Mandalay Kitchen

What a gem of a place! Went here on a random Wednesday night and I'll say it was amazing. Food was great, the service was top notch, and the atmosphere was cool. Everything on the menu looked awesome. Our food was so good but I forgot to take photos. Would go back in a heartbeat.

Mandalay Kitchen took me by surprise in the best way. While I went for the Burmese cuisine, the Juicy Lucy Burger ended up stealing the show—juicy and perfectly cooked with cheese oozing out at every bite. Their variety of boba and Thai teas also hit the spot, balancing the meal perfectly. The open-air space makes it great for families, and it’s a spot I’ll definitely be revisiting.

Awesome place for some tasty burmese food. Highly recommend the shan khao soi, the chicken fell right off the bone. The noodles and flavor were so good and the spice level was just right! My friend enjoyed their pumpkin curry. Delicious food and big portions.

Located in the old Marc Heu patisserie shop building on Western and University, you will walk into a restaurant filled with sweet smiles and gracious warmth. The staff at Mandalay Kitchen was wonderful. And that spirit translates into their food. We had a 6-course family style meal, starting with the tea leaf salad. We absolutely love tea leaf salad, and this one is in the top 3. Packed with flavor and crunch, and healthy for you, too. Then we followed it up with beef curry (amazing), a braised 5-spice pig hock (luscious), a Burmese-inspired Jucy Lucy (bomb), Khao Soi noodles (comfy like mom's hug), and boat noodles (deep and flavorful). Everything was great! It's definitely a new win for the food culture in the Twin Cities.

Mandalay Kitchen smelled amazing right when we walked in! Great menu with lots of interesting options, we will definitely be back to try more dishes. Khao soi and boat noodle soup were perfect comfort dishes, and the Burmese tea leaf salad was unlike anything I'd ever tried before. The space itself is very peaceful and the staff was very polite and welcoming.

The outside of the restaurant is pretty nondescript. Walking in you are met with a pleasant atmosphere that is modern yet homely. We started with the tea leaf salad, cream cheese wontons, and stuffed tofu. They were all excellent, but I especially reccomend the tea leaf salad only if you are comfortable with strong fish flavor. It's amazing. Diners with milder palate should try the stuffed tofu; the tofu is not actually stuffed, bit it is refreshing. Mohinga is a rice noodle soup with broth and lots of toppings. Very fishy, but I like that flavor so I will be having it again. The burger is also great, again for diners who have a milder palate. Overall, I would reccomend this place. Will be coming back to try the pad thai and the pad se ew.

Everything we tried was delicious, playlist was banging and featured Ethel Cain and Grimes, service was spectacular and he took the time to explain dishes to us. Overall I can’t wait to dine here again bring my friends and family to this fantastic new restaurant.

So glad I randomly found Mandalay kitchen on google maps! We tried five different dishes that were all amazing— the pad see ew and pad krapow with chicken were my favorites. Very flavorful and filling. Everything seemed cooked to order so it was super fresh. The portions were large, so great for leftovers! The prices were also cheaper than other comparable restaurants, which is appreciated. The inside is really cute and there’s plenty of seating for big or small groups. There’s street parking nearby as well.

Nice little neighborhood restaurant . Great food, friendly service and casual atmosphere.

First time trying Burmese food and it did not disappoint. The tea leaf salad is definitely unique and did not take me long to like the flavor. We also ordered Zaap Crispy and Tom Yum noodle. Portion was huge and they are tasty.

Stopped in with some coworkers on a Wednesday for lunch. Parking was pretty easy to find on the street and there were a ton of available tables inside. The inside decor is so cute! There is a second level as well. I had such a hard time deciding what to eat. The menu is great and everything looked so good! I ended up getting the beef curry with added paratha. It was good but it tasted kind of flour-y to me. Our table split the tea leaf salad - I loved this! Something I've never tried before but something I'd love to have again! Our server was great! He was the only one working and was super efficient.

