Karen Thai Food

300 Larpenteur Ave E, St Paul, MN 55117, United States

Karen Thai Food
About Us

Bustling little cafe offering spicy, traditional Thai & Burmese dishes for dine-in or takeout.

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Customer Reviews
Diner Review №1

Diner Review №2

Service was very slow. I was served my main meal first, then my appetizer came after. I think they got confused between appetizer and dessert. I finished my appetizer, and they still didn't make my papaya and pad thai. I then told them to cancel those orders do I can pay for what I ate, but since they were in the middle of making it already, I couldn't cancel it. While waiting, I never got my water refilled and my empty plates of food were still on my table. Can't make this stuff up. I'm never coming back. I'm not trying to make this place go out of business, just simply letting them know these are stuff they can pick up on and make their business better.

Diner Review №3

Guess they don’t care about business anymore. Walked in and waited for someone to come to the front to seat us and take our order. No one ever came out, we waited and even called to them multiple times yet no answer. This place used to be my favorite restaurant in Saint Paul, sadly the new owners don’t give a damn about service and business. No wonder it’s empty right now…

Diner Review №4

Diner Review №5

Very homey, quaint little joint with a few tables. The Boat Noodles were phenomenal, and I prefer pork blood to beef. The broth was a little on the sweet side, but the chilli helped take care of that.

Diner Review №6

Beta Thai food I've ever had. I got the Thai chicken stir fry. Price matches the quality. Food tastes like it was straight out of Thailand!

Diner Review №7

Update: I don't know what happened. The food used to be so good and delicious. Their quality of food has changed a lot. It's not how it used to be.
I made this review 4 years ago when it was awesome but now it's just so so.

Food is great, and customer service is on point. Great and friendly workers. Will recommend to friends and family!

Diner Review №8

Food quality not as good and service are racist lady server today. Came at lunch time ordered 1 appetizer be waiting for 20minutes and they gave 2 Mong’s people came behind food first. Owner must see this. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!!

Diner Review №9

This use to be my fav place for boat noodles and egg rolls but the recipe has changed so much, I’m not a fan anymore.
I use to go there all the time and knew the previous owner. The last time I was there, they gave me soooo much noodles, very little broth and I got only 3 meatball even when I said meatballs only for my choice of meat. When I told them about my concerns, they said that’s how it is suppose to be. I was very disappointed. The place is not bad but not as good as before.

Diner Review №10

Karen Thai was a favorite place of mine for Thai food before. But now, there's new owners. The menu has also changed. In my opinion, it's not as good as before.

Diner Review №11

Diner Review №12

Quality of food and service has gone down drastically. Used to be my favorite place for boat noodle but will probably not come ever again.

Disappointed in the service, as we waited 20 minutes for our food to come out, only to be asked what we ordered again. With only 3 other groups being served in the restaurant, it shocked me how badly managed everything was.

You can tell the young waitress lacked any sort of customer service training, as she gave strong signs that she didn’t want to be there and didn’t know how to treat customers. Felt bad.

We ordered 2 beef boat noodles with a side of sai krok. They only give you a small handful of noodles and minimal amount of protein. The recipe has definitely changed as well and lacks flavor. Portions are way too small for what they charge.

You can receive much more value elsewhere compared to here. Save your time and money folks

Diner Review №13

should improve the service, we waited for more than 20 minutes and no one come to ask us…will never bring my family here again!

Diner Review №14

Sadly, they’ve gone downhill. Their pad Thai particularly used to be delicious! Now, all their food is overly sweet. All we could taste in the massaman curry and pad Thai were sugar… for the curry we requested 10/10 spice and it was 1/10!! My kiddo ate it without complaining at all.

Chicken satay is not salty enough, but the peanut sauce is still delicious.

I don’t think I’ll be going back unless they improve their recipes.

Diner Review №15

Delicious food with large portions and kind hostess and servers.

Diner Review №16

Best boat noodle

Diner Review №17

Diner Review №18

This is the kind of food that they serve people there. The vegetable is already turning yellow and going bad, but they will still cook it for you. Everything that I ordered was bad. Pho was super salty and the portion was little, the red curry was super sweet and has no spice in it at all, the rice that came with it was also
Soggy and going bad. There were also some hard rice mix in it. I see that they don’t care about their customers. What a waste of money and time. Please think twice before you decide to visit this place.

