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Guide to Saint Paul

Authentic pho spots

A bowl of pho that stays true to its roots instead of catering to a watered-down palate.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Leela Thai Restaurant image 1
Leela Thai Restaurant image 2
Leela Thai Restaurant image 3
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Thai restaurant

Spacious dining area offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with clean, beautiful decor and music enhancing the meal. Generous portions and affordable prices attract those seeking authentic Thai flavors, including dishes with Thai holy basil and bold spices. Despite some unease outside, the interior maintains an inviting and comfortable vibe.

Chicken pho stands out with its flavorful broth and consistent delicious taste. A $5 pho deal is available on Tuesdays, making it an affordable option.

Food delivers pure and homemade flavors that bring back nostalgia. Dishes taste authentic and true to traditional Thai cooking.

People are saying

"This papaya salad tastes so authentic and homemade."

"I found the food here to be pure and authentic."

"The pho here is so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

$5 pho deal available on Tuesdays.

2

Prices range from $10 to $20 for most dishes.

3

Generous portions are served with each meal.

02
Knyaw and Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Small dine-in space offers a clean, welcoming atmosphere with a bit of noise from family activity. Authentic Thai and Burmese dishes feature rich broths, hard-to-find regional specialties, and generous portions. The vibe feels like eating in a friendly home with family-owned warmth.

Broth carries a Vietnamese flavor profile that stands out. Pho pairs well with sides like chicken samosas and cucumber salad.

Dishes deliver authentic flavors true to Thailand, especially the beef boat noodle. The menu reflects genuine Thai tastes, with potential for more Karen specialties like fish paste soup or fried roselle leaf.

People are saying

"The Burmese noodle salad is delicious, well-seasoned with spice."

"The authentic Thai flavors taste just like Thailand."

"I loved the pho; it had a great Vietnamese flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street to the side of the building.

2

Prices at Knyaw and Thai Kitchen are very reasonable.

3

The portions are generous, making it a good value for the price.

03
Thai Boat 89 image 1
Asian restaurant

Small space with a hole in the wall vibe offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere despite occasional cold drafts near the entrance. The menu focuses on authentic Thai noodle dishes like boat noodles and pho, drawing a local following for flavorful, well-prepared meals.

Broth offers plenty of flavor with a generous portion size. Special pho and Thai boat noodles deliver a taste that feels like home-cooked meals.

Menu offers a short selection of authentic Thai noodle dishes with flavors true to traditional recipes. The food delivers a genuine Thai experience with delicious, authentic tastes throughout.

People are saying

"The food, especially the crispy pork belly, has an amazing crunch."

"The pho's pork belly is perfectly cooked and crispy."

"I found the most authentic Thai food here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using street parking.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, suitable for small groups of 2-4.

3

Menu features authentic Thai dishes, including boat noodles and pork belly.

04
HmongTown Marketplace image 1
Asian grocery store

Spacious indoor and outdoor market offers colorful ethnic environment with spicy aromas filling the air. The place hosts a variety of vendors selling unique Asian foods, groceries, and live plants. The atmosphere feels like traveling to the Orient, with a warm and inviting outdoor farmers market.

Several booths serve pho with fresh vegetables and varied quality. Hmoob Kitchen Pho stands out for its rich beef broth and is often considered a top choice.

Many shops offer authentic Southeast Asian goods including herbs, medicines, and clothing. Prepared dishes taste delightfully authentic and reflect true flavors of the region.

People are saying

"I loved the food, especially the meat sticks and spring rolls."

"I found the prepared Asian dishes to be delightfully authentic and delicious."

"My standard for pho changed after I tried it."

Good to know

1

Bring cash for vendors as many do not accept credit cards.

2

Parking is limited and can be a challenge during busy hours.

3

Expect a wide variety of Asian food and unique cultural items.

05
Ai Hue's Bakery & Deli image 1

Small, clean space offers an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere with a cozy, welcoming vibe. Customers enjoy phenomenal soups and unique dishes like crab noodle soup and bun bo hue. Service includes friendly staff managing a no-frills, hidden gem setting.

Broth lacks a typical beefy flavor and usual pho seasoning. Chicken pho and spring rolls stand out as phenomenal, while other pho dishes taste average or have a strange unidentified flavor.

Many people eat phở and other soups here, creating a very authentic atmosphere. The food offers a delightful and genuine Vietnamese experience for quick snacks or light meals.

People are saying

"I highly recommend their soups; the congee was the best I've ever had."

"It's a hidden gem for authentic Vietnamese food."

"I thought the pho was good."

