Fresh Face: Issei Noodle

Owners Andre and Donna Pham are excited to bring Issei Noodle 2.0 in their new space on Orange Street.

Fresh Face

Issei Noodle began in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2007, but its roots are inspired by the cuisines that founders Robert and Naomi Pham enjoyed while traveling across Southeast Asia.

“They essentially brought Central Pennsylvania a little taste of their travels because they couldn’t find some of these flavors 16 years ago,” shared Andre Pham, who brought his parents’ restaurant to Lancaster when he and his wife Donna opened its second location in 2013.

Andre fondly remembers cooking in his parents’ restaurant growing up, but he admits he never expected that so many years later he and Donna would expand Issei Noodle’s legacy by moving the Lancaster location from its original home on North Queen Street to a brand new space that includes two dining areas and bar seating.

“It is another huge milestone for us,” Donna said. “For the first time ever through this whole journey, we were able to design the space just how we wanted. It kind of feels like going from your first apartment to your first home.”

Located on West Orange Street, Issei Noodle’s next chapter will elevate the ramen dishes Lancaster has grown to love over the past decade with handcrafted noodles prepared by Andre and served fresh to each table daily.

Andre and Donna are also thrilled to introduce Lancaster’s first “Korean” barbecue, Culture—a dining experience meant to be savored alongside a variety of Asian-inspired barbecue, where slow-grilled meats are cooked at the guests’ table and a selection of cocktails that complement the flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine.

“Our Lancaster customers trusted us enough to keep our business going for 10 years,” Donna said. “We’re so stoked to introduce them to Issei 2.0.”

The table is set! Visit Issei Noodle and Culture, located at 38 West Orange Street, or order online at isseinoodle.com.

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