Diner Review №19

I came in on a weekday to order lunch. I called to placed an order at 12 pm, and the lady on the phone said it'll be ready in 10 minutes. It took me 10 minutes to get there anyway. As I arrived, I paid for my order and waited. 5 minutes, 10, 15 minutes past by. It was 12.45 when I finally got my order. I was beyond upset because the sit in customers who came in after me got their food already. I asked the lady what's going on with my order and she said the cooks prepare the food as the orders come in. Not too happy about the long wait bc I was on my lunch break. In terms of their food, the drunken noodles was a tad too sweet, and the pad see ew Chinese broccoli was not even half way cooked. It was hard to chew. The portion size was disappointing as well. I was excited to try out this place but sad to say I will not be returning.

Diner Review №20

Love the boat noodle

Diner Review №21

Went in on a Monday at around 1pm for a pick up order and the seating area was packed. Like, no seats. Love trying new spots and did a Google search for best Thai in the Twin Cities. To my surprise found Karen Thai which I've seen 10,000 times getting gas on Larpenture on my way home from work. Tucked between a gas station and a Subway - it hadn't caught my eye as a spot to stop for lunch.
So today I happily swung in during a sudden rain storm - but thankfully had placed my to go order before leaving work. Quick order time, under 15 minutes. I was in and out, polite and fast.
I have to say, I've been missing out all these years and this is my new favorite spot.
Here's what I got-
Veggie Fried rice for my picky son @ a level 3 spice (not spicy in my opinion, was actually sweet) 9/10. A lot of veggies, not a fan of the tomatoes but that's a taste preference. Flavor was on point and the rice was just the right consistency. Tons of onion, just my style!
The Pad Se Ew level 4 spice (Spicy! Much more elevated than 3, and I almost did 5!) 12/10. Phenomenal. Noodles were just the right texture - not overdone, sauce was full of spice and Thai flavor cooked down to the perfect color and consistency. Just enough crunch to the veggies and let's not forget to mention the thinly sliced chicken that absorbed the sauce perfectly. Not too chicken-y chicken, if you get me? I'm weird about chicken - so I was pleasantly surprised but even more so impressed.
If you haven't, go. I can't wait to order again. Boat noodles are next!

Diner Review №22

I am very sensitive to cilantro maybe mentioning it in your thomsoup. Also made a online order that was accepted and found out our egg rolls were out of stock? Why would accept the order if your out, she would not refund me but gave another option of spring rolls filled with cilantro

Diner Review №23

Best food ever

Diner Review №24

Diner Review №25

Diner Review №26

Diner Review №27

Diner Review №28

When we got there only one other customer there. By the time we left, place was full of customers. And several take out orders. Drunken noodles was fantastic, the use of basil is so flavorful. Pad kto pau with crispy pork belly, amazing.

Diner Review №29

Since new ownership the food and its quality is not what it used to be. I ordered red curry and it came looking green. I complained and they “fixed” it by giving me a new order but it still was not good. They let me have the first free even though I wanted to give it back. I ended up giving both away. Egg rolls are still ok

Diner Review №30

Updated Review (2024.04.28)
They've changed ownership. New management are very nice and had made some necessary update/cleaning of the restaurant. However, they've made changes to the recipes. It's no longer my go-to for authentic Thai.

Original Post: 5 out of 5
Little mom & pop shop; hidden gem!

This is authentic Thai food - they're not stingy, flavors hit all the good spots, authentic Thai spice 🌶, and very friendly and quick service.

Favorite spot to get: Pad see ew & their boat noodles!!!! Can't go wrong with their cream cheese wontons.

Diner Review №31

I called and ordered spicy drunken noodles.
However it wasn't spicy very much or at all but more on the sweeter side. While I understand it's a family owned restaurant, they shouldn't have a kid taking orders. Because she didn't ask me how spicy I wanted it, which you can do if ordering from their site. Probably won't go back.

Diner Review №32

Small eat in place with friendly, family atmosphere. There was a lot of take out going on. Second time here and sooo good. I had the red shrimp curry and my boyfriend had broccoli and veggies with shrimp… delicious! We will definitely be back!

Diner Review №33

Diner Review №34

Excellent! Remember, the more you feel you don’t belong in a restaurant, the better the food is gonna be. Pointing and gestures got me through the communication part. The food was well worth it.

