Golden Wat Noodle House Brings Cambodian Cuisine
February 26, 2021 - San Antonio
Golden Wat Noodle House had their soft opening on Thursday, Feb. 25. The restaurant specializes in Cambodian cuisine. Courtesy Images, Facebook.
By: Ricardo Delgado - Staff Intern, San Antonio Sentinel
San Antonio receives a taste of Cambodian cuisine with the opening of Golden Wat Noodle House, which opened its doors Thursday, Feb. 25 as the one of the first Cambodian restaurants in the city.
Initially scheduled for opening on the 16th of the same month but delayed by the winter storm’s rocking of the entire state of Texas, the restaurant allows customers to visit the Golden Age of Cambodia and experience authentic Khmer food spanning generations at their 111 Kings Court location.
In a press release, the restaurant states that Cambodian culture reflects a history of tradition, strength and the love of family. Owner Susan Sypesteyn’s journey to Golden Wat and San Antonio began decades ago when her family fled the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s and moved to California.
Sypesteyn’s mother, who owned a noodle spot in Cambodia, preserved their culture by listening to psychedelic Cambodian rock and attending Buddhist temples. The word “wat” is Khmer for “temple”, a sanctuary for a young Sypesteyn and a place where she now hopes to share with San Antonio. It is also a place she has called home with her husband and business partner, Pieter, since 2007.
“Cambodian culture reflects a history of tradition, strength and the love of family.”
- Golden Wat Noodle House
Susan Sypesteyn, owner of Golden Wat Noodle House said her journey to Golden Wat and San Antonio began decades ago when her family fled the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s and moved to California. Courtesy Image, Facebook.
Golden Wat is open for dine-in, take-out or delivery for lunch and dinner and serves meals like Cha Kgnei, a fried ginger chicken with scallions, It also serves more savory meals like Nom Banh Chok, a combination of rice vermicelli noodles, pounded fish, lemongrass green curry, turmeric and makrut lime leaves — all topped with various vegetables and herbs.
The restaurant showcases these and many meals on their Instagram, @goldenwatnoodle. The menu also offers several noodle-based plates, vegan options and even some sweets. Their drink menu is just as varied with white, red and rosé wines. Sake and several different beer varieties are available as well.
For more information about Golden Wat, visit https://www.goldenwatnoodlehouse.com.
Ricardo Delgado transferred to Texas State University at San Marcos to study journalism and minor in political science. He expects to graduate in the spring of 2021. Email him at reporter@sasentinel.com