Union Hmong Kitchen

Food is a universal language we can use to speak to anyone. Regardless of our race, creed, sexuality or economic stance food is what brings us together. My mother and father believed in that. I believe in that. We (Vinai MN) believe in that.

In less than 3 months I’ve seen a team of people come together because they believe in the vision of 2 poor Hmong refugees who fought and sacrificed for this sons and daughters to have a chance of a future.

Vinai is build on the idea that there’s always a space for grace within our doors. From the dishwashers to our leadership team we believe that our love for adventure will overcome our fear of the unknown because we can do anything when we put our minds together and work as a team. The success of Vinai does not fall on the shoulders of one person but it’s carried on the shoulders of everyone on this team.

Being on The New York Times 2024 The Restaurant List is a great honor and we’re so happy that we can serve our families, our friends and our community! Also we’re so excited to be on this list with our neighbors across the street…Congrats Oro by nixtampls!

Join us on WCCO-TV....Check out the new menu at Union Hmong Kitchen at Graze Provisions + Libations!

Chef Yia Vang introduces new menu at Union Hmong Kitchen A delicious and award-winning Twin Cities restaurant has done it again. It's introducing us to flavors and food combinations not found at any other spot in town.

Snow is on the horizon which means right now is the perfect time to grab some noodles at our North Loop location! Plus, we’ve got a new menu in the works for springtime… 👀
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Have you stopped by our Lake Street location for brunch yet?! This is our classic All Meeka breakfast - hmong sausage, rice, eggs, and fermented mustard greens. Plus we’ve also got omelets, a congee hash, and more! Stop in from 9-3 Sundays only!!

A few weeks ago I (Yia) was asked by a food writer “How does it feel having Diane Moua (who is also a Hmong Chef) new place a few blocks away from Vinai?” I felt like the tone of the question was “will you guys be in competition with each other” or “is it ok to have 2 Hmong restaurants right next to each other?”. This question broke my heart a little bit. I wonder when a burger joint opens a few blacks down from another burger joint are they’re asked that same question? Or a pasta joint opens a few blocks down from a pizza place are they asked this question? It makes us (Hmong) feel like we can’t be close to each other. It sending the message that “how can 2 Hmong restaurants operate with in that close proximity “…but it’s ok if other “white” establishments build next to each other and that’s not questioned at all because it’s considered “normal”.

If you dig into the history of Northeast during the Great Depression and WW2 you’ll notice that it was a place where many of the immigrants and refugees from Eastern Europe settled. They left their homes because of war, persecution and wanting a better life for their family. For over almost 100 years Northeast was built on the literal backs of immigrants and refugees. And in 2024 it’s still holds true to our spot in NE. So f*ck yeah I’m so happy to see Diane open here spot right down the way from Vinai. But at last this was an interview so I stated…

“It’s amazing to have her spot as our neighbor. It’s also amazing to see that area grow. nixtampls (Oro) right across the street and Young Joni right across the alley. The Anchor Fish & Chips a few blocks away then Hai Hai less than a mile down the road.”