Diner Review №35

I have been to so many places in the Twin Cities area for their Pad Thai and this place by far has the best Pad Thai that I have ever had the other restaurants could learn a thing or two from them I will not go anywhere else but here when my cravings hit love love it

Diner Review №36

The food tasted good and we liked it. Very authentic and reasonable prices.

Diner Review №37

Lovely service, kind people the food was amazing if you wanted to come to a place to warm and fill your bellies

Diner Review №38

Diner Review №39

The boat noodle here is one of the best you can find in the Twin Cities. I always come here just for this one dish. Their egg rolls come in good quantity and also tastes amazing. Very small restaurant unfortunately so it can be difficult finding a seat during busy times. This place gets a 4.5 star in my books.

Diner Review №40

Great place. Good food. Very friendly staff. Must try

Diner Review №41

Diner Review №42

Diner Review №43

This review is not to bash on the food. But more so on their restaurant adequacy/mannerism. Me and my friend went for our lunch break. My friend received her food first, she slowly ate so mine can be served. As time went by my friend already finished her food and my food was still no where to be seen. I decided to cancel my order and at that point the lady at the register said “Oh your food just got done cooking and the reason we serve the noodle first because it was quicker to cook and oh sorry we are busy.” I told them I understand their busy but to come and eat is the point of eating together, who wouldn’t be upset if the rest of the party already finished eating and still you haven’t even been served your food at all. All I can say is bad management. You should never serve one customer at the table first when you know you’re too busy to serve the other customer at the same table. Came to support but left disappointed, waste of time and starved

Diner Review №44

Diner Review №45

Diner Review №46

Best Thai food I have in a long long time

Diner Review №47

The staff are great as well as the food. Ordered their pad thai and chicken wings! The dining area is a little small, but everything was neat and clean.

Diner Review №48

Diner Review №49

They got door dash now for pick up so that is convenient. Ordered pad kra pao and dry noodle. Pad kra pao had no basil and no peppers so it's not even pad kra pao? I even put mild on the order. It's like spaghetti and meatballs with no meatballs. The dry noodle flavor was good but the noodles were chewy and tough to eat.

Diner Review №50

Foods was a little pricey but delicious. Place is small and no bathroom. Great place for takeout or quick eat n Go only.

Diner Review №51

This place is awesome for Asian food. Good portion, good price, good quality. The only downfall is there isn't a lot of table and space when it's very busy. Always packed, I recommend going during the weekdays or early as you can.

Diner Review №52

Diner Review №53

Lovely spot, everything was incredibly flavorful. Ordered chicken egg rolls, chicken pho, pad see ew, pad kra pao. Recommend everything.

Diner Review №54

One of the best spots for DELICIOUS Asian food. The Boat noodle is so delicious. The amount of protein given is a lot. The pad thai, drunken noodle, silver noodle dishes are amazing. I just discovered the dry noodle dish. It's now my favorite! The owner is very pleasant to be around. Highly recommend if you want delicious Asian food.

Diner Review №55

Diner Review №56

I made an order to go and it took forever. The noodles were over cooked so once I got home it’s all stick together and it doesn’t taste good anymore. The service and the foods weren’t as good as the former owner. Won’t be coming back.

Diner Review №57

Do NOT order HOT food here. The Karen people apparently take their spice VERY SERIOUSLY. I like spicy, but I cannot enjoy the 4 or 5 out of five on these dishes. 3/5 is plenty hot.
Great food though.

Diner Review №58

Diner Review №59

Diner Review №60

It’s ALL perfect!! 😍

Diner Review №61

Karen thai got the best boat noodles in St.Paul. I'll come everyday if i have to. You got to try it if you haven't. Inside is pretty small but it's worth it. Hit the spot everytime. Pad kra pao is a must too. Pho wasn't good at all.

Diner Review №62

Delicious boat noodle dish.

Diner Review №63

Them make me a pho num tok is not good I can't go support them anymore

Diner Review №64

I’m not from Minnesota, but I fell in love with boat noodles here. The restaurant changed owners, and I was worried about the taste, but it’s surprisingly good. I would reduce the sweetness a bit, but overall, it’s worth a visit, and I wanted to leave this review to give it a chance despite the change in ownership.

Diner Review №65

I went in and put in my order. The waiter didn’t ask what size noodle I wanted. I didn’t even know they had sizes because all the time I went there it’s always the same size. I was kinda shook that it was so damn expensive just for two dishes. $48?!!!. Price is insanely ridiculously overpriced for that boat noodle.

