Xin Chao - Our Home Kitchen — Restaurant in Maple Grove

I had the privilege of attending the soft opening of Xian Chao, a new Vietnamese restaurant located in a highly accessible and convenient part of Maple Grove. Despite the limited menu available during their soft opening, I was able to sample several dishes, including the fresh spring rolls, their signature heritage pho, and a vermicelli noodle bowl.

The flavors across the board were authentic, well-balanced, and remarkably distinctive.

The spring rolls were tightly wrapped and exceptionally fresh, paired with a dipping sauce that complemented the rolls without feeling heavy or overpowering.

The vermicelli noodle bowl impressed me with its balance of ingredients. Many restaurants tend to skimp on either protein or vegetables, but Xian Chao’s version delivered a thoughtful ratio of noodles, meat, sauce, and crisp vegetables, resulting in a satisfying and complete dish.

The highlight, however, was the heritage pho. Unlike any version I’ve had before, the broth offered a fascinating fusion of Vietnamese depth and Thai influence. The noodles, protein, and vegetables were all portioned generously, but it was the broth that elevated the dish. Rich, aromatic, and layered with flavor, it carried a subtle sheen of oil that gave it body while highlighting its authenticity. This pho alone is reason enough for me to return.

Beyond the food, the hospitality was equally memorable. I had the chance to meet the owners, who were warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about their restaurant. The service staff mirrored that same dedication—attentive without being intrusive, quick to check in, and genuinely invested in making the experience enjoyable.

Overall, Xian Chao is a refreshing addition to the Maple Grove dining scene. For those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine without making the drive to Minneapolis, this restaurant is a must-visit. I would highly recommend trying their pho—it is truly unlike anything you’ll...

We visited this place during their soft opening and we think it was pretty good but not great. Definitely better options in the Twin Cities. First off, staff were incredibly nice and welcoming. While we were eating, the owner came up to ask for feedback and questions and we thought this was very nice and professional. The food was decent, as the broth was more on the sweeter side, BUT for $18! The portion of the food was shocking, especially for that price, as the bowls of Pho were pretty small compared to other places. The egg rolls weren’t bad either. One thing that really bothered us was the environment. For a restaurant, the place is INCREDIBLY small, especially for bigger families. The biggest serving table they have only fits a family of 6 and they only have one of those. Everything other table only seats 4 or 2 people. When the place got a little busier, they had to tell people who were getting takeout to standup and not sit at the tables so they could seat others, but they don’t even have a designated waiting area, so the place got real crowded. The people situation got out of hand so the group behind us actually left since they couldn’t fit their family. It definitely sucks that the place is smaller, with the food being somewhat mediocre but they’re trying 🤷🏽‍♂️ We would probably come back very...

My boyfriend and I stopped in around 8 p.m. on Saturday night. It’s a little hidden since there isn’t a large storefront sign, but it’s currently a soft opening. Even though we arrived about an hour before closing, the service was still amazing. The food came out quickly and steaming hot.

We tried the Golden Sticks (pork egg rolls), Chicken Pho Real, and the Dynasty Fried Rice. Everything was super flavorful, and you could taste that it was cooked with care. Everything is fairly priced especially considering the large portion sizes. We both took home leftovers. The chef and owner came by to check on our food and see how our visit was going — such a personable touch that took our experience to the next level. You can tell he truly cares about the customer experience and pays attention to the details. I also appreciated that he was open and receptive to feedback.

The only thing I wish was different is that the seating was a bit farther from the door — it got pretty cold each time it opened. Other than that, I have no complaints. All the staff were great, the kitchen and space looked very clean, and it seems to be a family-run restaurant, which adds a comforting vibe.

I would definitely come back. Wishing you all the best of luck with this...