Pizza as a Canvas: Isaiah Ruffin’s Culinary Journey Through the Black Diaspora
Among the sprawling corporate campuses in Seattle’s South Lake Union, a new kind of culinary revolution is taking shape, one slice at a time. Last month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon stopped by Pizza By Ruffin, one of Washington State’s favorite Black-owned pizzerias, to taste the rich and soulful flavors of Black communities around the globe.
Co-owner Isaiah Ruffin brings a wealth of culinary expertise to his craft, having honed his pizza-making skills across Denver, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Italy, holding a degree in culinary arts. His approach is deeply rooted in this professional foundation, yet he pushes culinary boundaries to create a menu that is both versatile and culturally rich.
"You'll see everything across the Black diaspora on our pizzas,” he said. The menu at Pizza By Ruffin features an array of unique flavor profiles, ranging from a Trinidadian curry with potatoes and a Jamaican goat curry to a pizza inspired by the Brazilian national dish, feijoada.
Beyond these staples, the menu has featured dishes inspired by East African flavors, gumbo, and, during “Black History Month,” included West African profiles with black-eyed peas and American Soul Food with mumbo sauce and short ribs.
The commitment to quality is evident in the meticulous preparation. Every morning between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., Ruffin begins the labor-intensive, 48-hour cold fermentation process for his dough, which yields a light, crispy, and flavorful crust. All components, including the bread and sauces, are made in-house.
Ruffin is equally meticulous about his ingredients, sourcing vegetables from local farmers' markets and ensuring all meats are 100% halal to maintain inclusivity, offering a pork-free experience for traditional favorites like pepperoni.
Beyond the kitchen, Ruffin is deeply invested in building and strengthening the local community. "Community is one of the reasons we moved to Seattle in the first place. Not just to be a part of one, but to help build it, make it bigger and stronger,” he said.
He pursues this mission by frequently supporting other Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and collaborating through networks like Intentionalist. As a Buy Black card location, the establishment encourages patrons to enjoy their unique slices while supporting local culture and spending dollars with intention.
For Ruffin, the essence of his work lies in the creative challenge and the emotional connection it fosters.
"I love the way it changes people's lives when they walk in... those are the moments that really inspire me every morning when I come in,” he said.
This story exemplifies Back2Besa’s dedication to supporting Black-owned businesses and acknowledging their place as the backbone of our community.
You can check out Pizza By Ruffin for yourself Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 400 Fairview Ave N #107, Seattle. To learn more, visit pizzabyruffin.com.
Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.
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