Love Hmong food but this is not the place if you want true Hmong food. Sure it’s authentic but the owners got ahead of themselves. If you want to charge these kinds of prices with “precious” sized portions, you have to up your game.As for the food; Hmong sausage tasted good but it’s not better than others I have had. The crispy pork belly wasn’t really crispy and a bit chewy. Overall nothing extraordinary from what I have experienced at other Hmong places.This is a counter service fast casual food trying to be a full service restaurant. Note the following on their site:“Union Hmong Kitchen adds an 18% surcharge to all orders to support fair wages for our team. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 177.23, Subd. 9, this charge is not a gratuity for employee service.”I’m neutral about 177.23, Subd. 9 but come on now… this is counter service and there’s no dedicated wait staff. And the audacity to say it’s not gratuity? So if we do the math, add 18% plus a tip of 20% = 38% fees for fast casual?Wrecktangle pizza down the street also has an employee surcharge BUT it’s a full service restaurant with amazing wait staff and the ambiance is fantastic. The dishware and plating of the food is thoughtful. You wonder why this Wrecktangle is always packed and this Hmong place is almost half empty most of the time.The competition is high in the Lake / Lyndale area and for what you get there’s many alternatives. If you want amazing Hmong food at literally 50% less cost, 20% bigger portions, and no 18% surcharge… head over to the Hmong Village in St Paul.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Freeman Ryan
This place is a dream come true! The food is incredible, from the huge modular entrees to the gigantic “mini-feast”, or the ribs which were the best I’ve ever had. What I am most excited about however is the brunch! I am planning on coming back every Sunday to try all of their brunch items.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ed Beck
This review is specific to grabbing brunch at the Lake and Bryant location. Ordering at the counter is quick and easy, staff are super friendly and helpful with any questions. Got our big and delicious guava mimosas with the rest of the prosecco on the side which was perfect for taking our time. I got the breakfast banh mi with a side of crispy taro cubes and my partner got the root veggie congee. Both were delicious and a little rich, fitting for brunch. Understand that it's a small team working the kitchen, counter, and table service so things can slow down a bit but the food is definitely worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ruth Gruver
Always had great food here. Today my piece of chicken had a longer hair that was cooked into the coating. Then I had a stomach issue. Food is always flavorful but now concerned about quality control.
S Henne
Just tried their Sunday brunch and my husband said the Sunrise burger was one of the BEST burgers he’s ever had. We also loved the taro bites served on the side. The restaurant is counter service and each member of the staff we interacted with was warm and welcoming. We can’t wait to visit again and try their dinner menu.
Ecaterina McCollam
Loved everything about this spot. The food was simply amazing - so many beautiful flavors, freshness and great balanced taste combinations. Can't wait to go back!
Although it's not 100% authentic, the food was pretty good. The mini feast was pretty good especially the Hmong sausages and the chicken. The lychee colada was decent. The inside was pretty nice too.
absolute banger of a restaurant. if you're craving hearty, flavorful east asian cuisine and a homey down to earth atmosphere, this is your place.i grew up going to hole in the wall Chinese restaurants and this hit the spot. big portions, delicious, good vibes.
Love love love the Hmong-fusion cuisine. Stopped by for brunch with friends and I giggled at the name of some of the dishes on the menu. I love seeing Hmong cuisine being in mainstream dining. The staff were all super kind and it was great to see Chef Yia in action. I got the MeekaChanga and it was so creamy and crispy. I also like the steak and eggs (my partner got this) and it tasted like home. The fried rice and the cucumber salad brought me back to my childhood - fried rice nice and crispy and the salad a little fishy, salty and sour. The sauce on the steak was my partners highlight with the multiple flavors. The Meeka Breakfast looks like a homey meal that I'd love to make at home. The only down side is that it can feel a little drafty with the door and parking is a bit scare (some parking in the back and neighborhood), but overall I had a great experience and everything was delicious!
George L.
