One new place opening this weekend, Noodle Café, combines the fusion of traditional noodle with a modern twist.

Traditional noodles are normally available in the morning at your neighbourhood corner. Noodle Café is a comfortable environment with air conditioners, 24 hour service, and fully equipped digital amenities for the mobile customers.

“We have modernised a traditional noodle house in Cambodia and brought it into the next millennium,” stated Justin G Parker, CEO of Noodle Café. “In the process of modernising this traditional business, we have borrowed the concept of Starbucks and infused it into our core service. Noodle Café represents the fusion of traditional noodle house in Cambodia with the modernity of pastry, ice-cream and Italian coffee.”

Another unique concept of Noodle Café is the look and décor of this contemporary noodle house. Recycled doors, windows and shingles adorned the walls, beside tables with ceramic paintings of Winnie the Pooh.

“Bringing an industrial complex look is something new to Cambodians. Exposed ceilings, pipes, and a Bronx –New York style is a challenge,” said Parker. “At the end of the day, the heart of our restaurant is serving noodles, our original popular recipe since 1981.”

I was invited to experience making the noodle soups in their state-of-the-art kitchen, and to see first-hand how it was done. My specialty dish that I made – beef with beef meatball and thin noodle soup.

What’s the secret to making a delicious noodle soup?

“Putting your heart and soul into what you are doing and a commitment to be up at 4 am every morning while everyone else is still asleep,” stated Noodle Café’ master cook.

Noodle Café will be running two branches; one in Chakangra Krom and one in 7 Makara. Future plans include one in Siem Reap and two  in Battambang.

“In the near future, we will be franchising out regionally, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and other Asian regions. Ultimately, we will be opening branches in the US within a highly populated Cambodian community such as Long Beach and Lowell,” added Parker.

The public soft opening will be on May 26, 2013.