I have a friend who is Karen, and she told me about this Karen/Thai restaurant. I was so excited to try it with her. Vibes & Aesthetics The restaurant had a lot of real plants and had a dining vibe. It didn't seem to match the cuisine, but it was fine. There is also a second floor. We went on a weeknight and it wasn't busy. Service The server was good. We didn't have any complaints. We paid at our table with our server. My Order We were afraid the portions would be small, so we ordered a few items to share. However, the portions are quite large. Plan to take leftovers home. * Mohinga - It's like kapoon, but Karen style. * Steak laab - It was well done. I wished it was medium. * Stuff tofu - I was curious how this would be. They just cut a whole and stuff cabbages inside. It is quite good though! * Pad Kapraw - A Thai classic. We thought it had a little too much oyster sauce or salt, but it was good! Parking It's limited in this area. We found parking on the side of the building during the time it was allowed. I don't remember the times though.

The wife and I stopped by here on a Saturday night. Her dad's family is from Burma . Myanmar so we were super excited to find out that there was a legit Burmese restaurant in town. Our favorite is Burma Superstar in San Francisco but it's not like we can go there all the time :) The place is small but clean with cute decor and a great atmosphere. We were seated right away and the staff was super friendly and courteous. We ordered the tea leaf salad, the Khao Soi and the chapli burger (which didn't seem particularly Burmese but looked interesting). The tea leaf salad was good. Nicely spiced and fresh. Maybe a touch extra fish sauce then I would have liked but enjoyable. The khaoi soi was well balanced and what I expected. Not like her grandma's but still pretty good. The chapli burger was good but nothing special. Had a few spices that you don't expect in an American burger which made it unique. Overall, it was a good experience and I would go back to try some other items and give it another go. Even though the experience didn't meet the excitement I had, I would give this place another try and I am happy that we have a Burmese restaurant to add to the list of cuisines available to Minnesotans.

What We Ordered - Cream Cheese Wontons - Tea Leaf Salad - Samosa Salad - Onh No Khao Swe - Knyaw Pumpkin Curry with Chicken - Chaplin Burger - Zaap Chicken - Tom Yum Hot Pot - Pad Kraow Chicken This was the best place I ate during my most recent trip to MN. Pumpkin Curry was my favorite dish! The curry tasted like crab eggs (which is my favorite thing about crab) but it was a chicken pumpkin curry! How did they do it? I ate every last dip. Tied for second best items were the Tom Yum Hot Pot and the Tea Leaf Salad. The Tea Leaf Salad was very unique and tasty. The Chaplin Burger reminded me of pho but in a good way. I think I came to the conclusion I am not a fan or any version of juicy lucy as it requires the meat to be more on the well done side. I enjoyed all the dishes except for the Cream Cheese Wontons. There was little filling so mainly just fried wrappers. Please make sure to check your receipt! They charge 18% for large parties but I didn't catch it prior to tipping.

Mandalay Kitchen is the first Burmese restaurant I have been to, and if this is what Burmese food is like I am all in. The space has been through several iterations of restaurants and is pretty modern and spare, but food is fantastic. I split a variety of dishes with a friend. Most excellent with one meh. I really liked the stuffed tofu, the pumpkin curry and the rice salad. It was quite busy the night we were there, but the food still came fairly quickly. I will definitely be back.

Mandalay Kitchen is a friendly and spectacular Burmese spot in St. Paul with a focus on dishes from the Kayin state in southeastern Burma. It earns a rare 5-star review from me. The food is exquisite---beautifully presented, wonderfully seasoned and with a wide variety of textures. They also label their vegetarian dishes, most of which are vegan by default. The Yangon samosa ($9) is a light and simple samosa, with a thin and crispy wrapper filled with lightly cooked potatoes and peas. Compared to an Indian/Punjabi samosa, it's less starchy and bready. The bayar kyaw ($8) is described as Burmese falafel and it tasted superb. It was more moist and savory than a Middle Eastern falafel and had a brightness to it that I loved. The lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad) ($13) is vegan by default and the best I've had in the United States. While Burma Superstar in San Francisco popularized this dish, Mandalay Kitchen's rendition is much better: it's savory, crispy, addictive and has a new surprise in every bite. The Yum nam khao tod ($12) can be made vegan and is a crispy rice salad with a variety of herbs. I loved this dish and, by coincidence, had had a much less interesting version at a different restaurant in St. Paul one day earlier. Mandalay's version blew the other one out of the water. Lastly, the Thai red curry ($14) can be made vegan and was good. It didn't wow me, but it was respectable. Next time I'll get the kabocha squash Burmese curry. The service was friendly and though the restaurant was understaffed, the food came within a reasonable time (we were warned about delays) and was still prepared with care and delicacy. Stop by Mandalay Kitchen for something special.

