Kearny Mesa Scores Koreatown’s Soft Serve Sensation

San Diego’s latest transplant from the land of trendy desserts is Somi Somi, whose original shop opened last fall in Los Angeles’ Koreatown district. The first outlet will slot into Caffe Bene on Convoy Street, where Somi Somi is taking over half the existing space. Scheduled to open by early November, its menu revolves around ah-boong, a Korean take on taiyaki soft serve ice cream, or fish-shaped Japanese waffles with sweet fillings that double as ice cream cones. Somi Somi’s fresh-made fish waffles are filled with red bean, custard or Nutella, with soft serve flavors ranging from milk to green tea, banana, black sesame, chocolate and swirled combinations. Unlimited toppings, including Oreo crumbles, fresh strawberries and French macarons, are also offered.

Sean Kim, who is bringing Somi Somi to San Diego, tells Eater that he plans to phase out Caffe Bene and will replace it Somi Somi’s sister concept Sul & Beans by the end of the year. Sul & Beans serves bowls of bingsoo, or Korean shaved ice, coffee and tea drinks, and injeolmi toast, a sweet sandwich stuffed with chewy glutenous rice cake. Kim says he hopes to eventually open more of both desserts shops in San Diego.