Diner Review №66

Diner Review №67

Grub 👍

Diner Review №68

Delicious boat noodle!!

Diner Review №69

Got the boat noodles, some of the best broth I’ve had in a while. Truly a hole in the wall, and a gem! Appreciated how quickly a table was cleared for us, and how quickly the food came out. Soup had plenty of meat in it, excellent flavor.

Diner Review №70

Food: In my opinion the food is okay. I heard a lot of great things about their boat noodle so I came here to try it out with high expectations. I was not really impressed. I ordered food within half an hour of opening. The flavor of boat noodles was mild and didn’t pack a hearty beefy punch like I thought it would. I am a huge boat noodle fan so the experience was disappointing.

Setting: The restaurant is quite small and is not ideal for groups or family. It is located in a high traffic business plaza just off the highway and next to a gas station. Seating is limited.

Pricing: Food prices are not stated clearly on the menu (only on appetizer items) so ask questions before you order. Each dish will run you about $16-18 which is surprising to me because this is a super casual restaurant. My bill was just over $80 and with tax. We did not get appetizers or anything special to drink.

Service: Wait service doesn’t really exist here but the owner and other employees are nice. They take your order and bring out your food. After that, they don’t check up on you anymore. When you’re done eating you pay and then leave.

Diner Review №71

Everything on this menu is phenomenal! Limited seating so be prepared for that.

Diner Review №72

We got the whole fish and red curry. The curry was tasteless, watery and bland even though I asked for a 5/5 spice level. The fish was better ergo the 2 stars.

Diner Review №73

service was 10/10 the food was impeccable. Everything was just amazing. As a muslim who visited this place i was treated respectfully when it came with asking which food had pork and really felt welcomed. the curry is so good!! I came with my friends but definitely will come back with my friends. if i could rate this restaurant a 100/10 i would. 🤗

Diner Review №74

Waitress recommended pad see ew, pad kra pao (combination), and boat soup - real broth, so good. Recommend all three!

Diner Review №75

Diner Review №76

This is a small family owned Thai restaurant that has amazing food. I’ve had the boat noodles many times and it’s always outstanding. The pad see ew is packed with flavor and the samosa are a nice starter. Check it out if you want some authentic Karen/Thai food!

Diner Review №77

I had the Pad Kra Pao it was amazing! Great place and friendly staff

Diner Review №78

Yummy 😋🤤😋

Diner Review №79

Good authentic pho boat,

Diner Review №80

Boat noodle is what most people order at this place because it really is the best thing. I tried their other dishes but it was just so and so. They serve fast. The atmosphere is great because it feels authentic and small but the downside is that you may have to wait. Still.. I’ve come here once a month and their boat noodle is very consistent. So deliciously good. I also think the portion is perfect. It’s a lot during breakfast, perfect for lunch, and okay during dinner time.

Diner Review №81

There's good and there's bads. But the main issues from my experience is the owner. Dont work in the front taking orders if your understanding of English language is not so good. She messed up my orders twice. Third time I was there a customer came to pick up and was screaming at her for not getting her order right. So far the pho broth is great. But this time I got so little pho in my bowl. I ate three forksful and noodles gone..

Diner Review №82

Diner Review №83

Amazing food! SO glad we stopped. Easy on-off from 35E. Plenty of traditional and accessible Thai, as well as Pho. Their spicy is 0-10, and there's plenty of spice on the table to add if you want. The place was busy but the food came very fast and was excellent.

Diner Review №84

I like this food to great food

Diner Review №85

Always, we get great quality food that tastes great. The staff is always polite. Best boat noodle from the twin cities.

Diner Review №86

Awesome place and food, hope the owner expands one day.

Diner Review №87

Great boat noodles and fast service! Probably one of the best I’ve had in the city. :)

Diner Review №88

Food are very good. The cost of the food are very affordable compared to other places. Some other restaurants food are not even that good and the cost are higher than this store. Only problem with this store is that the space are very small which is understandable, i think they a new business first time i think

Diner Review №89

Diner Review №90

The best meal I've had in recent history. One of my favorite restaurants! It's a hole-in-the-wall (in the best way). The food is fresh, authentic, and bursting with delicious flavor. Very reasonable prices.

