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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Saint Paul's best

Authentic soup spots

Made for those who treat a bowl of broth as a serious culinary pursuit and demand that every ingredient reflects a traditional, time-honored approach.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sole Cafe Korean restaurant image 1
Sole Cafe Korean restaurant image 2
Sole Cafe Korean restaurant image 3
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Renovated interior blends chic modern design with authentic Korean utensils, creating a cozy and aesthetic atmosphere. Soothing music and thoughtful amenities like high-quality lotion add to the calm, safe vibe. The space feels both elegant and welcoming, reflecting a family-owned character.

Soups come thick and flavorful, never watered down. The spicy beef Yukgaejang offers a hearty, aromatic experience, while the ox tail and ox bone soups deliver rich, satisfying tastes.

Food delivers authentic Korean flavors with fresh, well-made dishes. Prices reflect the quality of locally-owned, traditional cooking.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

"The renovated interior feels so cozy and warm."

"The Korean food here is fantastic and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of 30-60 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

The restaurant offers a late-night menu until 11pm on weekends.

02
ZAO Bakery + Café image 1
Chinese bakery

Bright, clean space with modern design and natural light creates a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. Seating is spacious and self-service amenities like microwaves and water stations support a relaxed pace. The vibe blends cozy comfort with a fresh, airy feel reminiscent of morning street food scenes.

Chicken congee and roasted duck noodle soup stand out with generous portions and rich flavors. Broth in wonton egg noodle soup tastes light and pho-like, while chili oil adds a noticeable kick.

Congee comes with authentic white pepper and has a great texture and taste. Chinese candy sold here keeps the authentic flavors intact.

People are saying

"The bakery's savory pastries are a taste from childhood."

"The beef noodle soup here has a really rich and flavorful broth."

"I loved the authentic congee; the flavors were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be limited on weekends.

2

The bakery sells out of items quickly, so arrive early.

3

A minimum purchase is required for card payments.

03
Kolap Restaurant image 1
Cambodian restaurant

Modest Cambodian restaurant offers a family vibe with an entertainment area and flickering overhead lights from ceiling fans. The atmosphere feels hidden and authentic, attracting those seeking affordable, generous portions of Khmer cuisine with many gluten-free options.

Siem Riep soup stands out with its tangy sour flavor, chunks of chicken, pineapple, and bitter melon. The beef sour soup also offers a soul warming experience that pairs well with rice, while the beef noodle soup presents a unique taste of Cambodian pho.

Food offers authentic flavors that feel fresh and true to tradition. Prices stay inexpensive while maintaining quality.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazingly flavorful and well seasoned."

"You have to try the Siem Riep sour soup; it's amazing."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many gluten-free options, including gluten-free sauces.

2

Prices at Kolap Restaurant are very reasonable, making it affordable.

3

The serving sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

04
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 in the soups tastes real and rich. Boat soup comes packed with plenty of flavorful meat. Tom Yum soup offers a choice of protein including chicken and tofu.

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."

"The pho here is authentic with a great broth."

"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.

05
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.

Soups here are super flavorful and come with dishes like larb moo and kao man gai. The Tom Saap soup is warming and meaty, while the egg noodle soup Ba Mee Nam has a street-style vibe similar to Thai soups.

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."

"I had the best Pad Thai I have ever had in the state."

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.

06
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.

Boat noodle soup offers awesome flavor similar to what you find in Thailand. You can add heat and chili vinegar to customize the spice level. The Moo Manao noodle soup is a good choice if you like spice.

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 thought the spring rolls were so fresh and good."

"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.

07
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.

Unique options like crab noodle soup and duck curry stand out. Soups include mi seafood egg noodle soup with a decent seafood presence and a variety of Vietnamese snack soups like chè.

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."

"The bakery items here are amazing and have lots of variety."

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

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.

08
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.

Noodle soups lean toward the sweet side, with options like sweet curry noodles and sweet stew pork with egg. The khapoon curry noodle soup stands out for being less sweet. Tendon soup and a bitter soup also feature among the choices.

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 tendon soup here is pretty good and often sweet."

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.

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.

Soups here include a creamy tom yum that suits cold weather and a coconut milk soup served in a hot pot with options like mock duck for vegans. Presentation is neat and portions fill three people easily.

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."

"The red curry here is genuine and delicious."

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

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.

Soups feature real galangal and kaffir lime leaves for authentic flavor. The tom yum soup is hot and flavorful, and the boat noodles come with a tasty pork skin garnish.

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 thought the boat noodle soup was the best I had."

"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.

11
Panadería y Cafeteria El Quetzal image 1

Modern setup combines with a tiny bakery filled with authentic Guatemalan foods and great music. Atmosphere feels fun and lively, with massive portions and a variety of Central American dishes. Self-service style and unique condiments like chilero add to the distinct experience.

Soups come with a mild flavor that some find bland. The lil' soup stands out as a notable option. Prices hover around $20 per serving.

Tiny bakery packed with authentic Guatemalan and Latin American foods. Offers authentic South Central and South American dishes with noticeable wait times for preparation.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be really tasty."

"I loved the authentic Latin American food here."

"I enjoyed the very good soup here."

Good to know

1

You must serve yourself; no food is brought to your table.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes from different Central American countries.

3

Chilero is a unique condiment not commonly found in Minnesota.

12
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.

Hot soup comes with lots of extra meat, making it a good value. The hot and sour soup stands out alongside tasty spring rolls.

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."

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

"The soup here is amazing and packed with extra meat."

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.

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