 8

Map to Susu (you’ll need it!):

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