We had the Tom Yum soup with chicken (you can choose your protein, including tofu as an option), and the fish, #20. Both were excellent. The fish was out of this world; seriously one of the best dishes I've ever had. The broth was incredibly flavorful, so of course we couldn't let any go to waste and put it on the rice. It's a whole fried tilapia - if you aren't used to eating whole fish, be prepared to remove the bones as you go (very easy once you get the hang of it). It was smothered with red and green bell peppers and onions, and some of the most delicuous broth I've ever tasted. I've also had their pad thai in the past, also very good.

They ask how spicy you want your food, and since this place seems very authentic, we erred on the side of "mildly spicy," which was perfect. They also have chili oil and pepper flakes on the table if you want to add more spice.

I want to try every dish on their menu, but I don't think anything could be better than the fish. I'll probably dream about it!

You can dine in or do takeout. The restaurant is small - humble but cozy. Note that they don't have a bathroom, but the waiter said patrons can go next door to Subway to use theirs. Overall, Karen Thai is a 10/10!!!

Diner Review №91

Amazing green curry! Everything looked good and people super nice. can’t wait to come back!

Diner Review №92

Amazing restaurant! Super sweet owner and workers. Always recommend the boat noodles and chicken fried rice. Does get busy quickly but tables/spaces do become open when needed! My go-to restaurant with a simple menu.

Diner Review №93

Good pad Thai ❤️

Diner Review №94

Diner Review №95

Good authentic food good portions good prices

Diner Review №96

Diner Review №97

Diner Review №98

First time here. Other reviews have said it all. Fresh. Delicious. Authentic.

Diner Review №99

Get their boat noodle.
Simple cheap food.

Diner Review №100

Go here if you want your orders messed up and overcharged for food!

Let me preface this review by saying I have been here in the past and had pleasant experiences, so came back a third time. However following last night's experience, I will never go back to this restaurant, which is unfortunate because I love to support immigrant-owned restaurants like these.

The service was terrible; the waiter didn't write down our orders and kept reasking what they were. The food still came out wrong (surprise surprise when you don't write down the orders)!

I complained that the red curry was too surgary and didn't taste the same (since I've ordered it before), but they wouldn't let me return the dish and made me pay for it.

Finally, they overcharged us for 4 orders of eggrolls when we only ordered 2. My family was in such a rush to get out, we didn't notice it till later, so shame on us for missing that huge detail.

All around horrifying experience, so I won't be back!

Diner Review №101

Food is really high-quality and authentic. Once or twice received a different order but it was still good. Be clear with what you're ordering over the phone and you should be fine. Great food. 👍

Diner Review №102

Location is small and cozy with some awesome pho! Although they changed up pho and it wasn't as good as I remember and deff needed more broth I still really enjoyed it

Diner Review №103

Diner Review №104

Diner Review №105

The food was different, but it was good.

Diner Review №106

The pad Thai gave me chlamydia! thank you for early birthday gift

Diner Review №107

Diner Review №108

5/5 if looking for good and close to authentic Thai pho boat noodles. Chicken wings as well. That sh** hit. Food coma 101. Can’t take photos or videos because already finished with food. Highly highly recommended. Cons are limited spacing. But the wait time is worth it.

Diner Review №109

Very scrumptious food! Flavorful, good portions, and budget friendly. The employees are all very helpful with great recommendations too.

Diner Review №110

5 stars all day, food is too good to be true! it'll be my go to from now on. great customers service and the food came out pretty quickly! anything that we needed they provided, which was great! There's only one issue... their food it TOO good, you'll be addicted.

Diner Review №111

Diner Review №112

Diner Review №113

Food is so good! I love Thai food and never had Karen. Perfect mix of both at this place.

Diner Review №114

The best Thai food in st paul Minnesota

Diner Review №115

Diner Review №116

I came here a couple weeks ago and enjoyed the food, which led me to coming here for a second time. I ordered pad see ew and I didn’t notice until half way through the dish that there was a piece of hair and informed one of the workers. when it was time to pay, I asked if they charged me for the full price of the pad see ew. He said yes, because I ate half of it and I explained I didn’t find it until half way. I asked if there was anything else that they could do and he said no, they don’t take off food when there’s hair in it….. It’s sad that this happened because I enjoy their food but I will not be coming back. I understand they are a small business but you should hold yourself and your restaurant to a higher standard.