Good to know

1

Hue Ai charges a 15% service charge and an additional 4% fee for credit card payments.

2

The parking and entrance are located in the back of the restaurant.

3

There wasn’t a visible menu, so ask for prices when ordering.

06
Tay Ho image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy, ethnic setting with dated diner style decor and close tables creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Regulars include Asian diners, reflecting its authentic Vietnamese roots. Known for affordable lunch specials and carefully prepared pho, it maintains traditional flavors without Americanization.

Broth stands out with a nice balance of onion and is not oily. Portions come generous and the pho includes both meat and vegetarian broth options. Takeout pho arrives carefully prepared for fresh assembly at home.

Dishes like pho, spring rolls, and bun bo Hue taste fresh and true to tradition. The presence of other Asian diners confirms the authentic Vietnamese flavors served here.

People are saying

"I tried the Bun Bo Hue; it's the best Vietnamese food I've had."

"The pho broth here is excellent and nicely balanced."

"I found the Bun Bo Hue here to be truly authentic, the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are priced at $8.50, offering good value.

2

Parking is ample in the lot and on the streets.

3

A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

07
Hmong Village image 1
Shopping mall

Huge building filled with hundreds of shops creates a vibrant marketplace atmosphere. Traditional Hmong clothes hang overhead, immersing visitors in authentic Asian culture. Food court offers diverse, flavorful dishes alongside fresh produce, making it feel like a trip abroad.

Pho Kow gets a boost with extra ingredients at Thai Ginger Deli, making it richer than the plain Hmong style. Lucky Foods 2nd stall serves the best pho with a standout broth.

Authentic Hmong and Lao dishes stand out with real flavors and the right level of spiciness. The spot also offers traditional outfits and a variety of regional foods that reflect the culture well.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentically spicy."

"I thought the pho here was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very limited, especially on weekends.

2

Hmong Village features a variety of Asian foods and cultural items.

3

Not all shops are open during weekdays, but many are.

08
Karen Thai Food image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with a quiet, authentic vibe and limited seating. Family atmosphere draws steady customers who often order boat noodles and Pad Thai praised for their flavor. Food shows bold Thai spices but can vary in spice level and sweetness.

Broth stands out as authentic and great with generous portion sizes. Pho comes in traditional styles, including chicken, and pairs well with other dishes like fried rice and curry.

Food tastes fresh and authentic, with pho that stands out for its genuine flavor. The atmosphere feels small and true to its roots.

People are saying

"I thought their Pad Thai was the best I had ever tasted."

"I thought the pho here was some of the best I ever had."

"I found the food to be fresh, delicious, and authentic."

Good to know

1

Seating is very limited, making it hard to find a spot during busy times.

2

Food prices are not clearly stated on the menu, so ask before ordering.

3

Each dish costs about $16-18, which is surprising for a casual restaurant.

09
Bangkok Thai Deli image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with cramped seating and wobbly tables creates a casual, fast-food vibe. Atmosphere feels home-y but lacks polish, with some clutter near the entrance. Offers authentic Thai cuisine known for rich, flavorful curries and unique dishes.

Regular pho comes in jumbo bowls with crunchy sprouts and onions. Noodles stay springy with a good chew, and the broth tastes great without adding anything.

Broth tastes very authentic, like being in Vietnam. Dishes deliver spicy papaya and sweaty, nose runny flavors true to Thai cuisine. Food consistently comes across as delicious and authentic.

People are saying

"The staff is so friendly and accommodating, especially with vegan soup options."

"I found the Thai food here to be delicious and authentic."

"You can eat their regular pho without adding anything, it's that delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not serve alcohol.

2

There is ample free parking available on both sides of the building.

3

The menu offers many options that can be made vegan or vegetarian-friendly.

10
Dao Thai Pho image 1
Pho restaurant

Small space offers authentic Thai cuisine with flavorful pho and boat noodles that stand out in the city. Atmosphere feels welcoming and accommodates dietary needs like gluten intolerance. Parking and entrance can be challenging, but food quality and value remain strong draws.

Rich and savory broth defines the pho here, paired with tender noodles and perfectly cooked meats. Options like chicken pho and Thai boat pho offer great flavor and quality at reasonable prices.

Offers authentic Thai cuisine and Thai tea with a focus on Thai street food, soups, and noodles. Some items like Spring Rolls lean away from authentic Vietnamese style.

People are saying

"The pho here is really flavorful and the broth is excellent."

"I found the pho here to be really flavorful and fantastic."

"I found the food to be real and authentic, unlike other places."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but be cautious of the surrounding area.

2

Most dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request.

3

Expect to spend around $40 for two people.

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