Enjoyed dinner here! Take out ordering and pick up was smooth and easy. The Yum Nam Khao Tod crispy rice cake salad/lettuce wrap was quickly devoured. Ordered as "very spicy" but it was overall mild to medium, but very flavorful nonetheless. I was a bit disappointed in the Burmese stuffed tofu. The stuffing is a melange of veggies that lacked in flavor. It would taste better with more sauce, or something to dip it into. Nice to have a vegetarian appetizer though. Also ordered the Knyaw Pumpkin Curry with tofu at a medium spice level. This is a unique curry not found on other menus! It was a-okay. I would like to come back and try a few other items on the menu. It's nice to see some unique traditional Burmese dishes in a classy modern restaurant!

We tried five different dishes that were all amazing-- the pad see ew and pad krapow with chicken were my favorites. Very flavorful and filling. Everything seemed cooked to order so it was super fresh. The portions were large, so great for leftovers! The prices were also cheaper than other comparable restaurants, which is appreciated. The inside is really cute and there's plenty of seating for big or small groups. There's street parking nearby as well. The server was nice and told us about the already included 18% tip on the bill, although we still misunderstood and double tipped on the machine, so fair warning for that.

Fantastic food, prepared and served with great care and joy. A real gem. (And...Yelp will not let me post this with fewer than 85 characters, so.....here you go.)

Beautiful Thai-Burmese fusion restaurant in St. Paul. With this being my first time trying Burmese cuisine, I had high expectations and I was happily surprised. Unfortunately the star dish of Myanmar, Mohinga, was unavailable when we had visited, so we ordered the Yangon Beef curry with Paratha, tea leaf salad, and pad see ew. Beef was a little dry but well seasoned, paratha perfectly crisp. Pad see ew was ok, but the star was definitely the lahpet thoke. I wasn't expecting too much from a salad but the flavor was so good it was life-altering. I would definitely come back just for the salad.

Came here on a weeknight and it was not busy, there was one waiter. He seemed new and still learning what is in the menu. We ordered 4 dishes and some tea. I forgot name of the dishes but one of them is their tea leaves dish which was very good, the beef tartare was a little bland, needed more lime or salt. I would try this place if you have not had Burmese food.

We stopped in after a visit to the Hmong Cultural Center museum. Delicious food with a variety of dishes I wasn't familiar with from a typical Thai menu. We liked the Burmese Stuffed Tofu appetizer, Shan Khao Soi soup, and the Yangon Beef Curry... say Yes! to the Kachin Paratha (flaky flat bread) that comes with that beef curry - sooo yummy! Chef Chris came out after our meal to check on us. Great guy. Go eat here!

Not a bad dining experience. Dining area is simple and a bit disjointed. We were the only people in restaurant, yet service was pleasant but slow. Food was good but fairly undifferentiated at not outrageous but also not value pricing. Not a destination but acceptable choice in area.

Where do I start with the good? I am still feeling like I enjoyed this meal several hours later! It's an unassuming little spot in the old Marc Heu location. The food is amazing! The big winner of the night was the tofu appetizer, which was tangy and crispy and a treat for the whole family. But also the Burmese falafel was amazing! The tea leaf salad was so light and delicious. The boat noodle and mama Tom yum soups were also great. The boat noodle has a nice star anise flavor and the Tom yum is like Thai Tom yum but with noodles. Be aware that the kitchen is not a well-oiled machine: food comes out when it's ready, not necessarily when you want it. Other than that, it's a perfect restaurant and I'm rounding up from 4.5 stars.

Had the pictured salad and it was fantastic!! Service was great and servers were friendly. Cute decor.

