Why Somisomi Is the dessert trend teens can’t ignore
Trendy sweets in California are nothing new. You can already find viral Propitious fruit-shaped ice creams at stores like 99 Ranch Market and Diamond Market & Deli. For Korean-inspired hits such as ah-boong and taiyaki, Somisomi is the spot. The chain has gained attention through online videos, drawing large groups of fans who rave about the flavors.
At the Ontario Mills location, employee Freddy has watched the hype grow during his time at the shop.
“I got hired at Somisomi about two years ago,” he said. “[It’s] near my school and near where I live.”
He explained that Somisomi mixes ingredients from major suppliers with their own blends. Seasonal flavors keep the menu fresh.
“We have Earl Grey, that’s seasonal. We have banana milk, coffee, cookie butter ice cream – stuff like that,” he explained.
And prices? They stay pretty reasonable. Ah-boong or the upside-down version costs $6.95. Soft serve in a cup is $4.50. Taiyaki is two for $4.50 or five for $8.95. Strawberry milk and cold brew floats are $5.95, and cold brew alone is $5.50.
Customization is one of the most appealing parts of the experience. Ah-boong comes in three styles, and customers can choose a filling, a soft serve flavor, and unlimited toppings among eleven options. Taiyaki also comes with several filling choices. Vegan and lactose-free items are available.
The Howl sampled three versions. Two had Nutella and an ube milk swirl. One had Nutella and cookies-and-cream soft serve. The cookies-and-cream cone looked like something straight out of a TikTok video with tall, clean swirls and a crunchy fish-shaped base. The flavor was creamy without being too sweet.
The ube milk swirl stood out the most. The bright purple and white twist looked dramatic. One was topped with Biscoff crumbs and the other with Fruity Pebbles and Oreos. The toppings added color and crunch, but the bold ube flavor was the star.
We sampled two options, one with Nutella and the other with cheddar filling. The Nutella version was warm, rich, and gooey. The cheddar taiyaki was the biggest surprise. It was hot, savory, and slightly chewy on the inside, which balanced the sweeter items.
Somisomi’s strawberry milk layers whole milk with fresh strawberries, jam, and puree. Its two-tone pink color looks great and tastes even better. It is cold, refreshing, and full of real fruit.
Our total came to $31.30.
Somisomi’s branding fully commits to the fish cone idea. Fish scales decorate the counter, ocean art covers parts of the wall, and the colors stay simple with mostly whites, grays, and yellows.
“It symbolizes the actual ah-boongs that we sell,” Freddy said.
The vibe is casual, bright, and popular with teens. Service was quick and friendly, which matches the company’s expectations.
