Ka V.
Yelp
EDIT: updated for the Deli:
I keep debating if I should give this place a 4 or 5 star rating. I think objectively it is a 4. But in my heart, it is a 5.
Objectively a 4-star rating:
- Once I bought food from the deli and it listed 4 ingredients. When I ate it, it seemed to have 6. One of which was black beans. It was delicious, but weirdly makes me distrust the system.
- The Banh Mi roasted pork is my favorite. It's one of the best Banh Mi's I've had, I usually ask for extra jalapenos in mine. Unfortunately, it is not THE best Banh Mi I've ever had. That honor goes to the sadly defunct Bun Mi Sandwiches restaurant on University by the UMN.
- Again, it's hard to find things here. Even the employees don't really know where things are.
Why is it a 5-star in my heart:
- I bought 3 butter bread rolls from the bakery. They looked very good, nice thick crusty outside. They did not disappoint. It is the perfect reason why Banh Mi sandwiches are so great. The inside was fluffy, white, and soft. I *may* have sat in the parking lot, eating it in my car, and opened the door to shake off the crumbs. And as someone who eats bread only 1-3 times a month, I *may* have also been full of dinner and yet, sat in my kitchen and polished off 80% of a second roll before I shamed myself into stopping.
- I'm so happy they're here, it is an ethnic food wasteland in the east metro suburbs and Ha Tien was badly needed. I hope they stay in business in this area!
- Also, they have an African food aisle, how cool is that?
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I anxiously awaited their opening for months! For those living in the east metro's suburbs, there are no nearby Asian stores, so the Ha Tien grocery store was a huge benefit. I love the variety of products. I'm so happy I no longer need to drive 20 mins to St Paul to find Asian products.
I am not super price conscious, so not sure how they compare in costs. Some things (certain Asian foods) seem more affordable, others (American foods) are more expensive. I usually try to buy my basics at the nearby ALDI, before swinging here. Definitely get your herbs here, mint is so much cheaper at Asian stores compared to Cub or Lunds.
It's hard to figure out where everything is located, despite having been here a dozen times. Also it can be difficult finding staff to assist you. Last week I spent 20 minutes struggling to find seaweed paper for sushi. The poor Latino worker had no idea what I was talking about, even when I broke out my fluent Spanish.
Compared to other Asian stores, this one is cleaner and smells more neutral. They keep the seafood smells under control. :)
Hope that they will get their deli up and running soon! Very excited for that prospect.