Last week, we stopped by Susu, a beautiful Vietnamese courtyard kitchen nestled in the hutongs east of the National Art Museum. We gorged ourselves on every kind of spring roll imaginable, including a delicious shrimp and pineapple roll, kicked back a few quality cocktails and gawked at the stunning hutong space.

Susu is the second restaurant from Amy Li and Jonathan Ansfield, who launched Tuk Tuk Thai in Guomao three years back. They are also the dynamic duo behind The Stone Boat bar and café, which sadly changed hands in 2009. The renovated courtyard brings back some of the classic lao Beijing feeling that made The Stone Boat such a success with expats and locals alike.

The interior design by artist-designers Rania Ho, Wang Wei and their Kupa Studios is an open space with wall-to-wall glass looking out on a small courtyard. The original beams have been left exposed under a clean pine paneling for a ceiling. We look forward to checking out the rooftop terrace on our next visit.

Li and Ansfield tell us Susu will soft open in May, serving as a café, lounge and Vietnamese dining destination. The two Vietnamese chefs are already in the kitchen preparing dinner sets by reservation. After the soft opening, lunch sets with pho, banh mi ( baguette sandwiches) and banh xeo (crepes) will be available for ¥58, and dinners at ¥100-200, depending on drinks. Speaking of which, do try the “Saigon fizz”, a refreshing update on the gin fizz with ginger and mint.

For now, Susu is open by reservation for parties of six or more with sets at ¥120, ¥150 and ¥200 per person.

A final note: Susu might take some patience to find, but it’s worth the search. Click the images above to see a map and be sure to bring the phone number with you.

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