The Twin Cities is lucky to have so many global eats that make our community rich in culture. There is one thing all cultures share, their love of traditional foods. The Twin Cities has often been known for its unique fusions of food creations so choosing a few was a challenge. I stayed east of the river to narrow it down, but here are a few places to try!
SWEET PARIS Creperie and Cafe | Woodbury and Mall of America
Location: 265 Radio Dr., Suite K, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125
Location: 100 North Garden, Bloomington, MN 55425
Before you even walk into Sweet Paris, it gives you all the elegant, Parisian, girls’ day out feels. The space is bright, clean, and full of gorgeous chandeliers. After ordering at the counter, take your number and place it on a metal Eiffel Tower at your table. The menu consists of crepes both sweet and savory, soups & salads, waffles, and an impressive list of specialty coffees. If you or your children love Nutella, then this is the place to go. I enjoyed a decadent Nutella Late, which was the perfect combo of coffee and a dessert all rolled into one! I highly recommend Sweet Paris Creperie for a fun girls’ lunch, yummy breakfast, or for the crepe lover in your family.
Everest on Grand | St. Paul
Location: 1278 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
If you are looking to broaden your palette, I encourage you to try Everest on Grand. Their charming restaurant invites you to a taste of Nepal, in the heart of Grand Ave. I would suggest talking with the staff and taking their advice in trying something that might interest you. Take your children and encourage them to be brave and try something that isn’t chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and pizza. For those of you who are new to Everest on Grand, I would recommend the chicken or veggie momo, or be brave and try the yak momo. They have several noodle dishes with wonderful flavors to compliment all pallets.
Shish Mediterranean Kitchen | St. Paul
Location: 1668 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
Shish has so much more to offer than just amazingly delicious hummus… the fries are also out of this world, oh and the desserts. 😍 If you enjoy Mediterranean-style food, you will love the gyros, shawarma, and falafels but Shish offers so much variety including a spectacular breakfast menu, burgers, and kabobs. The difference is the favors are so unexpected, but work so well, even for your fussiest eater. Flavors like saffron, cardamom, and curry might sound intimidating but give them a try and I bet you will find something new that you truly enjoy. This is such a great skill to teach children about eating. “Just give it a try, you might love it. If you don’t then you don’t have to eat it.” Shish also has a kids’ menu with the classics on it, for situations like this! Shish offers plenty of side items to order and try before committing to an entire meal.
Mango Thai | St Paul
Location: 610 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102
If you are looking to try a new type of Asian cuisine, give Mago Thai in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of Saint Paul a try! Mango Thai is a quaint eatery with amazing food, gorgeous presentation, and flavorful dishes. The food is delicious, portions are generous and they offer a variety of options. From soups, salads, curry, satay, noodle, and rice dishes, as well as tasty desserts, you will find something for everyone on this menu. The food is incredibly flavorful and filling.
Mirror of Korea | St. Paul
Location: 761 Snelling Ave N. St Paul, MN 55104
If you are looking for truly authentic Korean cuisine, a stop at Mirror of Korea is definitely in order. Try their dolsot bibimbap (hot stone bowl mixed vegetables and rice) and the bulgogi. I feel like these smaller, more authentic establishments are where you will find your best meals, at great prices and the dining experience you are looking for. Ask your server what they recommend, they are your best guide to trying new foods.
Tavial Grill | St. Paul
Location: 1199 West 7th St. St. Paul, MN 55012
Tavial Grill has been serving up authentic Mexican food in St. Paul since 2014. If you live around St Paul, you have probably driven by this unassuming establishment, possibly on your way to the Xcel Center. If so, I highly recommend you stop by or pop in the drive-thru and treat yourself to some truly amazing food. Tavial Grill of course has all the foods you’ve come to enjoy at a Mexican restaurant, but offers new items you may have never tried. I highly recommend ordering yourself a torta. This delicious sandwich is made on a toasted Mexican bun, just choose your protein, add all the fixins and you have yourself an amazing meal.
Tips:
The wonderful part about most restaurants these days is that, besides the amazing food they provide, most have take-out options. Although it is fun to go out for a meal, depending on your children’s ages, your schedule, and life, sometimes takeout is the best option. You don’t have to give up quality, flavorful food just because you are bringing it home. This might be the easiest way to encourage kids to try new foods, with the knowledge that there will still be food they like if it doesn’t work out.
Your greatest resource for finding new restaurants, expanding your pallet, and broadening your familiar dining spots are your friends and family. I would like to thank Crystal Archer for her input in providing me the best authentic Korean spots!
Don’t be afraid to ask your server what they would recommend.
Get curious and brave with your eating and your kids will follow suit.
Happy Dining!
