Vietnam Star Restaurant - Maplewood, MN

The first Vietnamese restaurant I ever went to . . . and now a place I'm happy to take my daughter 

The early 2000's feels like “the before times” of the foodie world.  As a kid in his mid to late 20’s back yonder, my friends and I were discovering Thai food at Sawatdee, and Vietnam Star was exciting and exotic as well.  My parents certainly never took us to places like this.  But once I tried their Egg Rolls and Pho back in the day I was hooked

Vietnam Star's not so exotic anymore, but like an old friend you haven't seen for years, they're still slinging the classis just like old times.   The owner was a kid when I started going here, and she's a bundle of energy.  The other staff are fine, but when she walks in the energy of the place changes.  She's stopping at each table, chatting, and was particularily sweet with our daughter.   Didn't hurt that the kiddo was surrounded by stuffed Pooh characters, crayons, and dressed like a fairy princess.  A bit of cake was offered, and I'm sure if I hadn't insisted on a "small" slice the slice would have filled the leaf

Before we get into the food . . . 

Besides the occasional dramatic ceramic plates, there's ALWAYS fresh flowers.  They change with the season, and absolutely stand out.  The owner obviously takes great pride in presenting them, with bouquets at each table and larger displays in the front window.  My pictures aren't doing them justice

Something else unique to Vietnam Star?  Food FLIES! out.  It's remarkable.  You're certainly welcome to take your time and relax, but be prepared that when you order, you're dishes will arrive in a blink.  I say the above as a plus, but also as a caution.  When three of us went, the table was soon overwhelmed, so maybe space out your order, or ask that it be spaced out

As you're being seated, do yourself a favor and order their Vietnamese Egg Rolls.  You may as well.  Straight up top notch.  If there's one item you absolutely have to get every time, it's this

Their tightly wrapped Vietnamese Spring Rolls are worthy as well, a fine example of the form

There's nothing special about their Potstickers,Cream Cheese Wontons, and Chicken Wings.  The Fried Shrimp are sub mediocre.  As a Combination Appetizer it certainly pleased the lady and kiddo

The only true miss of the Appetizer section, and the menu at large that I've had, is their squid.  The Fried Calamari was ridiculously RUBBERY, and frankly I should have sent it back.  It didn't help that the batter was soggy and under fried.  The fried veg, colored bell peppers and jalapeno, somewhat saved things.  I'd write it off as maybe a bad batch, but on a previous visit, the squid in the Happy Bird Nest was too large and rubbery as well 

The Happy Bird Nest was fun though!  I loved the nest part of it.  Kind of awkward to get to, but interesting and different.  The dish on top was so-so.  I’d certainly get the nest again, and probably would ask if they could put another dish on top.  The kid though loved the dish, but oddly not the nest.  Too cruncy for her maybe

She was a full on thumbs up for the Hawaiian Stir Fry though.  The server was kind enough to make a special order happen with shrimp AND scallops.  The kid loves a Hawaiian pizza, and this was right in her wheelhouse

The lady liked the Chow Fun w/ Tofu, but the kiddo LOVED it.  Raved about the noodles especially (which you can't see from the pic).  I thought it was kinda blah

The Mi Wonton Soup (Egg noodle w/ wontons and shrimp, sprouts/basil leaves/lime wedges on the side) was fine, if a bit low key to me.  Lady loved it

Their Pho is solid, and you can't go wrong with it.  But let me steer you towards another soup while you're there . . . 

Necessary close-up of the Tamarind Soup

Tamarind Soup (Saigon Style) that's highlighted on the menu right after the Apps.  A perfect sized bowl of sweet and sour broth with large hunks of celery, tomato, and pineapple, with basil leaves and bean sprouts so thin that at first I thought they were noodles.  I had it with the large tail on shrimp.  Added in a couple scoops of hot chili oil, and it was perfect for a cold winter day.  I'm thinking tofu would have been even nicer

Lastly, not sure if this is Chinese or Vietnames . . . Potato Stir Fried with Beef, which is a long beloved dish of mine from back in the day.  I find it overly goopy now, and would order it with the sauce on the side next time, but this is another that hard for me not to order each time

Anyways . . . I'm certainly biased when it comes to Vietnam Star.  Fond memories old and new.  Is it a place to drive across town for?  I certainly make a point to try and stop in when I'm out Maplewood way  :)

Comments, Questions, Two Bit Opinions, and Whatnot are welcome:

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Vietnam Star Restaurant - 3035 White Bear Avenue N, Maplewood, MN 55109

651-779-8623

IG #vietnam_star_restaurant   

www.vietnamstarrestaurant.com