What a wonderful addition to St.Paul! I came here for dinner at 7pm with a large group of 8. We made a reservation and were seated upstairs. The decorations and overall ambiance of the restaurant were great! They put a lot of attention to details in terms of decorations on the lower floor. Since it is a brand-new restaurant, I'm guessing the upstairs is a work in progress. However, there were cool displays of traditional clothing. Service was friendly and accommodating. They were all so kind. It seems as though they were still working out some kinks, but I think it will improve as time goes on. Food-wise, we ordered a bunch of dishes to try. We got the cream cheese wontons, tea leaf salad, mandalay samosa salad, khao soi, mohinga, pad krapow, Zaap Crispy, pumpkin curry, tom yum, and chapli burger. I really enjoyed the tea leaf salad, super flavorful and the different texture made it even more enjoyable. The server informed us that they were out of mohinga, so I was a little disappointed we didn't get to try. The chapli burger was smaller than I thought, but still good. The star of the night was the pumpkin curry! IT WAS SO GOOD! That was a fave amongst the of us. It was sweet, but also deeply flavored at the same time. Great with rice too. Zaap crispy was also a crowd favorite. I will definitely get the pumpkin curry again and hopefully be able to try the mohinga next time!

A new restaurant that is still trying to figure things out. On new day we went they ran out of some dishes we wanted to try, but the flavors were good in the dishes we ordered. I'll have to go back and try again to get a better sense of the place.

My fiancé and I tried out this place for the first time and we will be back. This replace Marc Heu's and the interior was changed to such a simple and elegant little place to have a meal. We were seated downstairs so we did not see how the seating upstairs was. We got seated quickly and gave lots of time to decide what to get. Sadly we got there at 6 and they ran out of their Khao Soi and boat noodle. So we ended up getting Nam Khao and the Zaap Crispy Chicken dish. The Nam Khao has so much favor but I think a little too Krispy. Most Nam Khao I had before had nam sausages but this one didn't. But we still loved it. The crispy chicken dish was amazing. Almosted tasted like fried pork belly laab. We love both dishes that we got. The prices were reasonable and service was great and quick. I recommend this place to anyone who wants a smaller quieter place with great food and service. Would return to try new items.

Excellent food . Very friendly staff and cut ambiance . Service was very fast Will definitely some again !!

This restaurant is underrated since the tra leaf salad exceeded my expectations and was better than expected. The Yangon beef curry, Kachin paratha, and the chicken pad see ew were also delicious. The Burmese tea is worth trying, but it was only alright.

I dream about Mandalay Kitchen's tea leaf salad now. It was listed on a food critic review as notable and I took a risk trying it because the ingredients didn't seem to be something I would like. So glad I was wrong. The unique taste, texture, and combination of flavors is incredible. Also have had the khao soi and boat noodle--both solid.

I placed a pickup order this past week for an order of tea leaf salad and Burmese tea. I showed up a bit earlier than my scheduled time and the staff were all extremely gracious and I got my food in a very timely manner. The owner even came out to talk to me and shook my hand. You can tell he really cares about his business. The interior was also gorgeous and I am excited to go back and dine-in soon.

I saw a recommendation for Mandalay Kitchen on social media, so my friends and I decided to check it out about two weeks ago. We were a group of six, and we ordered different dishes to share. We loved all the food--it was amazing, especially the deep-fried pork belly! Definitely worth trying. The service was good, and they added an 18% gratuity for parties of five or more, which was reasonable. The only thing we didn't enjoy was the dessert--it might just be that we're not used to the taste.

This is a great restaurant. Good service, and really great combination of Burmese and Thai food. I had the seafood hot pot, and it was delicious. Good and spicy!

