Inside the Kitchen of NYC's New Culinary Destination Somssi
Exploring the labor-intensive techniques behind the viral dishes at Na:eun Hospitality's latest venture.
1The Viral Potato Dish
The signature triple-layered potato dish at Somssi has become a social media sensation, requiring significant kitchen labor. The restaurant processes up to 100 pounds of potatoes weekly to meet demand. This whimsical creation, topped with caviar, perfectly encapsulates the establishment's core philosophy of serving serious food without taking themselves too seriously.
2Complex Potato Preparation
Creating the iconic potato dish involves a multi-step process starting with Yukon gold potatoes passed through a ricer. The resulting cream and butter-heavy puree is set in freezer molds. These logs are toasted in breadcrumbs, wrapped in delicate russet potato ribbons, and finally deep-fried to order to achieve the perfect texture.
3Slow-Cooked Ox Tongue
The kitchen demonstrates technical precision with their ox tongue preparation, which undergoes a 16-hour brining process. Following this, the meat is slow-cooked for four hours in a blend of herbs, aromatics, and beef tallow. Before serving, the tongue is carefully scored to ensure a superior sear when it hits the grill.
4Creative Pork Schnitzel
Somssi offers a creative twist on the classic schnitzel by coating pork loin in ground shrimp. This technique creates a flavor profile reminiscent of traditional shrimp toast. The dish is finished with a sweet-and-sour plum sauce, which provides a necessary acidic balance to the thick, crispy fried exterior of the pork.
5Refined Scallop Crudo
The menu also features a delicate scallop crudo, showcasing the kitchen's focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. Pressed scallops are arranged and surrounded by a bright strawberry sauce. The dish is topped with gooseberries and peppers, adding layers of acidity and heat that contrast with the natural sweetness of the raw seafood.
6Operational Hospitality Philosophy
Managing partner Ahris Kim emphasizes that the restaurant aims for a balance between high-level culinary execution and a relaxed atmosphere. This approach dictates how the kitchen staff prepares for nightly service, ensuring that every labor-intensive dish maintains consistency while reflecting the playful spirit of the Na:eun Hospitality brand identity.
7Mise En Place Execution
The preparation for a night of service at Somssi is captured in the Mise En Place series. This documentation highlights the rigorous workflow required to manage complex menu items like the triple-potato bite and grilled tongue. It provides a rare look at the technical discipline required behind the scenes in NYC.
8Culinary Impact and Future
Somssi represents a growing trend in New York City dining where chefs prioritize labor-intensive, creative techniques over traditional formats. By focusing on specific, highly processed signature items, the restaurant establishes a distinct market position. Their success suggests that diners are increasingly drawn to establishments that combine technical mastery with approachable, whimsical concepts.
Original article: Eater — Inside the Kitchen of NYC's New Culinary Destination Somssi