Located just steps away from the picturesque Loring Park in Minneapolis, Gai Noi has quickly garnered attention as a unique addition to the city’s culinary scene. Opened in March 2023, this restaurant transports diners to the vibrant flavors of Laos, with its roots firmly anchored in the owner Ahmed’s extensive travels and inspired by the enchanting city of Luang Prabang.

Upon entering Gai Noi, you’re immediately struck by its laid-back vibe. The atmosphere is lively, inviting and casual, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a leisurely evening. They do not accept reservations and when I arrived on a Wednesday evening, there was a 20-minute wait.

I happily headed to the bar to wait and ordered a cocktail called “Over the Horizon,” an interesting concoction including tequila, guava, pineapple, passion fruit, and fish sauce. A few minutes later the bartender informed me that there was a delay in serving my cocktail because they were very busy and they had a shortage of glasses.

Fortunately, the drink, when it did arrive, was quite tasty and quite strong. Surprisingly, the fish sauce in the cocktail remained subtle, letting the fruity and potent elements shine. Another intriguing cocktail I tried was the “Star Fruit Margarita,” which featured tequila, crème de flora, lime, and star fruit elixir. It presented a unique twist on the classic margarita, with heavy floral notes.

While waiting for my table, I learned that my visit coincided with a significant accolade for Gai Noi, as that same day it had been named one of the top 50 restaurants in the United States by the New York Times. Consequently, the restaurant was busier than usual, and it was evident that the waitstaff was feeling the pressure. Unfortunately, my waiter seemed overwhelmed and wasn’t particularly generous with recommendations or explanations which left me navigating the menu blindly. Fortunately, it seems that you cannot go wrong with the food at Gai Noi.

I started with the egg rolls, tightly wrapped with rice paper and filled with a delectable mixture of pork, carrots, cabbage, onions, scallions, wood ear mushrooms, and bean thread noodles. These light and crispy egg rolls were a true delight. The deep amber dipping sauce provided a nutty umami twist.

Next up was the Laab salad which is considered the national dish of Laos. Gai Noi offeres 4 different types of laab. I tried the Laab Seen which consists of thinly sliced beef flank, red onions, cilantro, scallions, mint, and toasted rice powder. It was tossed in a spicy lime fish sauce vinaigrette and served with butter lettuce, allowing diners to create flavorful wraps. The dish’s pungent and spicy flavor is captivating. The toasted rice powder provided a delightful crunch and the mint added a refreshing touch. The presentation was impeccable.

Next I tried the “Gai Basil,” featuring ground chicken with fresh Thai chiles, crushed garlic, Thai basil, and a crispy fried soft yolk egg on top. It had a perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness from the basil, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat. No Laotian meal is complete without sticky rice, and Gai Noi’s website even provides a video demonstrating the proper way to eat it. I appreciated the authentic touch to the meal.

To end the evening on a sweet note, I tried the “Kanom Krok,” a popular street food dessert from Laos. These tiny round coconut pancakes were a revelation. Crispy on the outside and a creamy coconut custard in the middle, they offered a delicate balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, making for a complex and spectacular dessert. I could not stop until each little orb was gone.

In summary, my experience at Gai Noi was a mixed one, possibly due to the restaurant still finding its footing. The service fell short, with some hiccups in the beginning. However, the food itself was nothing short of excellent, showcasing the unique and vibrant flavors of Laos. If you’re willing to forgive minor service issues for the sake of a culinary adventure, Gai Noi is worth a visit. As they settle into their groove, I have no doubt this restaurant will be worthy of the Top 50 Restaurants in the United States award that has been bestowed on them. I give Gai Noi 4 out of 5 crowns.