Goodbye Minneapolis
I used to live in a building on Marquette Avenue that only had studio apartments. For $500 a month, I managed to squeeze my life into a 450-square-foot studio in downtown Minneapolis. My kitchen was in my bedroom, my living room doubled as my dining room, and the hallways always carried the smell of cigarettes. It felt more like living in a motel than an actual apartment. That was Minneapolis—scrappy, compact, and gritty.
Eventually, I decided it was time for a change. I packed everything I owned into a tan Nissan Maxima and headed west.
Next week, I’ll be making that same move again—back to California—exactly 11 years later, almost to the day.
Minneapolis has been my home for 12 years. In that time, the city embraced me like one of its own. And, in return, I did my best to eat my way through town. I remember celebrating my 19th birthday at Ping’s and discovering that good Chinese food was rare back then. Fast-forward to today, and I’ve been amazed at how much the food scene has evolved. Back in 2006, I lived just a few blocks from Hong Kong Noodles, a constant in the ever-changing landscape of the city’s dining scene. At this point, I’ve probably worked my way through their entire menu, and I still don’t have a single complaint.
The Minneapolis food scene has been well-documented over the years, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Anthony Bourdain’s famous prediction that pho would become as common as burgers and hot dogs in the Midwest. He filmed his first show right here in downtown Minneapolis, and two decades later, I’d say he was absolutely right.
Here’s a list of my favorite spots from my time here:
Quans
Everyone knows about the pho, but don’t miss the weekend-only sea bass special—it’s a hidden gem. Their shrimp pad Thai and desserts are easily some of the most underrated dishes in the state.
Sushi Train
Sushi delivered by conveyor belt, paired with an annual sake tasting party. What more could you want?
Sushi Takatsu
The line stretches through the skyway on weekdays, but the wait is always worth it for the freshest sushi in town.
Donghae
The secret here? All-you-can-eat sushi. Grab a seat at the sushi bar and let the chef take the lead—you won’t regret it.
Tofu House
This tiny spot has just five tables, but somehow, there’s never a wait. Cozy, quick, and consistently delicious.
ZenBox
The ramen might not be the best in town, but the bento box absolutely steals the show.
Moto I
I don’t go for the ramen here either—it’s all about the pork belly. Bonus: they brew their own sake, and it’s fantastic.
Little Szechuan
Pro tip: Order the endless skewers and make sure you get the Ma La (spicy) hot pot—it’s an experience.
Szechuan Roseville
A true hole-in-the-wall with ever-changing weekly specials that always keep you coming back.
Mandarin Kitchen
The only dim sum spot in town truly worth the wait. From buns to dumplings, it never disappoints.
Trieu Chau
My guilty pleasure when I cheat on Quans—it’s just that good.
Magic Noodles
Their beef sandwich is an experience you’d only find in Xi’an, China, NYC, or—surprisingly—right here in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis may no longer be my home, but its vibrant food scene and the memories I've made here will always have a place at my table.
I’ve served over 500 tacos (and counting) at my very own annual taco party—a tradition I started and have cherished over the years. What began as a small gathering of friends quickly turned into an event that people looked forward to year after year. It’s more than just tacos; it’s about bringing people together, sharing laughter, and celebrating good food and great company.