Diner Review №117

I love the food here. It's extremely good, but my only problem is that they have a hidden charge. We didn't have the money to tip so we didn't tip. They basically tipped themselves. We would love to come back, but because of the dishonesty here. I'm afraid we won't be coming back. Now I'm going to have to move money around again just so I'm not negative on my checking.

Diner Review №118

Diner Review №119

The Boat Noodle was pretty good, not as thick as I wish it would be but pretty nice and affordable. The place is a bit crampy but not too bad.

Diner Review №120

Best boat noodle spot!!

Diner Review №121

I always just go for the boat noodle 10/10! I never need to add anything in it unless I want it more spicy! I wish they would open up a bigger location because it's so small that would be the only downside, other than that the boat noodles is great.

Diner Review №122

Diner Review №123

Best boat noodles

Diner Review №124

Amazing pad thai, great portions.

Diner Review №125

Diner Review №126

Good food great prices run by kind of Burmese people

Diner Review №127

Diner Review №128

Wow. What can I say. I have been a few times and I can honestly say, these folks know how to stir up some good food. 9/10, would come here again. Tonight we ordered Pad see ew, pad kra pao, and spring rolls. We have ordered boat noodles, pad thai, that has satisfied the hunger.
Good flavor for the pad see ew, chicken.
CRUNCHY Chinese broccoli how they should be! 10/10
Pad kra pao. 10/10 get it spicy. Egg was cooked well.
Spring rolls 6/10. I'm okay with the clear dipping sauce. Maybe with out the carrots ontop of the rolls. Could use a little bit more pork in the rolls.

There guys don't hold back on spicy. If you want to die, ask for spicy. Mild for a good burn.

Edit 12/12/22
Went there today. Had the combination Thai Fried Rice medium spicy combination and Pad see ew combination. 10/10.

Diner Review №129

Ate there for the first time with my friends, had the boat noodle and everything that was served was really good, great customer service and food came out pretty fast. Would eat here again!

Diner Review №130

Delicious food. Love all their food.

Diner Review №131

Diner Review №132

Delicious rice noodles

Diner Review №133

Diner Review №134

Just plain awesome.

Diner Review №135

Food's great, prices are good, but if you order your food to go, double check all your orders before you leave. I'm the only one that can handle spice in my family. I asked for "'melt your face off'-spicy" curry. I received half a container of curry & it didn't even clear my nostrils... barely tickled my throat... my friend who ordered the "basil fried rice" started crying "OMG! This is too spicy!!! She was coughing, her face was red, tried taking another bite "omg! No I can't is way too spicy" this is just too spicy! I can't eat this! I take a bite Mmmmm! Aw yeah! THERE'S my spice! Unfortunately, I can't eat the fried rice it is way out of my diet permits... so I get half a milky non spicy curry, & the melt-your-face fried rice gets thrown away... tsk tsk! It makes me sad because it makes me think I can't afford to order takeout from here anymore

Diner Review №136

Love it

Diner Review №137

Ordered hot soup for my sore throat and cough. Soup was good but too sweet. Easy on the brown sugar is all i can say.

Diner Review №138

One of they best tasting Boat noodles and Pad Kra pow I've had. Small place so it's a in and out joint so don't sit and chit chat.

Diner Review №139

I’ve only tried their fried rice, pad kra prow and pad see ew. But all of the dishes were delicious and flavorful. Service was good too.

Diner Review №140

My main experience is with the website, which is nearly useless, showing only a fraction of the menu--okay for those who fancy only chicken feet and fish balls, but for the rest of us?

Diner Review №141

Very nice place with great service

Diner Review №142

Small eating atmosphere, great food and excellent customer service 👌 Will definitely go back and recommend to family and friends.

Diner Review №143

Diner Review №144

This is a small and wonderful hole in the wall restaurant. The owner was very engaged with us and checked on us several times. Most of us were very happy with our order, one of us who got the pad Thai didn't like the dish, but that's on us for not saying anything to the owner. Our other two dishes were fantastic. The boat noodles are wonderful, it will be hard to try something different after those. Very glad I tried this restaurant.

Diner Review №145

The restaurant is small, however the owner is really nice, friendly. He loves to talk to customers and make them feel comfortable. The food was amazing especially the boats noodles.

Diner Review №146

The food was really good, friendly people, and overall I'm satisfied with the service and food.

