St. Paul’s culinary landscape is a delicious melting pot, and its Asian food scene shines brightly. From comforting bowls of pho to fiery plates of curry, the city offers a diverse and exciting range of flavors, a testament to the vibrant communities that have shaped its culture. Finding the best Asian food St. Paul has to offer can be a daunting, yet rewarding task. This guide aims to highlight some of the most exceptional Asian restaurants in St. Paul, catering to a variety of tastes, preferences, and budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned Asian food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
St. Paul is home to thriving Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese communities, each contributing its unique culinary traditions to the city’s vibrant food scene. Beyond these well-known cuisines, you’ll also discover hidden gems representing other Asian culinary traditions, creating a tapestry of flavors that’s truly unmatched. This guide will help you navigate this exciting landscape, ensuring that every dining experience is a memorable one.
Savory Vietnamese Delights
Vietnamese cuisine has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people worldwide, and St. Paul is no exception. Known for its fresh herbs, flavorful broths, and delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, Vietnamese food offers a delightful and healthy dining option. From fragrant pho to crispy spring rolls and savory banh mi, there’s something to satisfy every craving. St. Paul boasts a number of excellent Vietnamese restaurants, each offering its own unique take on classic dishes.
Pho Grand
Pho Grand is a St. Paul institution, consistently praised for its authentic flavors and generous portions. The ambiance is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends and family. While their entire menu is worth exploring, their specialty is, of course, pho. Be sure to try their Pho Dac Biet, a combination of rare steak, well-done brisket, tendon, and tripe, all simmered in a rich and aromatic broth. The spring rolls are also a must-try, made fresh daily and packed with flavorful ingredients. Expect to pay around fifteen to twenty-five dollars per person. Pho Grand is located at University Avenue West.
iPho by Saigon
For a more modern take on Vietnamese cuisine, iPho by Saigon is an excellent choice. The restaurant boasts a sleek and contemporary design, creating a vibrant and stylish dining experience. Their menu features a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes with a contemporary twist, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their signature pho dishes are particularly noteworthy, with creative flavor combinations and artful presentation. Consider the wagyu pho, or even their vegetarian options. Price range is similar to Pho Grand. Find them at Grand Avenue.
Quang Restaurant
If you’re seeking an authentic and affordable Vietnamese experience, look no further than Quang Restaurant. This family-owned establishment has been serving up delicious and homestyle Vietnamese dishes for years, earning a loyal following among locals. Their menu features a wide array of classic dishes, including bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles), banh xeo (crispy crepe), and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork chops). Don’t miss their fresh and flavorful papaya salad. Prices are very reasonable, typically under twenty dollars per person. You can find it at Nicollet Avenue.
Authentic Thai Flavors
Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold and vibrant flavors, its aromatic herbs and spices, and its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. St. Paul offers a diverse range of Thai restaurants, each offering its own unique interpretation of this beloved cuisine. From classic curries to flavorful noodle dishes and spicy salads, there’s something for every palate. If you’re looking for the best Asian food St. Paul can offer in the form of Thai cuisine, there are some great options.
Ruam Mit Thai
Ruam Mit Thai is a long-standing favorite among St. Paul residents, known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality. The restaurant boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Their menu features a wide array of classic Thai dishes, including pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup. Their signature dish is the Pla Lad Prik, a crispy whole fish topped with a spicy chili sauce. Prices are moderate, ranging from fifteen to thirty dollars per person. They are located on West Seventh Street.
Bangkok Thai Deli
For a quick and affordable taste of Thailand, Bangkok Thai Deli is an excellent choice. This no-frills establishment serves up delicious and authentic Thai dishes at incredibly reasonable prices. Their menu features a range of classic dishes, including pad see ew, red curry, and mango sticky rice. Don’t miss their flavorful and spicy papaya salad. Prices are extremely affordable, typically under fifteen dollars per person. Look for them on University Avenue.
Ngon Bistro
Ngon Bistro provides a modern twist to classic Thai cuisine. While they also offer other Vietnamese and Asian inspired dishes, their Thai inspired plates stand out. Try their Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles, which provide the same authentic flavors as some of the more classic choices on this list. Expect to pay between twenty and thirty-five dollars per person. You can find them at University Avenue.
