3 top options for inexpensive Vietnamese fare in Saint Paul

In search of a new favorite Vietnamese spot?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Vietnamese restaurants around Saint Paul, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.

1. Pho Ca Dao

Topping the list is Pho Ca Dao. Located at 439 University Ave. West in Midway, it is the highest-rated cheap Vietnamese restaurant in Saint Paul, boasting four stars out of 134 reviews on Yelp.

Choose from the traditional or house special pho or make your own. Pho comes with basil, bean sprouts, lime, jalapeño and more.

Yelper Samty X., who reviewed Pho Ca Dao on Nov. 19, wrote, "My in-laws make pho every Sunday, and while this can't compare with something homemade by the parents, the pho is pretty good."

Shelby S. noted, "Pretty solid pho! Overall I think it could have more flavor but I got the large and there was so much noodles. For the prices they offer I think you get what you pay for."

2. Hoa Bien Vietnamese Restaurant

Next up is Midway's Hoa Bien Vietnamese Restaurant, situated at 1105 University Ave. West. With four stars out of 102 reviews on Yelp, the Vietnamese spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a low-priced option.

Hoa Bien Vietnamese Restaurant offers pho, soup, rice noodles and more. On the menu, look for the steamed rice flour with shredded dried shrimp and carrots or the rice noodles with meatballs.

Yelper Hoa N., who reviewed the eatery on Nov. 25, wrote, "The hot and sour soup was tasty ... The salted prawns were crunchy and tasty."

Nou C. noted, "Stopped by before a work event and ordered one of my default order, Pho Special. Servers were friendly and the service was fast. It only took 10 minutes to order and receive my food."

3. iPho by Saigon

iPho by Saigon, a Vietnamese spot in Summit-University, is another low-priced go-to, with four stars out of 385 Yelp reviews. Head over to 704 University Ave. West to try it for yourself.

The restaurant serves Vietnamese sandwiches, rice and egg noodle soup, salads and more. On the menu, look for the Saigon Special Pho with flank, brisket and beef meatballs or the shredded pork rind sandwich with scallions and house sauce.

Yelper Hue Ye L., who reviewed iPho by Saigon on Dec. 25, wrote, "This is probably my new favorite pho place. They have many pho sizes and a variety of other dishes. They also have a pho challenge, which is about 10 pounds of noodles."

Kat B. noted, "I love it here. ... First off the pho is the best. Also all the other food is great too. Second the service is great!"

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.