FoMu Alternative Ice Cream Is Popping Up in Inman Square

FoMu Alternative Ice Cream. / Photo by Somerby Jones

There’s a new dessert option in Inman Square this summer: FoMu Alternative Ice Cream starts a three-month residency on Cambridge Street this week. Taking over the pop-up storefront next to Clover, FoMu will be scooping an abbreviated list of vegan and dairy-free flavors in cups and cones.

“We’ll have a limited number of flavors, and no smoothies, frappes, or a coffee program, like we’d have in a regular shop. We’re going to keep it super simple with as much as we can fit in that space,” says Deena Jalal, who co-owns the growing FoMu brand with her husband, Hin Tang.

The newest FoMu scoop shop, maybe 150 square feet, is in close proximity to Bisq, Puritan & Company, Atwood’s Tavern, and other establishments on the edge of Union Square. “It feels tiny,” Jalal says. “There’s no space to eat in. But it’s perfect timing. This time of year, there are people walking around anyway. We’ll be a great option for people [looking for dessert after having dinner] at the restaurants there.”

FoMu Alternative Ice Cream owner Deena Jalal. / Photo by Somerby Jones

Eight to 10 flavors will rotate through seasonal creations like strawberry rhubarb pie, lavender, and almond raspberry crumble, plus signature specials including peanut butter mud pie and “Christmas Crack,” a riff on a brittle-like treat with Saltine-style crackers, made at FoMu’s Watertown commissary, toffee, and dark chocolate, in caramel ice cream. 

FoMu, which opened its first café in Allston in 2012, also has a location in Jamaica Plain. Its products are sold by the pint at Whole Foods and in select speciality stores. A South End FoMu is on track to open in mid- to late May. “In general, we’re looking to expand our footprint,” Jalal says.

Clover is the landlord of the short-term lease in Cambridge. A mutual friend connected Jalal with Clover founder Ayr Muir about the partnership. “It’s very synergistic. They don’t have dessert, and we don’t have food. Our brand philosophy is healthful, fresh-made food,” Jalal says. “We’re excited to be in Inman, to see if it could potentially be a fit for us.”

Jalal and her staff will feel out the neighborhood to determine the pop-up hours, but she anticipates being open about 1-10 p.m. See Fomu’s social media channels to keep in the loop.

In other north-of-the-river ice cream news, Tipping Cow opens a Somerville storefront tomorrow, May 3, Eater Boston reported. In 2013, Tufts alum Anna Gaul launched her company with nut-free flavors like espresso, vanilla buttermilk, and Earl Grey and lemon, at farmers markets and in specialty shops. At her café at 415 Medford St., she’s also have coffee, pastries, and pints to go. It’s open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

FoMu, opening Tuesday, May 3, at 1075 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge, fomuicecream.com.