Diner Review №147

Small place but service is friendly. Had the boat noodles. Decent with plenty of noodles and meats. Broth wasn't to sour nor spicy. I added more chili and chili oil.

Diner Review №148

Diner Review №149

Came all the way from Upstate NY to try the place out. Boat noodles was delicious…. The dry noodle salad is even more amazing. Will be back to try other dishes on the menu. 👌🏻

Diner Review №150

I ordered my dish "hot" and they understood the assignment. Delicious! I stopped in after a work gathering in the area and ordered a dish to go. Perfect dish, very tasty and I wish I lived closer so I could order more frequently.

Diner Review №151

The guy who takes the orders is very nice to me! He knows me as soon as I walk in! (I only been here 4 times in 3 years) Food is fresh! Im addicted to the spring rolls!! The soups flavor is amazing! I highly recommend

Diner Review №152

Excellent curry and samosas.

Diner Review №153

The food is really good pad Thai is on point they make sure the sides are clean before serving should try

Diner Review №154

So Good!

Diner Review №155

11/10 best karen food came all the way from washington and loved it. The boat noodle is spot on, large plate good amount suggest everyone to go and check them out

Diner Review №156

Ok I was a bit skeptical about this small shop...but omg the food is phenomenal....literally the boat noodles brought back childhood memories...it filled up super fast...and I know why now...

Diner Review №157

Drunken Noodles are soo good! I love eating here.

Diner Review №158

We ordered mild pad Thai and it was super spicy. In the bill it said mild but we could not even take a bite of it. We have had mild pad Thai from the same place before also but this time it was hot.

Diner Review №159

Service was lacking, curry was a little too sweet for my tast, Pra Ka pao was missing basil. I will go back to try the boat noodle pho.

Diner Review №160

Heard many good reviews, decided to check it out. Had the Thai Boat noodle 1/5; the rice noodles were soft and soggy and broth base was basically beef paste. Pad Thai 2/5 was okay if you like it sweet. Spring rolls were 2/5 seems pre-made and little hard. Cream cheese wonton were 1/5 pre-made and hard.

Diner Review №161

It was good. Pho blood was unexpectedly good!

Diner Review №162

Great Foods! Fast service!

Diner Review №163

Boat noodles on point worth the try! Smaller seating area. Might not accommodate big group during busy times. Ill be going back!

Diner Review №164

We ordered our foods and my husband got his foods 30 minutes and he is done eating while I was still waiting for mine. I feel that it shouldn't take too long just for a stir fried noodles. Services need to improve.

Diner Review №165

These food are so delicious. Outstanding job!

Diner Review №166

Bot noods are life 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Eggrolls are great too and dish pictured my sister had I forgot the name it was so flavorful

Diner Review №167

Absolute BEST Thai food I have EVER had!!

I always love trying new Thai restaurants whenever I am traveling and this is hands down the best Thai food, every dish, every time that I have ever had. I always go here when I am in the area. I have never been slightly disappointed with any dish. Food is absolutely delicious and customer service is delightful. the portions are large as well.

The inside is very small (seems to be the case with all of the best restaurants)

Pad See Ew: 10/10
Pho: 10/10
Egg rolls: 10/10
Red Curry: 10/10
Massaman Curry: 10/10
Pad Thai: 10/10
Spring Rolls: 10/10

Diner Review №168

Boat Noodles were amazing. I got to try the Massaman Curry as well. All the food here was great. Prices are fair.

Diner Review №169

Diner Review №170

Small tiny place. The food was 'okay', just a little costy. I got Thai Boat, and the noodles were too soft, like it was soaking in hot water for a long time. Ended up not eating my bowl because there was hair in my bowl with the noodle and the meat.

The server was young and inexperienced, her hair was all over and was not attentive to us. We had to wait over 20 mins before the guy at the register asked if we taken care of.

Diner Review №171

This is honestly the best place around town, the #18 combination medium spicy is incredibly addictive. I've had pad kra pao at other restaurants and it doesn't compare to this one, the flavor was a complete new experience for me. The red curry is also amazing. Everyone I bring here becomes addicted to the food, literally came here for lunch 3 days in a row. Amazing and friendly service 👏

Diner Review №172

Really love the boat noodles there and it’s a plus with the pork skin. I also really love their pad see ew !!! Love the thick noodles!!! Plus their samosa is Delicious with the sauce that adds a little spice to it.