For being a brand new restaurant, sometimes my personal biases come into play and I expect errors in service, food orders getting messed up, etc, but coming here, you would have never known that they have just opened within the last month or so! General, service was fast, our food came out very quickly and was clearly made to order. We came in on a weeknight for dinner, and the restaurant was medium packed, there were a handful of tables open that we made a reservation to be safe. To start off for appetizers, we did the Yangon samosas, which were essentially egg roll wrappers, with a samosa-like filling. Nothing to dislike there, they were hot, fresh, perfectly crunchy. The flavor profile is approachable especially if you are newer to Burmese food! Then, we did the tea leaf salad. It was definitely more other things besides just mixed lettuce - there were a bunch of crunchy bits, and there wasn't a lot of dressing on it - it was different than the standard salad and it's worth trying, and the flavors in general are not very strong so it was just a little bit less memorable than the other dishes we got. For entrees, we did Khao Soi and Khao Ka Moo - both of these dishes were excellent. The Khao Soi was piping hot, the curry broth was bursting with umami without being too salty, the crispy noodles became soaked in the broth, and the noodles at the bottom we're not overcooked either. I've had my fair share of Khao Soi in the past and I would say this bowl ranks for sure above average! The Khao Ka Moo was also a tasty, hearty dish. There is more than enough braised pork to go around, and for me personally, I grew up being used to pieces of pork with fat on them that get rendered down in whatever they're stewing in, but for folks who aren't used to that, that can be kind of jarring (though I find it to be remarkably tasty). I loved the pickled greens that came with the dish, because they are perfect complement to cut through the fattiness of the pork. My only regret is having eaten a few hours prior, because I wish I could have ordered more dishes! The ambience is open, two stories, and there is some history on the walls. I would definitely met anyone give this place a try and try something new in the meantime as well!

Food was excellent! Service the same! Tea leaf salad and green curry so so good! Cute little space friendly staff!

Fabulous new restaurant with a wonderful community vibe, great service and delicious food! We love the very spicy, flavorful and perfectly fried laab dry rub wings, and would come just for those alone, but also have really enjoyed curries, zaap crispy, pad thai, stuffed tofu, and more. Food arrived fast. We appreciate that there are vegan and gluten free options as well. The chef/owner Chris is an amazing human, dedicated to his community and I'm sure his mom is equally remarkable! (Below in photo)

Small corner joint that lolks to have upper level seating. Bar sitting is available. Service was good, waiter was very accommodating and tentative. Had the boat noodles with beef for an extra $1. Flavor was ok, a tad on the sweeter side. There was a good amount of meat to noodle ratio. Fyi seems like anything extra is seems to be an additional cost.

4.5. Very delicious authentic food. The samosas and Zaap Crispy were both very good. Extremely nice staff and a chill environment.

I went to visit St. Paul MN a couple weeks ago. I'm from Seattle WA. I tried out a new restaurant's Mandalay Kitchen. I have been to many places west coast such as Burma Superstar in San Francisco Cali and Top food and Burmese delight in OR. I would say Mandalay kitchen's has one of the most delicious food. Tea leaf salad and Chaplin burgers are 2 of my favorites. I went with my family. My nephew ordered additional juicy Lucy burger because it was so good. **Mandalay Kitchen's Tea Leaf Salad:** Located in the heart of St. Paul, Mandalay Kitchen offers a delightful rendition of the classic Burmese Tea Leaf Salad. This dish is a beautiful marriage of bold flavors and contrasting textures. The fermented tea leaves, a signature element of this salad, provide a unique earthy and slightly tangy base. Tossed with crunchy peanuts, fried garlic, and sesame seeds, each bite offers a satisfying crunch. What sets Mandalay Kitchen's Tea Leaf Salad apart is its well-balanced dressing. The combination of lime juice, fish sauce, and shrimp paste adds depth without overwhelming the palate. Fresh lettuce and tomatoes provide a cooling contrast to the robust flavors. This salad is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and nutty notes that leaves a lasting impression. For those looking to explore authentic Burmese cuisine in Minnesota, Mandalay Kitchen's Tea Leaf Salad is a must-try. It's a refreshing and flavorful introduction to the diverse flavors of Southeast Asia. **Mandalay Kitchen's Chapli Burger:** One of Mandalay Kitchen's standout offerings is the Chapli Burger, a fusion of Pakistani flavors with a classic American twist. This burger features a generously sized beef patty seasoned with traditional spices like cumin, coriander, and chili. The patty is cooked to perfection, boasting a robust and aromatic flavor profile. What makes the Chapli Burger unique is its inclusion of sliced tomatoes, onions, and a tangy yogurt-based sauce, all sandwiched between soft burger buns. The combination of savory beef, spicy seasonings, and cooling yogurt creates a delightful culinary experience. Mandalay Kitchen's Chapli Burger is a testament to creativity and culinary innovation. It's a perfect blend of East-meets-West flavors, served with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. Whether you're a burger aficionado or simply curious about global cuisine, the Chapli Burger at Mandalay Kitchen is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Pair it with their Tea Leaf Salad for a complete and memorable dining experience.

