Hai Hai: A Southeast Asian Escape in Northeast Minneapolis

Walking into Hai Hai feels like stepping off a plane in Southeast Asia. This Northeast Minneapolis gem, from the team behind Hola Arepa, brings the vibrant flavors and lively energy of Vietnamese street food to the Twin Cities with authentic flair and genuine warmth.

The menu is a love letter to the night markets of Saigon and Hanoi. Must-try dishes include the turmeric coconut mussels, crispy Vietnamese crepes filled with shrimp and herbs, and the pho-inspired noodle bowls that are deeply flavored and aromatic. The fish sauce wings — sticky, sweet, spicy, and impossibly addictive — have become a Minneapolis cult classic.

The tropical cocktail program is just as transportive, featuring drinks built on rum, fresh citrus, and house-made syrups with names that evoke faraway beaches. The space is decorated with lush plants, colorful textiles, and string lights that create a perpetual vacation vibe.

In summer, the sprawling patio is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the city — a tropical oasis that makes Minnesota winters feel like a distant memory. Hai Hai proves that great food doesn't need white tablecloths. Sometimes all you need is bold flavors, cold drinks, and good company.