Decent casual dining spot along the bike trail, Union Hmong Kitchen served some delicious Southeast Asian food that was filling and appetizing. It looks like a spot that had table service but it's not. You walk up to a cashier to order them the food is delivered to the table that you sit at, so it's more casual than a fancy sit down. Service is top notch. Place was within 15 minutes of closing and they still took their time to get the food in excellent order. Price was about $20-25, which is high but if it's to pay workers fairly then I'm fine with that. 4.5/5. I ordered the pork belly with Kua Xuab and it was delicious, crunchy, and had a savory mix of meat and greens. Presentation was great, and Honestly would rate it really well. 4/5 I also enjoyed that the hospitality fee was included in the bill, I think this is so that the chefs get better pay and the workers get better pay overall which I am a believer that tips are exploitative. 5/5 Overall, 4.5/5, which I think is appropriate for the restaurant. Really enjoyed my time here, and a spot I recommend if you're visiting MPLS.
Nathan J.
We have frequented the North Loop location in Graze several times and purely by accident when I searched for directions Siri directed us to the Lake St. location. I don't know how the 2 are affiliated but the quality here was seriously lacking. We ordered the Hmong sausage and Pork Belly Zoo Siab meals with Brussel sprouts and purple sticky rice. The pork belly which is usually a favorite was over cooked and under seasoned. The sticky rice was dry and in some cases crunchy. The Brussel sprouts had good flavor but where on the soggy side perhaps in too much sauce or oil that was not hot enough. Service was prompt and friendly and in talking with one of the servers he informed us the Graze location is now a Slurp. Happy there is a new noodle option but very sad if this is the only location now for Union Hmong as we won't be going back until we get word that the original quality has returned.
elga tinger
We are so lucky to have Chef Yia Vang here locally! He's really a gourmet chef that puts so much love into his food.I've been to the location at Graze and recently discovered this other location. We had the pork belly and noodles and the tofu and noodles. SO flavorful and filling.The staff all seem really happy to work there.Everyone needs to come check this place out. There is free parking behind the restaurant. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bradley Service
Definitely has the vibe of a restaurant in flux, but the food does not disappoint! The Hmong sausage is oh so spicy in all the right ways. Pair it with that herby-chili oil and you’ve got yourself a meal.Dietary restrictions: They seem to be very flexible for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
Awesome food!
Love Hmong food but this is not the place if you want true Hmong food. Sure it’s authentic but the owners got ahead of themselves. If you want to charge these kinds of prices with “precious” sized portions, you have to up your game.As for the food; Hmong sausage tasted good but it’s not better than others I have had. The crispy pork belly wasn’t really crispy and a bit chewy. Overall nothing extraordinary from what I have experienced at other Hmong places.This is a counter service fast casual food trying to be a full service restaurant. Note the following on their site:“Union Hmong Kitchen adds an 18% surcharge to all orders to support fair wages for our team. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 177.23, Subd. 9, this charge is not a gratuity for employee service.”I’m neutral about 177.23, Subd. 9 but come on now… this is counter service and there’s no dedicated wait staff. And the audacity to say it’s not gratuity? So if we do the math, add 18% plus a tip of 20% = 38% fees for fast casual?Wrecktangle pizza down the street also has an employee surcharge BUT it’s a full service restaurant with amazing wait staff and the ambiance is fantastic. The dishware and plating of the food is thoughtful. You wonder why this Wrecktangle is always packed and this Hmong place is almost half empty most of the time.The competition is high in the Lake / Lyndale area and for what you get there’s many alternatives. If you want amazing Hmong food at literally 50% less cost, 20% bigger portions, and no 18% surcharge… head over to the Hmong Village in St Paul.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
This place is a dream come true! The food is incredible, from the huge modular entrees to the gigantic “mini-feast”, or the ribs which were the best I’ve ever had. What I am most excited about however is the brunch! I am planning on coming back every Sunday to try all of their brunch items.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This review is specific to grabbing brunch at the Lake and Bryant location. Ordering at the counter is quick and easy, staff are super friendly and helpful with any questions. Got our big and delicious guava mimosas with the rest of the prosecco on the side which was perfect for taking our time. I got the breakfast banh mi with a side of crispy taro cubes and my partner got the root veggie congee. Both were delicious and a little rich, fitting for brunch. Understand that it's a small team working the kitchen, counter, and table service so things can slow down a bit but the food is definitely worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always had great food here. Today my piece of chicken had a longer hair that was cooked into the coating. Then I had a stomach issue. Food is always flavorful but now concerned about quality control.
