Looking to satisfy your appetite for Vietnamese fare?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Vietnamese restaurants around St. Paul, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fill the bill.
1. Trung Nam French Bakery
Topping the list is Trung Nam French Bakery. Located at 739 University Ave. West in Midway, the fusion bakery is the highest rated low-cost Vietnamese restaurant in St. Paul, boasting 4.5 stars out of 182 reviews on Yelp.
Established in 1989, the spot serves up a wide array of Vietnamese staples, alongside French desserts. Come savor plain or filled croissants, or indulge in savory options like Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches or bahn bo — a steamed bun with barbecue pork stuffing. (See the menu here.)
"The best place ever to get banh baos!" shared Rozanna R. "My absolute favorite in the area. As well as their banh mis (I like my house sandwich with extra pate and mayo) and their croissants. Basically everything they have."
2. IPho by Saigon
Next up is iPho by Saigon, situated at 704 University Ave. West in the Midway area. With four stars out of 320 reviews on Yelp, the inexpensive Vietnamese eatery has proven to be a local favorite with offerings like grilled pork spring rolls, tofu fried rice and Saigon special phở consisting of brisket, tripe, tendon and more. (View the menu on Yelp here.)
"Holy phở!" said Yelper Vanessa P. "This place is absolutely the place to go for phở! By far the best beef broth I've ever had. Portions were huge and well worth the money!"
3. Trieu Chau Restaurant
Nearby, you'll find Trieu Chau Restaurant, located at 500 University Ave. West. Another top choice, Yelpers give the budget-friendly spot four stars out of 240 reviews.
Yelpers praise the restaurant's crispy egg rolls, Vietnamese iced coffee and Trieu Chau's phở and vermicelli salad, with a nod to the establishment's large portions and parking.
Netta K., who reviewed the eatery June 30, wrote, "Delicious food and big servings for the price! Good service, too. The menu is meat-heavy, but there are still some great vegetarian options."
4. Tay Ho
Head a few blocks east and check out Tay Ho, which has earned four stars out of 76 reviews on Yelp. Dig in with Vietnamese classics and bowls of beef-based phở at 302 University Ave. West.
Menu offerings include traditional pork rice paper rolls with vermicelli noodles, spicy chicken with ginger and mi xao gion — a crispy egg noodle stir-fry with seafood.
"I absolutely love this place!" said Yelper Krissy T. "It's a little hole in the wall, but the phở is absolutely amazing!"
5. I Heart Pho
And then there's I Heart Pho, a Payne-Phalen favorite with four stars out of 54 reviews. Stop by 850 Maryland Ave. East to hit up the popular spot next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
Guests are praising the eatery's friendly staff, quick service and, above all, its flavorful phở and delicious (yet inexpensive) Vietnamese cuisine.
Yelper Sandy S., who reviewed the spot June 30, wrote, "Love this place! Fresh, authentic Vietnamese food! The staff was awesome. They even whipped up something special for my daughter who is a vegetarian!"