Snuggled in a little corner of University and Western in Saint Paul's Frog Town, you can find that this spot has taken over what used to be Marc Heu Patisserie Paris. If you've been, you would know prior that the space was very small. However, I love what they did with the place and how they expanded the space. I love the vibe and decors, especially the overhanging plants *chef kiss* it also seems they have opened up the upstairs as well, sadly, we were seated on ground floor. Went during lunch hours and it was definitely busy. From what I can tell, it seems like they're still a very small team so do expect some delays. However, I'd like to say the food makes up for it! I was able to acquire the beef boat noodle with beef bone *chefs kiss* it did not disappoint. Eggrolls were good and fresh out the fryer. I do have to say thoou, khao soy was good, but I've definitely had better. Anyways, I definitely recommend this spot.

A lovely decorated restaurant with fun jazzy background music and neat artwork that adds a personal touch. We order the Chicken Laab and Beef Pad See Ew. We added an order of Mohinga recommended by the staff. All items were tasty, just wished the dishes had that extra punch of flavor to take it to the next level. My 65 year old mom said the laab's spice level was quite low for medium spice but still liked her dish. The owner is warm and friendly as if you are friends dining in his home. Looking forward to seeing the future of this restaurant. Would come back to try more dishes.

Delicious, colorful, mouthwatering food with rich flavor! Great service. Welcoming atmosphere. Wonderful place to support! I can't wait to eat here again!

We ordered Pad Thai for entrees and they were so greasy, we've renamed the place Oil of Olay Kitchen. My wife and I couldn't eat it. While they had a cool jazzy music track playing, it was drowned out by a persistent high pitched squealing sound that our waitress suggested was "the wind ". All of this disturbing environment was not only cold and unheated, it was bathed in the harshest fluorescent lights that could only have come from Menards. My son, bought a generous gift card for this oily place, obviously fooled by the specious gushing reviews that hyped up this joint and led us to this gastronomical abyss.

Fabulous food and service! Local special from southeastern Asia. Cris the owner is very friendly and thoughtful. Definitely a worthy meal

Run! Do not walk here. This is some of the best food I've had on University. Our server made excellent suggestions and took such good care of us. The pumpkin curry, red curry and the Zaap crispy chicken were all so full of flavor and perfectly spicy. Will be making special trips to St. Paul for this place. Get a good meal before the soccer games down the road.

Been back many times, food has remained consistently delicious! Our favorite is still the khao ka moo.

Very good service and food! We were served very fast. Good vibes all around, Our server Carl was amazing and funny and awesome

Their 6pc fried chicken wings are super good along with their mohinga. Amazing service and a beautiful atmosphere. A good place to go with friends or families.

Top notch restaurant offering unique Burmese flavors. Tea Leaf Salad and Pumpkin Curry are my favorites.

Excellent food and service. I had a large take out order for noon on a Saturday, and it went smooth. I'll go there again soon.

This food is absolutely amazing! Everything is so fresh and the flavors are Blended nicely. I would highly recommend the salad and the green curry. The service is also fantastic!

Stopped in on a Friday afternoon - excited to find a Burmese restaurant in St Paul! There's a good combination of Burmese and Thai dishes on the menu. Our table of three split the laphet thoke, laab, and zaap crispy chicken, which were all excellent. We asked for a medium spice level - wasn't quite as spicy as we had expected. The ambience was nice, too; it's comfortable and has a natural feel with hanging plants, decorative bamboo basketry, etc. Will definitely come back to try some other items on the menu (like the Lao style papaya salad)!