Looking for a delicious Southeast Asian meal near you — but don't want to break your budget? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Vietnamese, Thai, and Cambodian restaurants around Saint Paul.
Using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce, we produced a ranked list of the best places to venture when cravings strike: unsurprisingly, there are a cluster of great, affordable options in the Summit-University District on University Ave. West.
1. Trung Nam French Bakery
Topping the list is Trung Nam French Bakery. Located at 739 University Ave. West in Thomas Dale, this Vietnamese-French bakery boasts 4.5 stars out of 189 reviews on Yelp.
Stop in for yourself to try a tasty but affordable bánh mì, plus a Vietnamese coffee or one of the coconut or almond croissants reviewers call "the best in the Twin Cities."
2. Cheng Heng Restaurant
Next up is Cheng Heng Restaurant, situated at 448 University Ave. West. With 4.5 stars out of 182 reviews on Yelp, the Cambodian spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an inexpensive option.
Yelpers love its egg rolls and banh xiung vermicelli noodle bowl, topped with stir fried beef, yellow onion and an egg rolls, over a salad of chopped lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, and fresh mint. (You can check out the full menu here.)
3. Thai Garden
Thai Garden, located at 432 University Ave. West, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the affordable Thai spot 4.5 stars out of 177 reviews for its spicy green beans, pad see ew stir fried noodles, and plentiful options for vegans and gluten-free diners.
4. iPho by Saigon
iPho by Saigon, a Vietnamese phở specialty spot, is another inexpensive go-to, with four stars out of 331 Yelp reviews for its noodles, bánh mì and smoothies.
Reviewers love the Saigon Special Phở, with beef flank, brisket, tripe, tendon, and meatballs plus a full plate of Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños, and lime wedges. Head over to 704 University Ave. West to see for yourself.
5. Trieu Chau Restaurant
Last but not least, over at 500 University Ave. West, check out Trieu Chau Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 241 reviews on Yelp. Dig in to some of the Vietnamese joint's chicken wings or rare beef and tripe by heading over to 500 University Ave. West.
