Syd Suntha's Culinary Odyssey: From Kottu Cart to Goose Suit Extravaganza

Syd Suntha is a culinary maverick, blending his passion for street food, pop culture, and innovative dining experiences. His journey has taken him from running a Kottu street cart to hosting over-the-top themed dinners and now, embarking on a new venture: Goose Suit. This article delves into Suntha's multifaceted endeavors, exploring how he's redefining the boundaries of traditional street food and bringing a unique flair to the Seattle dining scene.

Reinventing the Street Food Experience

From Kottu to Goose Suit: Suntha's Culinary Evolution

Syd Suntha's day job may be running his Kottu street cart, serving up a delectable fusion of curry, roti, vegetables, and spices. However, his true claim to fame lies in his ability to create extraordinary dining experiences that transcend the boundaries of traditional street food. Suntha's recent venture, Goose Suit, is a testament to his innovative spirit and his desire to push the limits of what's possible in the world of culinary entertainment.

The Inspiration Behind Goose Suit

The name "Goose Suit" is a nod to a deep-cut reference from the popular comedy series "I Think You Should Leave," where "buff boys" don absurd muscle shirts for an equally absurdist pageant. Suntha sees Goose Suit as a "fake fancy" getup, a playful twist on the traditional street food experience. Inspired by the vibrant food stall scene in Japan, where temporary restaurants with sit-down seating are commonplace, Suntha is bringing a similar concept to the streets of Seattle.

The Goose Suit Experience

At Goose Suit, Suntha will be offering a unique dining experience that blends the energy of a street cart with the intimacy of a chef's counter. Customers will have the opportunity to sit in front of the cart and witness Suntha's culinary prowess as he prepares a three-course meal, including an appetizer, entree, and dessert, right before their eyes. The meal, accompanied by a nonalcoholic cocktail curated by the booze-free bottle shop Cheeky and Dry, will be priced at $45 per person. For those who prefer a more traditional takeout option, Suntha will also be offering to-go meals.

Suntha's Culinary Inspiration

Suntha's inspiration for the Goose Suit menu comes from his experiences working as a backstage caterer, where he's learned that "it doesn't matter if it's like, authentic Chinese or authentic Mexican — just make it taste good." This "chaos menu" approach allows him to experiment with unexpected flavor combinations, breaking free from the constraints of traditional cuisine. Suntha's goal is to create a dining experience that is both visually and gastronomically captivating, offering his customers a taste of the unexpected.

Challenging the Norms of Street Food

While Seattle may not have the vibrant food truck culture of cities like Portland, Suntha is determined to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of street food. Even the most established carts and trucks with permanent parking spots and seating don't typically offer prix fixe menus or charge prix fixe prices. Suntha's decision to offer a $45 three-course meal at Goose Suit is a bold move, but one that he believes will resonate with his customers.

Kottu's Temporary Hiatus and Suntha's Motivations

Suntha's decision to take a break from his Kottu street cart is driven by a combination of physical and creative factors. The constant chopping and slamming of his fist on the steel plate has taken a toll on his body, leaving him with joint pain and other issues. Additionally, Suntha has been feeling a sense of boredom from repeatedly making the same dish over and over again. With the typically slower winter season for his cart, Suntha sees this as an opportune time to experiment with Goose Suit. However, he assures that Kottu will make a comeback when the seasonal farmers markets start up again.

Expanding the Goose Suit Footprint

Goose Suit will initially be available at the Fremont Sunday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every week starting in November. Suntha is also exploring the possibility of expanding to other locations, which he will announce on the Goose Suit Instagram account. By offering this unique dining experience in various settings, Suntha aims to bring his culinary vision to a wider audience and continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of street food.