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Vietnamese food salad spots in Saint Paul

Made for those who want a crisp, fresh start to their meal but refuse to compromise on the bold, aromatic profiles of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Based on 751 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.

Pho stands out with its flavorful broth and chicken pho variety. A $5 pho deal is available on Tuesdays, making it an affordable option.

People are saying

"This papaya salad tastes so authentic and homemade."

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

"The Vietnamese Food, especially the pho, is so flavorful."

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
NL Oriental Food & Deli image 1
Asian grocery store

Small Asian grocery store offers fresh papaya salad and spring rolls that stand out for quality and flavor. Atmosphere feels like a hidden gem despite limited stock and compact space. Quick grab-and-go options attract those seeking authentic Hmong deli specialties.

Papaya salad stands out as a consistent favorite here, known for its fresh and exceptional taste. The spot also offers a notable navam and a special version of the papaya salad that many return for.

Spring rolls stand out as a go-to item here, paired well with papaya salad. Packs of steam rolls and spring rolls also offer decent options.

People are saying

"I found the papaya salad here to be the best in town."

"I loved the Vietnamese food, especially the papaya salad."

"I thought the sausage here was on point."

Good to know

1

The deli offers a variety of Asian foods and drinks for quick grabs.

2

Expect slightly higher prices due to the deli's specialty offerings.

3

The deli is small, so it may get crowded during lunch hours.

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.

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.

Pho features a beef blood broth with plenty of flavor and generous portions. Spring rolls and papaya salad stand out as top choices alongside Thai boat noodles and green Thai tea.

People are saying

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

"The Vietnamese Food's pork belly is perfectly crispy and tender."

"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.

04
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.

Pho features a Vietnamese flavor profile that stands out. Other dishes include chicken samosas, fish patties, and cucumber salad, adding variety to the menu.

People are saying

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

"The authentic Thai flavors taste just like Thailand."

"The pho here has a great Vietnamese flavor profile."

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.

05
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.

Pho stands out with fresh vegetables and varied quality depending on the booth. Several spots serve beef pho that changes the standard for this dish.

People are saying

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

"I found the pho here to be the best in the city."

"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.

06
Mama Thai Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, quaint space with tall ceilings and soft music creates a calm, cozy atmosphere. Many plants and fresh flowers add a homey, mom-and-pop feel. Generous portions of spicy, flavorful Thai dishes attract those seeking authentic, affordable meals.

Papaya salad features a strong fishy flavor that may not suit everyone. Other dishes like the salad are made with careful preparation and balance.

Beef pho stands out with huge portions and a family-run touch that keeps it authentic. Spring rolls come out fantastic, complementing the pho well.

People are saying

"I thought the Pad Thai was delicious and made to perfection."

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho, was great!"

"I loved the papaya salad; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on and near the carriageways over the interstate.

2

Expect generous portions at affordable prices.

3

Food delivery is speedy for those who prefer to eat at home.

07
Kong's Kitchen image 1
Southeast Asian restaurant

Small Southeast Asian restaurant with cozy atmosphere and friendly vibe. Decor includes plants and natural lighting, creating a sophisticated yet inviting space. Music often features R&B, enhancing the relaxed energy.

The salads feature Asian spice levels with dishes like papaya salad that bring a strong kick. The beef vermicelli salad pairs well with an added eggroll, balancing flavors despite some dishes being on the salty side.

Pho stands out with perfect broth and sweetness, a great meat to noodle ratio, and plenty of fatty brisket. Spring Rolls and oyster wings also show up as delicious favorites alongside flavorful fried rice and pad thai.

People are saying

"The fried rice here is flavorful and the portions are amazing."

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has an incredible broth."

"The papaya salad here is very spicy."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Prices at Kong's Kitchen are considered high compared to similar restaurants.

3

Kong's Kitchen offers a variety of authentic Chinese dishes on its menu.

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.

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

Pho stands out with its amazing flavor and is a common favorite. The menu includes combo Pho, purple rice, and crispy pork alongside fresh produce and desserts like the tri-color drink.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and flavorful."

"The pho here is amazing and a great value."

"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.

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 jalapeños, while duck salad offers a rich taste.

Pho stands out with its jumbo bowls, springy noodles, and crunchy sprouts and onion. The broth is flavorful enough to enjoy without adding anything. Spring rolls and egg rolls also taste good.

People are saying

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

"The red curry here is genuine and delicious."

"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
Vina Vietnamese Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Renovated space combines modern design with warm lighting and stylish artwork, creating a spacious and clean atmosphere. Casual dining area features a long mural and collections of mopeds, adding unique character. Noise level varies, with occasional doorbell sounds and electronic cover music, but overall maintains a balance suitable for conversation.

Salads come as fresh, flavorful bowls often with grilled pork, egg rolls, or garlic chicken. Vermicelli and noodle salads appear but can be plain or more satisfying depending on the dish.

Pho stands out with its extremely flavorful broth and options like chicken and shrimp. Vegetarian pho includes a variety of veggies and good tofu, while sides like vegetable eggrolls complement the meal well.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has an amazing, rich, and flavorful broth."

"I thought the egg rolls were the best I ever had."

"I loved the fresh, flavorful, and satisfying salad bowls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers takeout options for all menu items.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for small orders.

11
Little Asia Cafe image 1
Laotian restaurant

Spacious dining room with dim lighting and a mix of tables and booths creates a casual, relaxed vibe. Music plays at a comfortable volume, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The place draws a diverse crowd, with quiet dine-in activity and steady takeout orders.

Tangy, sweet, and spicy papaya salad stands out with its refreshing balance. Salt and pepper shrimp add heat and brine, complementing the fresh flavors well.

Pho stands out with huge bowls packed full of incredible flavors and a combination soup that never disappoints. Spring rolls, papaya salad, and chicken wings also complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is a solid, good amount."

"The beef brisket here is the best I ever had."

"This papaya salad is tangy, sweet, spicy, and refreshing."

Good to know

1

The cafe is closed on Fridays, limiting dining options on that day.

2

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes for food orders.

3

To avoid card fees, paying with cash is recommended.

12
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.

Salads feature a Lao style papaya salad with a few pieces of papaya and a taste that is hard to explain. The pork belly salad offers very tender meat.

Pho features a rich and savory broth with tender noodles and perfectly cooked meats. The menu includes Thai boat pho and crispy porkbelly laab, offering flavorful and authentic Vietnamese dishes.

People are saying

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

"The Pad Thai here is a must-try and so flavorful."

"The boat noodle broth was so balanced and good."

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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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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