Known for its rich, spicy flavors and unique blends of fresh herbs, vegetables, meats, and fish, Thai food has become a widely popular cuisine. So it’s no surprise that new Thai restaurants spring up all the time. That’s especially true in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where anyone looking for a good Thai meal will have just one problem: choosing one restaurant among a healthy list of top-notch Thai eateries.
But while narrowing down the perfect choice may be a challenge, each of the acclaimed Thai restaurants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has its own distinct qualities that set it apart from the others – from menu items to affordability to location – which makes finding the ideal place to dine on Thai food a highly attainable goal.
Below are some of the most popular Thai restaurants in the Twin Cities, along with details on what diners can expect:
Newer Thai Restaurants in the Twin Cities
On’s Kitchen Thai Cuisine – According to the May 2011 Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, this new Thai eatery has “gone all but unnoticed,” thanks to its numerous menu items not found anywhere else (such as basil wild boar), fresh and authentic ingredients, and modest prices. 1613 University Avenue West, St. Paul, 651-644-1444
Naviya’s Thai Brasserie – Naviya’s features natural ingredients, grass-fed beef, and recipes without MSG or artificial flavors, served in an attractive albeit small storefront restaurant in the Linden Hills neighborhood. Naviya’s also offers a good wine list. Entrees run $13-$18. 2812 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, 612-276-5062
Supatra’s Thai Cuisine – This bright, newly relocated Thai restaurant serves up traditional Thai dishes but also those “rarely found at local eateries,” according to Minnesota Monthly, like spicy, grilled beef strips known as the Crying Tiger. Affordably priced, Supatra’s also offers Thai cooking classes. 967 West 7th Street, St. Paul, 651-222-5859
Kindee – Self-described as “traditional Thai cuisine with a modern flair,” Kindee is located near the Guthrie Theater in the Mill District. The restaurant offers a range of tasty dishes, from garlic stir fry to roasted duck curry. Open for lunch most days and dinner, with delivery service available to the downtown area. Entrees priced at $11 to $15. 719 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, 612-465-8303
Mango Thai – The food at this small, traditional-fusion mix Thai restaurant on Selby Avenue in St. Paul is “unusually good looking, and the abundance of fresh herbs . . . does its part to keep the flavor quotient high,” according to a review in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Desserts, like Sticky Rice with Mangoes, are beautifully prepared too. 610 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, 651-291-1414
Oldies But Goodies for Thai Food
True Thai – A large restaurant with an extensive menu, this Thai oldie has received many awards through the years. It’s conveniently located near downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as the University of Minnesota and affordably priced. True Thai also offers a lunch buffet for $7.95, Monday through Friday. 2627 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-375-9942
Chiang Mai Thai – Located in Calhoun Square, Chiang Mai Thai prides itself on variety, “from the aromatic and spicy street food of Northern Thailand to the Royal Cuisine of Bangkok; from the sweet, creamy curries of Southern Thailand to original creations from our own Chef Joy.” The restaurant includes an award-winning bar and lounge with happy hours specials on drinks and appetizers. 3001 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, 612-827-1606.
The King and I – A longtime Minneapolis Thai favorite that opened in 1981, The King and I is the place to go for a fancier, higher priced meal. Portions are big and the atmosphere, elegant. A lounge and patio complement this downtown restaurant. 1346 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-332-6928
Stand-Out Suburban Minneapolis-St. Paul Thai Restaurants
Spice Thai – For a good, south-of-the-river Thai restaurant, consider Spice Thai Cuisine, conveniently located in a strip mall off County Road 42 in Savage. Spice offers up the usual Thai fare, including Pad Thai, Pad Holy Basil, and a variety of curries. Spice is ideal for take-out, too. 3989 County Road 42, Savage, 952-882-9272
Sawatdee – With eight locations, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maple Grove, Bloomington, and St. Cloud, Sawatdee was the first Thai restaurant in the five-state area, according to its website. Sawatdee offers cooking classes, take-out, catering, lunch buffets, and delivery at some locations. The menu varies by restaurant. Sawatdee, various locations, 612-338-6451 (Minneaplis)
Thanh Do – Located in St. Louis Park, this neighborhood favorite known for its famous egg rolls and cranberry wontons attracts visitors from outside the area. According to its website, the menu “fuses traditional Asian ingredients with key Minnesota components.” 8028 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-935-5005
For a satisfying Thai meal in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, any of the above eateries will deliver. Give one – or several – a try and see.
Vacationing in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota? Visit one of these popular D.L. restaurants.
Sources:
- Lilienthal, Peter. “Not Merely a Thai.” Mpls. St. Paul Magazine (May 2011)
- Nelson, Rick. “A Four-Way Thai.” Star Tribune (February 11, 2009)
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
Join the Conversation