Khue’s Kitchen has rapidly become one of the most talked-about dining destinations in St. Paul, Minnesota. Located at 693 Raymond Avenue, inside the Mid City Kitchen space, this restaurant represents a personal evolution of Vietnamese cuisine led by Chef Eric Pham. For those searching for the Khue’s Kitchen menu, the offerings reflect a sophisticated yet accessible blend of traditional flavors from the Pham family legacy (of the legendary Quang restaurant) and modern techniques honed in fine-dining kitchens.

The menu is seasonal and concise, focusing on high-quality execution rather than an overwhelming number of options. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current offerings, prices, and the standout dishes that define the Khue’s Kitchen experience.

Signature Starters and Small Plates

The appetizers at Khue’s Kitchen set the tone for the meal, emphasizing fresh herbs, bold acidity, and diverse textures.

Crispy Pork Lettuce Wraps

Available exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays, these wraps are a masterclass in balance. Priced at $15, the dish features succulent Vietnamese roast pork paired with woven noodles (bánh hỏi). The interactive element of wrapping the pork in butter lettuce with cucumbers, a fresh herb salad, and a splash of fish sauce vinaigrette makes it a communal favorite. In our tasting, the contrast between the fatty pork skin and the crisp lettuce provides a quintessential Vietnamese dining sensation.

Khue’s Chicken Salad

For $15, this is not your typical garden salad. It utilizes Taiwanese cabbage and rau ram (Vietnamese coriander) to create a peppery, aromatic base. The dressing is a bright fish sauce vinaigrette that provides enough acidity to wake up the palate, while Thai chiles add a controlled heat. The addition of crushed peanuts provides a necessary earthy crunch.

Savory Cream Cheese Wontons

A nod to the Chinese-American influence often found alongside Vietnamese menus, these wontons ($12) are elevated through a superior filling. The cream cheese is rich and savory, paired with a house-made sweet and sour sauce that avoids the cloying artificiality of standard takeout versions.

Main Courses and Entrees

The entree section is where Chef Eric Pham’s technical prowess truly shines, particularly in how he handles proteins and complex sauces like his signature chili crunch.

The Viral Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Perhaps the most famous item on the menu, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($17) is a must-order. The chicken undergoes a buttermilk brine that ensures maximum moisture before being fried to a glass-shattering crispness using a blend of corn and potato starches. Served on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and house pickles, the real star is the herb aioli and chili crunch. The aioli provides a cooling, herbaceous counterpoint to the smoky, medium-heat spice of the chili oil.

Roast Pork Fried Rice

At $16, this dish offers incredible value. It is prepared with scallion oil and features generous portions of crispy pork and lap xuong (Chinese sausage). A fried egg sits atop the rice, meant to be broken so the yolk can rich up the grains. The inclusion of chili crunch throughout the rice ensures that every bite has a lingering, savory warmth. For those with dietary restrictions, this can be prepared as a vegetarian dish upon request.

20 oz Grilled Ribeye

For diners looking for a more substantial, steakhouse-style experience, the 20 oz Grilled Ribeye ($49) is the menu’s premium offering. It is marinated in a traditional Vietnamese blend that emphasizes garlic, shallots, and soy. The steak is typically served with jasmine rice and yu choy, providing a balanced meal that highlights the "umami" profile of Vietnamese beef preparation.

Grilled Thick-Cut Pork Chop

Priced at $28, the thick-cut pork chop is marinated with peppercorns and grilled to maintain its juices. It is served with jasmine rice, scallion oil, and a nước mắm salad. The fried egg on the side is a traditional touch that brings a home-cooked feel to a professionally executed plate.

Innovative Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Khue’s Kitchen is notably inclusive, offering vegetarian and vegan interpretations of Vietnamese staples that do not feel like an afterthought.

