13-03-2025
Sam Ung, founder of Seattle's Phnom Penh Noodle House, dies at 70
The Brief
Sam Ung, founder of Seattle's beloved Phnom Penh Noodle House, has passed away. He was 70.
Ung opened his restaurant in 1987, which has since become a community staple of the Chinatown-International District.
SEATTLE - Sam Ung, founder of Seattle's beloved Phnom Penh Noodle House, has passed away.
He was 70.
According to the restaurant's website, Phnom Penh Noodle House opened in the Chinatown-International District in 1987, and was known as the first Cambodian restaurant in Seattle.
Ung and his wife settled in Seattle following the Cambodian Civil War, and the takeover of the Khmer Rouge regime. He later detailed his story in a memoir: "I Survived the Killing Fields: The true life story of a Cambodian refugee."
Despite the restaurant relocating and undergoing numerous challenges, Phnom Penh Noodle House still remains open, 36 years later, and is regarded by many as a community staple.
Ung is known for his lasting legacy and impact on the Chinatown-International District, through charity work, community involvement, and of course, his noodles.
Despite retiring in 2013, Ung's family continues to serve his signature dishes at the restaurant, located at 913 South Jackson St.
For a full menu and additional details, visit the Phnom Penh Noodle House website.
The Source
Information in this story came from Phnom Penh Noodle House, Eater Seattle and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
Fire destroys, damages multiple Cybertrucks in Seattle lot
Family wants justice years after Graham, WA man's death
Bryan Kohberger defense ramps up legal maneuvers in bid to keep Idaho murders suspect off death row
Major TSA change to shorten airport security wait times, DHS says: What to know
Seattle Seahawks trade DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh Steelers
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
