Little Asia Cafe

Little Asia Cafe is a Laotian restaurant at 995 University Ave W #139 in St Paul, MN. It’s a local option for diners looking for Southeast Asian flavors, familiar favorites, and a relaxed meal along University Avenue. Customer reviews mention a varied menu that includes pad Thai, pho, papaya salad, laab, stir-fried greens, steamed rolls, and several pork and beef dishes. If you are deciding what to order, the experiences shared by other guests offer a helpful starting point, while individual tastes and preparations can vary.

Pad Thai is one of the dishes guests call out. One reviewer enjoyed the Hmong-style preparation, noting spinach leaves on top and a moist texture, and said the overall flavor was satisfying. Other reviews mention pad kra pao with pork, pork belly, or beef brisket, along with crispy pork belly and papaya salad. Guests have described the brisket as flavorful and the pork belly as juicy, with some differences of opinion about crispness and seasoning. These details make the menu sound worth exploring if you enjoy savory stir-fries, meat-forward plates, or a fresh, tangy salad.

Pho is another reason diners choose Little Asia Cafe. A customer who ordered chicken pho through a delivery app said they enjoyed it and noted that the bowl came with hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and chili crisp. Another guest described even the small pho bowl as large, calling it a solid option. Reviews also mention salt-and-pepper shrimp, wings, laab, stir-fried pakana, and steamed rolls. The feedback is mixed in the way real dining experiences often are: some guests praise the flavor and prompt service, while others have specific preferences about texture or seasoning. The restaurant has a 4.2 rating from 379 reviews, providing additional context as you choose where to eat.

The atmosphere has been described by one first-time visitor as having an old-school, casual feel, with great service and helpful guidance on what to order. That makes Little Asia Cafe a good fit for diners who appreciate an unfussy setting, want to try several dishes, or are looking for a meal with family or friends. It may also suit someone who wants to explore Hmong and Laotian-influenced flavors alongside familiar choices such as pho and pad Thai. Little Asia Cafe is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; it is closed Friday. Check the hours before visiting, especially if you are planning a weekend meal or arranging pickup.