Sticky Jicama Ribs

This dish ($21) is a creative triumph. Using marinated tofu and fried jicama, Chef Pham replicates the "tug" and satisfaction of eating ribs without the meat. The jicama retains a slight snap even after being fried and glazed in a deep, savory soy coating. Toasted sesame seeds, mint, and scallions add layers of freshness to the heavy glaze. It is served with jasmine rice and is a frequent recommendation for both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Bún Chay Rice Noodle Salad

At $19, this vermicelli-based dish is a refreshing gluten-free and vegan option. It features crispy tofu, a soy vinaigrette that replaces the traditional fish sauce, a lush herb salad including perilla leaves, and crushed peanuts. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter meal that still delivers on the "funk" and aromatics expected of the cuisine.

Desserts and Sweet Pairings

The dessert menu at Khue’s Kitchen is small but impactful, often incorporating traditional flavors like Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee into familiar formats.

  • Cà Phê Sữa Đá Affogato ($9): This is a standout fusion dessert. Bold, dark-roast Vietnamese coffee is poured over creamy vanilla ice cream. The addition of a black sesame coconut tuile (or cracker) adds a nutty, toasted element that rounds out the sweetness. Note that this dish contains hazelnuts.
  • Thai Tea Tres Leches ($12): A creative spin on the Latin American classic. The milk-soaked chiffon cake is infused with the floral, earthy notes of Thai tea and topped with caramelized coconut cream, shortbread crumble, and chewy brown sugar boba.

The Beverage Program: From Natural Wines to Sake

The drink list is curated to complement the "herbaceous funk" of the food.

  • Wine: The selection focuses on natural and orange wines, such as the Sanctum skin-contact white ($16/glass) or the Rosa Luna sparkling red ($15/glass). These wines often have the acidity and unique flavor profiles needed to stand up to fermented fish sauce and spicy chiles.
  • Sake and Beer: Options range from the "Sword of the Sun" Honjozo sake ($16) to local favorites like the Fulton Chill City Chugger ($6) and Indeed Flavorwave IPA ($8).
  • Non-Alcoholic Options: The house-made Cà Phê Sữa Đá ($8) is a must for coffee lovers—it’s bold, sweet, and creamy. For those seeking something lighter, the Ume Spritz or the Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher ($6) offer sparkling, alcohol-free alternatives.

Important Dining Logistics

Before heading to Khue’s Kitchen, there are several practical details to keep in mind to ensure a smooth dining experience.

  • Location: 693 Raymond Ave, St. Paul, MN. The restaurant is located within the Mid City Kitchen building, which can be a bit unassuming from the outside, but offers a cozy, modern atmosphere once inside.
  • Operating Hours: The kitchen is currently open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner service only. It is always wise to check the official website for any seasonal changes to these hours.
  • Reservations: While the restaurant is friendly to walk-ins, it is a relatively small space. For groups of six or more, reservations are highly recommended. Note that a 20% gratuity is typically added to parties of six or more.
  • Dietary Accommodations: Most dishes are clearly marked with GF (Gluten-Free) or DF (Dairy-Free) indicators. The staff is knowledgeable about cross-contamination, so diners with severe allergies should always inform their server.

Summary of the Khue’s Kitchen Dining Experience

Khue’s Kitchen successfully bridges the gap between the humble, soul-warming food of a Vietnamese home and the refined, technical execution of a modern bistro. Whether you are there for the viral Spicy Chicken Sando or the inventive Sticky Jicama Ribs, the menu offers a consistent level of quality that justifies its reputation. The combination of Chef Eric Pham’s heritage and his fine-dining background results in a menu where every ingredient has a purpose, from the specific type of cabbage in the salad to the nuanced blend of chiles in the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-try items at Khue’s Kitchen?

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich and the Roast Pork Fried Rice are the most popular choices for first-time visitors. If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday, the Crispy Pork Lettuce Wraps are highly recommended.

Does Khue’s Kitchen offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, several items are either naturally vegan or can be modified. The Sticky Jicama Ribs and the Bún Chay (Rice Noodle Salad) are two of the best plant-based options in the Twin Cities.

Is Khue’s Kitchen kid-friendly?

While the menu leans toward bold spices and unique textures, items like the Roast Pork Fried Rice (ordered without chili crunch) and the Cream Cheese Wontons are generally well-received by younger diners.

Where is Khue’s Kitchen located?

It is located at 693 Raymond Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, situated conveniently near Highway 280.