Korean BBQ and More
Korean cuisine has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Known for its bold and savory flavors, its interactive dining experience, and its emphasis on sharing and community, Korean food offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience. From Korean barbecue to kimchi stew and bibimbap, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The best Asian food St. Paul restaurants often includes incredible Korean options.
Mirror of Korea
Mirror of Korea is a popular Korean restaurant that is renowned for its Korean BBQ, known as Galbi. The restaurant boasts a lively and bustling atmosphere, creating an authentic and immersive dining experience. Their menu features a wide array of classic Korean dishes, including bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi jjigae. Their banchan (side dishes) are particularly noteworthy, offering a variety of flavorful and fermented vegetables. Prices are moderate, ranging from twenty to forty dollars per person. You can find them at Lexington Parkway North.
Hoban Korean Restaurant
Hoban Korean Restaurant is a hidden gem that is loved by Korean expatriates and locals alike. The restaurant is lauded for its wide menu options, and traditional dining experience. Most patrons report that the owner is very kind and helpful when making dining suggestions. A must-try menu item is the Gamjatang, or pork spine soup. Prices are also very reasonable, ranging from fifteen to thirty dollars per person. They are located on Rice Street.
Japanese Classics
Japanese cuisine is celebrated for its delicate flavors, its artful presentation, and its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. St. Paul offers a wide range of Japanese restaurants, each offering its own unique interpretation of this beloved cuisine. From sushi and sashimi to ramen and tempura, there’s something for every palate. If you are looking for some of the best Asian food St. Paul restaurants, be sure to consider these spots.
Kado No Mise
Kado No Mise is an upscale Japanese restaurant that specializes in high-quality sushi and sashimi. The restaurant boasts a sleek and minimalist design, creating a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. Their menu features a range of traditional Japanese dishes, including nigiri, maki, and temaki. Their omakase (chef’s choice) is particularly noteworthy, offering a curated selection of the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. Prices are on the higher end, typically exceeding fifty dollars per person. You can find them on Washington Avenue North.
United Noodles
While United Noodles is often seen as pan-Asian, its ramen dishes are the star of the show. The restaurant is extremely popular for its casual and fun atmosphere, creating a delightful and approachable experience. Their menu features a range of classic noodle dishes, and other Asian favorites. Their menu is very reasonably priced, ranging from fifteen to thirty dollars per person. They are located on East Twenty Sixth Street.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is one of the most diverse and globally recognized cuisines in the world. From dim sum and Peking duck to stir-fries and noodles, there’s an endless array of delicious and satisfying dishes to explore. If you are seeking some of the best Asian food St. Paul options, don’t overlook the numerous Chinese restaurants in the area.
Little Szechuan
Little Szechuan is a local favorite that is lauded for its authentic and spicy Sichuan cuisine. The restaurant boasts a casual and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Their menu features a wide array of classic Sichuan dishes, including mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and kung pao chicken. Be sure to specify your desired spice level, as some dishes can be quite fiery. Prices are moderate, ranging from fifteen to thirty dollars per person. They are located on Snelling Avenue.
iPho Tower
Another pan-Asian restaurant, iPho Tower provides a wide variety of Vietnamese and Chinese classics. The restaurant is most popular for its take out and fast service. The prices are generally affordable, which makes iPho Tower a solid choice for a quick bite. They are located on University Avenue.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known restaurants mentioned above, St. Paul is also home to a number of hidden gems and local favorites that are worth exploring. These smaller, less-known establishments often offer unique and authentic culinary experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover your own hidden culinary treasures.
Tips for Readers
It’s always a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation, especially during peak hours and on weekends.
Parking can be challenging in some parts of St. Paul, so be sure to check parking options before you go.
Many Asian restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
This guide is just a starting point, so don’t be afraid to explore and discover your own favorite spots.
Challenge yourself to try the dishes that are more traditional and less Westernized. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Conclusion
St. Paul’s Asian food scene is a vibrant and exciting culinary landscape, offering a diverse range of flavors, experiences, and cultural traditions. From savory Vietnamese pho to fiery Thai curries, authentic Korean barbecue to delicate Japanese sushi, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. By exploring the restaurants mentioned in this guide and venturing out to discover your own hidden gems, you’ll be sure to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. The best Asian food St. Paul offers is waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you’re craving authentic and delicious Asian cuisine, head to St. Paul and explore the diverse flavors this city has to offer. Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below!
