Hai Hai

Hai Hai is a Southeast Asian restaurant at 2121 University Ave NE in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a distinctive setting for a meal in Northeast Minneapolis, with food and drinks that give guests plenty to explore. Customer reviews often mention the restaurant’s tropical, beach-inspired atmosphere: one diner compared stepping inside to entering a tropical oasis, while others described the interior as chic and the experience as feeling like a beach vacation. For guests looking for a restaurant that feels like a change of scenery without leaving the city, that setting is part of the appeal.

The menu includes dishes that reviewers found memorable, along with flavors that may not suit every preference. Beef rendang was a favorite for one guest, who noted that it had a little kick, and English pea wontons also earned praise. Another diner called the crispy fried tofu an especially good choice and recommended not skipping it. These comments give first-time visitors a few specific dishes to consider while browsing the menu. The reviews also mention crispy rice salad with a pronounced lemongrass flavor, a dish that one guest did not enjoy but their husband liked. That difference is a useful reminder that bright, aromatic ingredients can be a matter of taste.

Guests also talk about the range of the meal beyond the food. Reviews mention drinks, including a gin-and-cava cocktail that one diner enjoyed, as well as specialty drinks that were unavailable during another visit. If a particular drink is important to your plans, availability may vary, so it is sensible to ask the staff about current options. Service is another positive theme in the feedback: diners describe staff as friendly, helpful, and willing to guide them through what to order. That kind of support can make it easier to choose when the menu includes unfamiliar ingredients or dishes.

The atmosphere suits a relaxed dinner, a meal with friends, or an occasion when you want a lively backdrop rather than a plain dining room. Reviewers have enjoyed the outdoor patio, describing it as pleasant and relaxing, and the tropical interior gives the restaurant a strong sense of place. Experiences with individual dishes vary, as they do at any restaurant; one guest, for example, was less enthusiastic about duck laab lettuce wraps and fried chicken. Reading the menu and asking questions about flavor or preparation can help you find choices that match your preferences.

Located at 2121 University Ave NE, Hai Hai is a local dining option for Minneapolis residents and visitors seeking Southeast Asian food in a setting that stands out. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating from 2,930 reviews, reflecting a substantial base of customer feedback. Hours are not provided in the available business information, so check current listings before making a trip. Whether you are visiting for crispy tofu, beef rendang, a cocktail, or the beach-inspired ambience, Hai Hai offers several ways to make dinner feel like an outing.