Just tried their Sunday brunch and my husband said the Sunrise burger was one of the BEST burgers he’s ever had. We also loved the taro bites served on the side. The restaurant is counter service and each member of the staff we interacted with was warm and welcoming. We can’t wait to visit again and try their dinner menu.
Loved everything about this spot. The food was simply amazing - so many beautiful flavors, freshness and great balanced taste combinations. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Honey Peanuts Glazed Pork Ribs, Hmong Sausage w Brussels Sprouts
Flavors are amazing, the employees were helpful and enthusiastic, sauces are on pointDietary restrictions: Great for gluten free and n/a drinkers
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hilltribe Crispy Chicken Leg, Lemongrass Scallion Dressing
Although it's not 100% authentic, the food was pretty good. The mini feast was pretty good especially the Hmong sausages and the chicken. The lychee colada was decent. The inside was pretty nice too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Dark Roast Szechuan Brownie, Hilltribe Crispy Chicken Leg, Lemongrass Scallion Dressing
absolute banger of a restaurant. if you're craving hearty, flavorful east asian cuisine and a homey down to earth atmosphere, this is your place.i grew up going to hole in the wall Chinese restaurants and this hit the spot. big portions, delicious, good vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hilltribe Crispy Chicken Leg, Lemongrass Scallion Dressing, Hilltribe Cripsy Chicken Leg
Restaurantji Recommends
Love love love the Hmong-fusion cuisine. Stopped by for brunch with friends and I giggled at the name of some of the dishes on the menu. I love seeing Hmong cuisine being in mainstream dining. The staff were all super kind and it was great to see Chef Yia in action. I got the MeekaChanga and it was so creamy and crispy. I also like the steak and eggs (my partner got this) and it tasted like home. The fried rice and the cucumber salad brought me back to my childhood - fried rice nice and crispy and the salad a little fishy, salty and sour. The sauce on the steak was my partners highlight with the multiple flavors. The Meeka Breakfast looks like a homey meal that I'd love to make at home. The only down side is that it can feel a little drafty with the door and parking is a bit scare (some parking in the back and neighborhood), but overall I had a great experience and everything was delicious!
Decent casual dining spot along the bike trail, Union Hmong Kitchen served some delicious Southeast Asian food that was filling and appetizing. It looks like a spot that had table service but it's not. You walk up to a cashier to order them the food is delivered to the table that you sit at, so it's more casual than a fancy sit down. Service is top notch. Place was within 15 minutes of closing and they still took their time to get the food in excellent order. Price was about $20-25, which is high but if it's to pay workers fairly then I'm fine with that. 4.5/5. I ordered the pork belly with Kua Xuab and it was delicious, crunchy, and had a savory mix of meat and greens. Presentation was great, and Honestly would rate it really well. 4/5 I also enjoyed that the hospitality fee was included in the bill, I think this is so that the chefs get better pay and the workers get better pay overall which I am a believer that tips are exploitative. 5/5 Overall, 4.5/5, which I think is appropriate for the restaurant. Really enjoyed my time here, and a spot I recommend if you're visiting MPLS.
We have frequented the North Loop location in Graze several times and purely by accident when I searched for directions Siri directed us to the Lake St. location. I don't know how the 2 are affiliated but the quality here was seriously lacking. We ordered the Hmong sausage and Pork Belly Zoo Siab meals with Brussel sprouts and purple sticky rice. The pork belly which is usually a favorite was over cooked and under seasoned. The sticky rice was dry and in some cases crunchy. The Brussel sprouts had good flavor but where on the soggy side perhaps in too much sauce or oil that was not hot enough. Service was prompt and friendly and in talking with one of the servers he informed us the Graze location is now a Slurp. Happy there is a new noodle option but very sad if this is the only location now for Union Hmong as we won't be going back until we get word that the original quality has returned.
We are so lucky to have Chef Yia Vang here locally! He's really a gourmet chef that puts so much love into his food.I've been to the location at Graze and recently discovered this other location. We had the pork belly and noodles and the tofu and noodles. SO flavorful and filling.The staff all seem really happy to work there.Everyone needs to come check this place out. There is free parking behind the restaurant. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Definitely has the vibe of a restaurant in flux, but the food does not disappoint! The Hmong sausage is oh so spicy in all the right ways. Pair it with that herby-chili oil and you’ve got yourself a meal.Dietary restrictions: They seem to be very flexible for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5