It’s hard to believe that there could be a serious challenger in the Best Thai Restaurant in the Twin Cities category to Minneapolis’ Krungthep Thai. But with a 97% approval rating on Urban Spoon and deliriously happy posters on Yelp and other independent sites, Bangkok Thai Deli Restaurant on University Avenue in St. Paul is a strong contender. And for good reason, both restaurants are owned by the same family, and are committed to providing Fresh – they support local farmers and grocers, Authentic – they flavor their food with the spices of Thailand, using just the right amount of intensity of herbs and spices, and Delicious – well, you’ve read the reviews -- Thai cuisine.

The owners spend less of their time marketing and advertising their restaurant and more time in the kitchen cooking and hiring knowledgeable, friendly servers. The proof of this is in the menu: Some of their specialties include pad Thai, spring rolls, stir fry pea shoots, pork with basil stir fry, Tom Yum (a fish stew like bouillabaisse) and Nam Tok, a rice encrusted beef dish. And after a spicy dish, no meal is complete without a sweet dessert.

Fresh, Authentic, Delicious. You owe it to yourself to eat at Bangkok Thai Deli Restaurant.