5 Great Thai Restaurants to Try in St. Paul, MN
Fried Bannana & Ice Cream at Coconut Thai on Grand
A Monk’s Blessing
I can remember reluctantly walking away from the Thai Sunday Market in St. Louis Park, MN one rainy summer weekend in 2021, still treating my tongue to the last remnant of peanut sauce from a spring roll on my upper lip, toying with the new string “blessing” a local Monk secured to my wrist. The memory was embedded with importance as the evening I decided that I would put in my notice at work, pack up a couple of suitcases, and get on a plane to SE Asia. I wore the blessing thin, through months into my trip, when, after so many salty swims in ocean water and wild mountain winds on motorcycle trips, it began to loosen and eventually frayed into a cherished keepsake.
“Make Merit. Blessing. Donate.”
Thai Cultural Events
The Twin Cities community has the Thai Cultural Council of MN and Wat Promwachirayan to thank for the Sunday Market and I, in particular, have them to thank for the extra nudge to make a move I’d been thinking on for a good while. They host events periodically. Check the Facebook link below to find out more information.
A Dance
A Taste of Thailand, Please
I had the incredible opportunity to travel throughout Northern, Central, and Southern Thailand for the last months of 2021 and the better part of 2022. One of the experiences I miss most since arriving back in the US is being able to pick up delicious, homemade, locally sourced Thai street food from vendors that line the streets in every city. Looking to revisit some of my favorite dishes and expand my knowledge of Thai restaurants close to my hometown, I spent a week sampling food around St. Paul. I was grateful to encounter some places I’d never been to and am eager to pass them along.
Roti Vendor in Krabi, Thailand
5 Great Thai Restaurants to Try in St. Paul
1. Thai Garden
The Thai Garden has been a long-time favorite of mine in the twin cities which is why it was first on my list to revisit. The restaurant is owned and operated and run by a Thai couple who cook and serve themselves, regularly making acquaintance with guests. In my experience, portion sizes are generous, dishes are moderately priced, the cuisine is consistently excellent and the service is personable, albeit a bit trimmed down during a full house lunch rush.
Khao Soi
Gardent Thai is located in South Frogtown just paces from the light rail on University Avenue. They offer parking in the back of the restaurant. In the summer months, they have a little patio in the front for dining. The inside of the restaurant is artfully decorated in monk-robe orange with silver elephants and framed buddhas.
I recommend this place for a long lunch or weeknight date spot.
Address: 432 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103
2. Coconut Thai
I’m not sure when Coconut Thai opened their doors because I’d never heard of them before but I know that having discovered them on my little “Thai Restaurant” research project, I will be walking through them on the regular. The space is chic and modern with a spacious layout and artful homage to traditional Thai design & symbolism in the sharp grayscale mural along the back wall.
She’ll be right back with rice
My friend and I, catching up for the first time since my return from the States, started with some incredible spring rolls, which we both found unique in the cut and quantity of the meat (vegetarian options are also available). I was pretty impressed with the red curry. It would have been enough for three of me. My friend ordered the Tom Kha soup which was very flavorful and hearty. We shared dessert to top it off. The service was a little sparse because of how busy they were but it was overall a really good dining experience.
https://www.coconutthaimn.com/
3. Ruam Mit Thai + Lao Food
Ruam Mit Thai + Lao food has a really charming downtown advantage. I imagine if I were staying anywhere in the area on business, for a game, or a concert, this would be my Thai Restaurant of choice. Huge street-facing windows surround the entrance, creating a clear, spacious environment during the day.
Spring Rolls
After some very well-done spring rolls, I ordered the massaman curry. I was a little surprised to be asked about the spice level for that dish since it is not typically a very spicey dish but enjoyed it a great deal for its flavor and the quality of the chicken. Service was prompt and attentive as I was one of few folks grabbing lunch at the time. Paid street parking is available.
https://www.ruammitmn.com/about-ushttps://www.ruammitmn.com/about-us
4. Pad Thai
Pad Thai on Grand Ave is an established and well-curated sit-down restaurant. I have passed it on numerous occasions but had not ever wandered in before this. I ordered the pad thai (when in Rome). It was good — pretty standard. My favorite features of the experience were the overall aesthetic, the art, and the location.
Pad Thai with Chicken
Pad Thai is located in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of St. Paul. Being so close to Macalaster and St. Thomas, I recommend this spot for college students treating themselves out to a quality weekend dinner. Being on Grand, next to lots of boutiques, cafes, and shops, I recommend it for shoppers looking to take a break from walking.
5. Eastside Thai
I had never heard of Eastside Thai until I let my friend Ryan Howleger in on my little exploratory excursion. The last time I saw Ryan, we were sharing a stage in a small Wisconsin-themed dive bar in Bangkok. Knowing he spent many years in Thailand, I trusted his judgment.
Pad Ka Praw
Although this Thai street food dish doesn’t typically come with jalepenos in my experience, it was an incredibly flavorful and filling meal. It wasn’t until I was in the country that I became aware that a fried egg is a very common topping on rice in Thailand. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a different dining uption in East St. Paul or for pick-up on a chill night in.
Many other Thai Restaurant options are available to check out in St. Paul and I make it my aim to visit them all. In the meantime, I’m stoked to have added a few more local spots to frequent. I hope this article inspires you to drop in and show some business support for any of these choices.
Also in the meantime, here’s a beautiful tune Ryan Holweger composed about missing Thailand, Stateside:
Eat some Thai food. Be blessed.
