Gai Noi – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Overview

Gai Noi brings lively Lao flavors to Loring Park with a fun, walk‑in–only format. This place was in New York Times top 50 restaurants in the country in 2023. Named for the small, speckled sticky rice of northern Laos (“little chick”), the restaurant channels chef Ann Ahmed’s roots with bold salads, soulful noodles, and shareable plates that land somewhere between comfort food and party fuel.

Why Go

• Joyful, shareable Lao dishes served family‑style
• Sunny, plant‑filled dining room and a casual, no‑reservations vibe
• National buzz as one of the country’s standout new openings

Menu & Format

• Laab & Tum Lao: spicy lime‑fish‑sauce–dressed beef or chicken laab; green papaya salad smashed to order
• Lao Favorites: mok paa (aromatic banana‑leaf steamed fish), house Lao sausage with tomato jeow, crispy fried tofu, basil wings
• Noodles & Rice: pad thai, peanut noodles, drunken udon, curries, and fried rice topped with a crispy egg
• Dessert: kanom krok coconut pancakes; chocolate or mango cremeux
• Bar: tropical‑leaning cocktails (Lemongrass Collins, Tamarind Whiskey Sour, Pho‑Spiced Old Fashioned) plus zero‑proof options

What to Order

Kick off with basil wings and the green papaya salad, then share a laab seen (beef laab) and mok paa with sticky rice. For noodles, the panang spaghetti is an irresistible creamy‑spicy mash‑up. Finish with warm, custardy kanom krok. To drink, try the bright Lemongrass Collins or the fragrant Pho‑Spiced Old Fashioned.

Atmosphere & Vibe

Light‑filled and buzzy, with plants, pops of color, and an upbeat soundtrack. Dishes roll out as they’re ready and are meant to be mixed, matched, and passed around—come with a crew and graze.

Price Range

Most snacks and classics land around $15–$23, larger specialties about $30. Cocktails are roughly $16–$17; zero‑proof drinks about $12. An 18% service charge is included in dine‑in menu pricing; the restaurant is non‑tipping.

Good to Know

• Walk‑ins only: no reservations; full party should be present to be seated
• Hours: daily, 11 AM–10 PM
• Address: 1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Loring Park)
• Dietary notes: menu flags gluten‑friendly, vegan, and vegetarian options; some dishes are inherently spicy and can’t be toned down

Writer’s Tip

Order sticky rice for the table and use your hands—pinch, scoop, and dip like a local. It’s the most satisfying way to eat laab and jeow.