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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Saint Paul

Authentic salad spots

A bowl of greens prepared with traditional care is the only thing that satisfies a craving for something real.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 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.

Papaya salad stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavors and pairs well with dishes like Korean fried chicken. The salad is consistently well-prepared and complements the menu's variety.

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."

"The fried chicken wings had a perfectly light and crisp batter."

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

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.

Burmese noodle salad offers a balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice with well-seasoned flavors. Papaya salad comes fresh and tangy with a perfect kick that satisfies enthusiasts.

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."

"The milk teas here aren't super sweet, which I liked."

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
Burnt Chicken image 1
Cajun restaurant

Historic bar setting with original woodwork and tile features creates a cozy, old-school vibe. Atmosphere feels chill and warm with lively music, making it suitable for relaxed dining or date nights. Space is small but comfortable, balancing intimacy without crowding.

Salads feature fresh ingredients with options like roasted peach and pear salad. Adding chicken thighs boosts protein, though some prefer more dressing and less ruffage.

Food offers authentic flavors and is prepared with care and love. Dishes like Burnt Chicken showcase rich, genuine taste.

People are saying

"The bourbon chicken sandwich here is delicious and unique."

"The food here is authentic and flavorful, made with love."

"The peach salad with chicken thighs was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have a liquor license at this time.

3

The menu features a selection of Cajun/Creole and soul food fusion dishes.

04
Masterchef fish&chicken image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with 1980s decor and a spacious dining area set up mainly for takeout. Atmosphere feels lowkey and bland, with a sense of independent ownership and pride. Food includes halal options and some standout dishes like fried okra and shrimp.

Salads here are crisp and refreshing, with the Greek salad standing out for its fresh ingredients. It often comes as part of a mix dish with Middle Eastern style yellow rice and flavorful meat.

Food features fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked dishes with authentic Egyptian taste. The menu captures authentic Middle Eastern flavors that stand out clearly.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"The salads here are fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

Food is halal, catering to specific dietary needs.

3

There is no dine-in option available; takeout only.

05
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.

Papaya salad stands out with its Thai style notes of lime, slight sweetness, and a noticeable kick. Spring rolls also pair well, making the salad options well balanced and memorable.

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."

"I found the most authentic Thai food here."

"This papaya salad has a great kick."

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.

06
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.

Green papaya salad stands out with its fresh preparation right in front of you and adjustable spice levels. Options include sampling before purchase, and the salad costs around $8.

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."

"I loved the green papaya salad, it was so fresh."

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.

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.

Fresh made papaya salad stands out with its authentic level of spiciness. It pairs well with barbecue pork, Hmong sausage, and purple sticky rice.

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."

"The papaya salad here is delicious and spicy."

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
HOT GRAINZ - Thai Street Food image 1

Small dining area mimics Bangkok street food shops with metal cutlery and table condiments. Atmosphere stays casual and cozy, featuring a modern, clean design and a self-serve station for utensils and condiments. Space feels bright and vibey, suitable for relaxed meals and casual selfies.

Papaya salad stands out with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice. The authentic taste and presentation recall traditional Thai street food, especially in the Tam Sua version with noodles.

Offers authentic Thai flavors with a strong emphasis on seafood and spice. The dishes capture the true taste of Thailand, making it a reliable spot for genuine Thai cuisine.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"The bitter beef soup was delicious and unique."

"The papaya salad here has truly authentic, flavorful Thai taste."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait time during peak dining hours.

2

Parking is very limited, especially during busy times.

3

There is an additional $1 charge for a side of rice.

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.

Spicy flavors stand out in salads like the lemongrass shrimp salad and Thai papaya salad. Grilled beef salad pairs well with pickled jalapeรฑos, while duck salad offers a rich taste.

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."

"I thought the Thai food here was the most authentic I'd ever had."

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
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Family-style Italian restaurant with old school Italian decor and vintage memorabilia creates a quirky, spacious atmosphere. Noise levels rise, making it lively and energetic, especially during celebrations with live singing. Multiple dining rooms and red and white checkered tablecloths add to the authentic, charming vibe.

Salads come with a mix of salami, Parmesan, feta, olives, and red onion. The antipasto chopped salad is small but flavorful, served with crispy bread. Overall, salads are highly rated and satisfying.

Large, shareable servings highlight the authentic Italian American dishes. Warm ambiance and charming Italian vibe create a genuine atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Italian food portions here are huge, meant for sharing."

"Hugo really made our dinner spots great; the service was so fun."

"The salad portions here are large and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

Expect high prices, with some dishes costing around $40 for six servings.

3

Limited gluten-free and vegan options are available on the menu.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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