Diner Review №173

Highly recommend. Service is great, food is delicious! Love the spring rolls and pho but need to go back and try more.

Diner Review №174

Diner Review №175

It was my fault asked for spicy and hot - oof it was crying hot. Price and taste is good.

Diner Review №176

The food and service is always wonderful.

Diner Review №177

Amazing flavor for a small shop! Definitely Thai flavoring. The Boat noodle is a must try if you can handle a bit of spice.

Diner Review №178

Diner Review №179

Consistent taste in food when visited multiple times. Delicious!

Diner Review №180

The waitress/cashier was very friendly. Food is always very good here and not a disappointment. My children loves their pho!

Diner Review №181

If you love egg rolls then this is where you wanna go.they have the best eggrolls in the twin cities if there was a contest they would certainly get a blue ribbon.its a very friendly atmosphere .menu prices are just right and food is awesome .I say if you like thai or Karen food then you will love thai restaurant.Believe me you will tell all your friends about this restaurant that's how good it is!!!!

Diner Review №182

always super packed!! and takes time in line and quite expensive. I dont have enough patience or time to be waiting in there but other than that the food is amzingg!!!

Diner Review №183

I’ve lived right down the road for a year, never tried it. Some of the best Thai food I ever had, and a bunch of interesting drinks to try. Highly recommend. I can’t stop myself from wanting to come here everyday.

Diner Review №184

Super cute place! Staff was fun and goofy, food was even more amazing!! Definitely have to try out their fried fish with sauce, it’s soooooo juicy & tender! Chicken wings were great too😊 great little spot !

Diner Review №185

Ordered Pho, boat noodles and pad Thai. DELICIOUS! Food and service was great. Highly recommend.

Diner Review №186

I love the full body of flavor. I will be back! I am very particular for satisfaction. And I will recommend this restaurant to everyone I meet! Deliciousness! Yum!

Diner Review №187

Great food, and wonderful service! We will be back.

Diner Review №188

The best Thai boat noodles! Not just that, all their other dishes are sooo good! Love this place!

Diner Review №189

This place used to be good. The food was okay. But today I got a lady service my family was bad service.

Diner Review №190

I love this place. This is where we take our friends who come visit us.

Diner Review №191

Super friendly and food came out quickly! Highly recommended their pa ka pao and fried rice!

Diner Review №192

Diner Review №193

The food is absolutely delicious! Me and my siblings had a hard time finishing all the food because we were trying each dishes that we had ordered, next time I’ll bring my dad to taste the feeling of being home again.

Diner Review №194

Diner Review №195

This is a fantastic hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant. The green curry was fantastic. My wife ordered it medium spicy, which was pleasantly spicy. The flavors are authentic. I got the pad se ew which was rich and delicious.

We also got fried rice for our daughter and they were able to accommodate her egg allergy.

This isn’t a fancy restaurant but the food tastes like what you would find on the street in Thailand. IMO a lot of people have had Thai food in America, but not many people have had authentic Thai food. This is the real deal. 😁

Diner Review №196

Always great, if you have not been there, what are you waiting for go!! Try the shrimp tum yum or the madman curry

Diner Review №197

Love there spicy fried rice

Diner Review №198

Loved this place

Diner Review №199

SIMPLY FRESH,GREAT FLAVOR AND NICE PORTIONS..

Diner Review №200

First time here. As everyone has mentioned this place is small. Tables are small. We had egg rolls for appetizers, it was only so-so. We weren't given any napkins. But other than this the rest of food we ordered tastes great. Had the boat noodle, fried rice, and pho. Very rich and favorable. Not as much meat in the dishes but that's a matter of preferences.

Details
  • 13 photos
  • 200 reviews
  • 4.4 Health Rating
  • Contact: +1 651-771-2078
  • Website: https://karenthaifood.com/
  • Location: 300 Larpenteur Ave E, St Paul, MN 55117, United States
  • Map: 44.9912153, -93.0878202
Menu Highlights
  • Thai restaurant
  • Lunch restaurant
  • Takeout restaurant
Opening Hours
  • Monday: 11 AM–8 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Service options
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
Offerings
  • Comfort food: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Quick bite: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Vegetarian options: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
Planning
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Children
  • Good for kids: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available
  • Free parking lot: Available
  • Parking: Available